Shepherd Center, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury and brain injury. Founded in 1975, Shepherd Center is ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the top 10 rehabilitation hospitals in the nation. Shepherd Center is a 152-bed facility. Last year Shepherd had 992 admissions to its spine and brain inpatient programs and 571 to its day patient programs. In addition, Shepherd sees more than 7,600 people annually on an outpatient basis. Patients at Shepherd Center get more than just medical care; they get an experience that brings healing and hope. Shepherd takes a team approach to rehabilitation. We understand that patients are going through more than just recovery from an injury; they are learning a new way of life. We work with each person to draw up a blueprint for rehabilitation, tapping into state-of-the-art medical care and comprehensive educational services. We also serve as an ambassador to help patients navigate their journey over a lifetime. At Shepherd Center, we are a family, working together to help patients and their families obtain the care they need plus so much more.
Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation:
If you or a loved one has just experienced an acute spinal cord injury, we're very sorry this has happened. But we at Shepherd Center believe that life can still be fulfilling and enjoyable, regardless of the severity of your injury. If you are currently in a trauma center, your doctor, case manager or discharge planner will talk to you about the next step once you are stabilized. Depending on the severity of your injury, your current condition, and your insurance plan's specifications, Shepherd Center may be an option for you. Shepherd Center is very different from a general hospital's rehabilitation unit or floor. Our staff specializes in spinal cord injury and treats a high volume of patients - nearly 450 each year. This includes people with every level of injury, including those who are ventilator dependent or have a dual diagnosis of spinal cord and brain injury.
Brain Injury Rehabilitation:
Shepherd Center has a full continuum of services to treat people who have experienced a traumatic or non-traumatic brain injury, including a stroke. Our programs are designed to treat specific conditions, such disorders of consciousness (when a person is in a minimally conscious state following brain injury) and specific age groups, such as our adolescent program. In addition, Shepherd Center has a 10-bed ICU, allowing our specialists to see complex brain injuries and address secondary complications resulting from the injury. Our post acute services include a day and residential program, outpatient services, a care program that assesses long term needs of patients, a program for military members with mild TBI/PTSD (called the SHARE Military Initiative), and respite and long term care.
Stroke Rehabilitation:
No one expects stroke to happen, especially in young adults. But when it does, Shepherd Center is more prepared to treat it than any other place in the nation. In fact, we specialize in stroke rehabilitation for people who may be in college, raising a family or in the prime of their career. This is why we provide a full continuum of services – from inpatient rehabilitation to outpatient care. And with Shepherd Center’s talented staff, comprehensive treatment plans and expertise in treating young strokes, patients get their best chance for returning to what they love to do. Shepherd Center’s rehabilitation program for people age 12 and above who have experienced a stroke focuses on helping people relearn skills that are lost when part of the brain is injured. Shepherd Center’s stroke rehabilitation program also places emphasis on recovery and treatment for young stroke patients. The program also provides education and training for their families. Staff members develop individualized blueprints for each patient’s stroke rehabilitation program, tapping into state-of-the-art medical care and comprehensive educational services.
Patient Care:
Shepherd Center is a private, not-for profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain and other neuromuscular problems. One of the first things you will learn about Shepherd Center is our commitment to helping you become as independent as possible during your stay. Shepherd Center provides a full continuum of services from acute care, to inpatient rehabilitation, to outpatient and lifelong wellness programs. All of our rehabilitation programs focus on a successful return to your home, school, work or your community.
- Medicare