Neurotrauma Outreach

Neurotrauma Outreach Project (NTOP)

NTOP is a program of the Division of Psychosocial Medicine and the Division of Neurosurgery.

Our staff consists of:

  • Two Neurosurgery Nurse Practitioners,
  • Clinical nurse specialist
  • A Physical Therapist
  • An Occupational Therapist
  • A Speech Therapist
  • A Neuropsychologist
  • Two Licensed Clinical Social Workers

The point of the program is to reach patients who, by virtue of their Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), are at greater risk for problems such as unemployment and need for job re-training, as well as co-occurring depression, anxiety, and potential re-victimization.  The majority of SFGH patients with TBI are discharged home. Many of these patients will not get further treatment unless there is additional outreach and support. Often our patients are also struggling with issues associated with drugs, alcohol, homelessness, or incarceration. There are limited resources in San Francisco that address the unique needs of these brain-injured patients.

We provide

  • Patient and family education about the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral consequences of TBI.
  • Case management assistance with practical needs (e.g. obtaining food, housing, financial entitlements) as well as to help patients get needed aftercare and rehabilitation services.
  • Mental health services to help patients deal with the psychological and emotional sequelae of their injuries.
  • Psychiatric medication management services with Trauma Recovery Center psychiatrists.
  • Referral to longer-term mental health or substance use treatment.

Social workers meet with the patients once per week at the Trauma Recovery Center located near SFGH. Our model is brief and features a total of 16 one hour-long sessions. If you have questions about eligibility for NTOP or what further services are available, please call the Trauma Recovery Center at 415.437.3000.

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