Concussion Management: Psychological Considerations

Due to the risks of reinjury and prolonged recovery, the management of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and sports-related concussion primarily involve behavioral interventions. In the youth population, prolonged recovery impacts school performance, making schools a primary focus of attention. The disciplines of clinical psychology and school psychology provide training that is compatible with several aspects of concussion management, including behavioral assessment and the treatment of affective responses to injury. The latter is a significant risk for prolonged recovery. We suggest that clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists, and school psychologists support each other in providing concussion care to youth.