Community rehabilitation is a program of recovery for individuals with physical injuries, mental illnesses, or addictions. It can take place in an inpatient or outpatient setting, where professionals provide individualized therapy to help people overcome their obstacles and transition back into society. Community-based rehabilitation programs focus on helping people rebuild relationships, teaching them how to live independently, and providing occupational and educational resources.
In physical therapy centers, community rehabilitation programs offer individuals the opportunity to recover from their injuries while preparing for a return to normal living. Depending on their specific circumstances, patients might attend intensive therapy sessions to relearn how to walk, eat, or speak. Physical therapists also provide rehabilitation services to people with permanently debilitating injuries, such as brain trauma or the loss of a limb. Such people are taught how to thrive in their personal and professional lives despite their disabilities.
Community rehabilitation in mental health facilities helps patients with developmental disabilities and behavioral problems integrate back into the general population. Patients may receive individual counseling, medications to control their illnesses, and vocational training. Mental health professionals, caseworkers, and psychologists facilitate interactions between patients, their families, and members of their community. When patients show significant progress and demonstrate the ability to care for themselves, rehabilitation centers often make arrangements for them to move into halfway houses or independent living settings.
Many substance abuse treatment centers focus on the importance of community. Inpatient treatment centers frequently employ community rehabilitation techniques to assist clients in regaining control of their lives. Counselors often hold one-on-one and group therapy sessions so that clients can discuss their struggles and figure out ways to manage life outside of the rehabilitation center. Clients are usually allowed to meet with their families and go to various community events so they may learn how to handle situations without the aid of drugs or alcohol. They are encouraged to become active, productive members of their communities.
Community rehabilitation centers often help people find appropriate vocational and educational opportunities to pursue after treatment. Programs might provide resources and information about job openings and help clients schedule interviews, prepare resumes, and find transportation to and from job sites. Caseworkers may also investigate schooling opportunities and help clients decide on appropriate educational paths. Perhaps the most important resources offered at community rehabilitation centers are encouragement and hope that individuals may become better people and enrich the lives of others through their relationships and service within their communities.