The Center for Transitional Neuro-Rehabilitation (CTN) at Barrow Neurological Institute is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
This one-of-a-kind, holistic, milieu program serves as the last step in the continuum of care at Barrow, enabling patients with acquired brain injuries to return to optimal functioning—whether their goal is independence in the home or community or productivity at work or school.
When George Prigatano, PhD, started CTN—formerly known as the Adult Day Hospital for Neurological Rehabilitation—as its clinical director in 1986, he and Pamela Klonoff, PhD, sought to develop a bonded and integrated therapeutic community. The two neuropsychologists envisioned a program where individuals could traverse and conquer the effects of acquired brain injuries together.
Dr. Klonoff succeeded Dr. Prigatano as clinical director in 1993 and continued their vision, while gradually expanding the program from its initial cohort of eight patients to today’s capacity of 35 patients. CTN’s world-class clinical team has also grown. It is now home to six clinical neuropsychologists; four neurophysiatrists; multiple clinicians in physical, occupational, speech, and recreational therapy; and a psychiatrist, social worker, and dietitian.
All therapeutic interventions at CTN focus on three main pillars for patients and their families: awareness, acceptance, and realism. In other words, clinicians first help patients and families understand and cope with the unique challenges that follow a brain injury. Then, patients and families work with the clinical team to set achievable goals for the future. Throughout the program, patients recreate their sense of identity, purpose, meaning, and quality of life.
Program efficacy research demonstrates enduring benefits for up to 30 years after graduation. This research looked at survivors’ living arrangements, social lives, driving abilities, and levels of productivity, as well as caregiver burden.
“I credit our program’s uniqueness and enduring success to the continual support of our administrators and physicians at Barrow,” Dr. Klonoff said. “Because of this support, our world-class therapists are able to create a magical treatment atmosphere grounded in collaboration and camaraderie.”
By: wpengine | February 23, 2026 | Original Post