Experts in rehabilitation psychology understand the issues patients are going through and make the passage through this process less painful. Treatment should start early. Don't wait for the patient to become depressed. We know it is going to happen. Start early and prepare the patient for the adjustments that are ahead.
Doctors tend to wait too long to make a referral.
In the rehabilitation hospital, patients are seen within 48 hours of admission by a rehabilitation counselor or psychologist. Think early intervention. Just like we order a diet or vital signs upon admission, make the referral for psychological help early. Just like choosing the correct antibiotic for an infection, choosing the right rehabilitation psychologist or counselor can be the difference between success and failure. Remember, Rehab Matters.