Sunset in Sonoran Desert, near Phoenix

Outpatient Neuro-Rehabilitation

Overview

The Outpatient Neuro-Rehabilitation Program at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, helps people continue their recovery after a brain injury, spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke, neurosurgical procedure, or neurological disorder. As part of one of the world’s leading centers for neuro-rehabilitation, neurology, and neurosurgery, our program offers specialized, compassionate therapy to help patients regain independence and return to the activities that matter most.

Our program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of care, safety, and outcomes. Whether you are transitioning from inpatient rehabilitation or beginning therapy after a hospital stay, our team provides a personalized, multidisciplinary approach to recovery.

Neuro-rehabilitation is a continuum—a series of progressive steps that guide recovery from hospital to home.

  1. Acute Hospital Care: Focused on saving lives and stabilizing medical conditions after a neurological injury.
  2. Inpatient Neuro-Rehabilitation: Intensive, hospital-based setting with daily therapy and medical support.
  3. Outpatient Neuro-Rehabilitation: The next step is once patients are medically stable and able to live at home, but still require ongoing therapy.
  4. Community and Wellness Programs: Maintenance and long-term health support after completing outpatient rehab.

The outpatient program at Barrow closes the gap between hospital and home, helping patients safely reintegrate into daily life while maintaining progress and access to specialized neurological care.

Who can benefit from outpatient neuro-rehabilitation?

Outpatient neuro-rehabilitation is ideal for those who have completed an inpatient program or who are medically stable and ready to continue recovery while living at home. People who can benefit include those recovering from stroke, brain injury, or spinal cord injury, as well as individuals with progressive neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or ALS.

Why Choose Barrow Outpatient Neurological Rehabilitation?

Barrow is home to one of the nation’s most advanced outpatient neuro-rehabilitation centers, combining decades of clinical expertise with innovative technologies and a profoundly human approach to healing.

An Interdisciplinary Team Focused on You

Our integrated care model emphasizes collaboration among physicians, therapists, nurses, and patients. Treatment goals are team- and patient-driven, ensuring that every therapy session aligns with your needs and long-term goals. Your care team may include:

  • Physiatrists (doctors with specialized training in rehabilitation)
  • Rehabilitation nurses
  • Physical, occupational, and speech therapists
  • Neuropsychologists
  • Recreational therapists
  • Dietitians
  • Social workers

These team members work together to ensure you receive an individualized treatment plan that addresses physical, emotional, and cognitive needs comprehensively.

What to Expect During Outpatient Neuro-Rehabilitation

Frequency of Appointments

Most patients attend therapy two to five times per week, depending on their diagnosis, goals, and insurance coverage. Some may begin with more frequent visits that taper as progress continues.

Length of Each Session

Therapy sessions typically last 45 to 60 minutes for each specialty. For example, you may have physical therapy followed by speech therapy in a single visit, for a total time of about two hours.

What Happens During a Session

Each session is personalized to your goals and progress. Sessions include assessment, goal-directed therapy, education on home exercises, and regular updates to your care plan. Therapy is active, collaborative, and focused on measurable gains.

Length of Outpatient Phase

The duration of outpatient neuro-rehabilitation varies depending on the type and severity of your injury, your health, and your personal goals. Many patients participate for several weeks to several months before progressing to community-based programs or home therapy plans.

Dr. Casey Brown with a patient

Conditions Treated and Services Offered

Our outpatient neuro-rehabilitation team treats a broad spectrum of neurological conditions, including traumatic and non-traumatic injuries and progressive neurological disorders.

  • Brain injury rehabilitation: Traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, brain tumors, encephalitis, subdural hematoma, concussion.
  • Spinal cord injury rehabilitation: Traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), congenital disorders, Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • Movement disorders and neuromuscular conditions: Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, normal pressure hydrocephalus, muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

To meet the diverse needs of our patients, we offer the following specialty clinics:

  • The Concussion Clinic
  • Acute Acquired Brain Injury Clinic
  • Spinal Cord Injury Wellness Clinic [Link]
  • Wheelchair Seating Clinic
  • Movement Disorders Clinic
  • ALS and Muscular Dystrophy Clinic

At Barrow, we integrate neuro-robotic rehabilitation, combining neuroscience, robotics, and artificial intelligence to enhance outcomes. Therapists use advanced devices such as Ekso GT, Indego, InMotion, Fourier M2, Myomo, and Raphael. Aquatic therapy is offered in a temperature-controlled pool to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance balance. Peer mentors also provide emotional and practical support.

Barrow’s outpatient therapy addresses all aspects of neurological recovery, including mobility, cognition, communication, and emotional wellness. Services include:

  • Mobility retraining
  • Adaptive equipment recommendations
  • Home management
  • Cognitive and speech therapy
  • Balance treatment
  • Pain and spasticity management
  • Support resources for sexuality, fertility, and community living

Each Barrow therapist holds a master’s or doctoral degree with additional certifications in neuro-rehabilitation, robotics, or aquatic therapy. Ongoing education ensures care is evidence-based, effective, and compassionate.

Recovery at Barrow is a partnership between patients, families, and providers. We emphasize your participation during goal-setting and education. Our mission is not just recovery—it’s helping every person build confidence and thrive beyond rehabilitation.

Why Patients Choose Barrow

Patients and families choose Barrow Outpatient Neuro-Rehabilitation for our expertise, technology, and compassion. Our program is CARF-accredited, provides individualized therapy plans, and offers access to leading neurologists, neurosurgeons, and rehabilitation experts.

Group 9
Percent Overall Satisfaction

Nearly 98% of our patients reported being satisfied with our program.

Common Questions

What is outpatient neuro-rehabilitation?

Outpatient neuro-rehabilitation is the continuation of therapy following discharge from inpatient care or rehabilitation, available to those who don’t require daily supervision. The outpatient program allows patients to continue their recovery journey while living at home. It offers personalized treatment plans, flexible scheduling, and a variety of therapies to support long-term recovery and transition back into daily life.

Who is a good candidate for outpatient neuro-rehabilitation?

People who are medically stable and able to live at home, but still need ongoing care or therapy for mobility, speech, cognition, or daily life skills, are best suited to outpatient neuro-rehabilitation. Outpatient neuro-rehabilitation can benefit those recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries (SCI), brain tumors, neurodegenerative disorders, movement disorders, and other neurological conditions that require ongoing support to regain or improve function.

How is outpatient neuro-rehabilitation different from inpatient?

Outpatient neuro-rehabilitation is less intensive than inpatient neuro-rehabilitation. It allows people to live at home and schedule therapy sessions. It offers more flexibility and independence than inpatient neuro-rehabilitation, which includes around-the-clock medical care and therapy sessions that are more frequent and longer in duration. This program is ideal for people who don’t require as much supervision but can still benefit from structured therapy.

What are the goals of outpatient neuro-rehabilitation?

The primary goals of outpatient neuro-rehabilitation are to help you increase or regain your independence. This is achieved by improving various functions, including communication, speech, cognitive function, mobility, and your ability to care for yourself. Additional goals may involve successfully transitioning back to work, school, sports, hobbies, and an independent home life.

Resources

American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Medically Reviewed by Christina Kwasnica, MD on December 15, 2025
Group 49
  %

All patients surveyed said they would recommend our outpatient program.