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Brain Injury Therapy in Fort Collins, Colorado
If you or a loved one is recovering from a traumatic brain injury, concussion, or experiencing post-concussion syndrome, I provide expert therapy designed specifically for the unique challenges of brain injury. As a Fort Collins therapist with extensive experience working alongside neurologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, I understand the complex emotional, cognitive, and relational impacts of TBI.
Why Brain Injury Requires Specialized Therapy
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) isn’t just a physical injury—it affects every aspect of your life. Many people don’t realize that the emotional and psychological impact of a brain injury can be just as challenging as the physical symptoms.
After a TBI or concussion, you might experience:
– Memory problems and difficulty concentrating (don’t use bullet formatting in final version – write in prose)
– Mood changes, irritability, or emotional sensitivity
– Anxiety about cognitive abilities or recovery
– Depression related to lifestyle changes or loss of independence
– Relationship strain as family members adjust to changes
– Identity shifts as you navigate a “new normal”
– Sleep disturbances and fatigue
Traditional talk therapy often isn’t enough for brain injury survivors. You need a therapist who understands the neurological basis of your symptoms, works collaboratively with your medical team, and can adapt therapeutic approaches to accommodate cognitive changes.
As a Fort Collins therapist specializing in brain injury recovery, I work closely with occupational therapists, physical therapists, and brain injury specialists to provide holistic, coordinated care. This collaborative approach ensures you receive support that addresses both the emotional and cognitive aspects of TBI recovery.
Is Brain Injury Therapy Right for You?
Brain injury therapy can help if you’re experiencing any of the following:
You may benefit from specialized brain injury counseling if you’ve experienced a traumatic brain injury from a car accident, sports injury, fall, or assault. Many of my clients are dealing with post-concussion syndrome—ongoing symptoms that persist weeks or months after the initial injury. Others are navigating the long-term effects of moderate to severe TBI, including changes in personality, emotional regulation, or cognitive function.
Concussion therapy is particularly important if you’re experiencing persistent symptoms like headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light or sound, memory problems, or mood changes. Even if your medical team says you’re “cleared” physically, the emotional and psychological impact of a concussion can linger and affect your quality of life, relationships, and ability to work or return to activities you love.
Family members of brain injury survivors also benefit from therapy. When someone you love experiences a TBI, it affects the entire family system. I provide support for partners, parents, and adult children who are adjusting to new caregiving roles, processing grief over changes in their loved one, and learning how to maintain healthy relationships while supporting recovery.
Serving Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Greeley, and surrounding Northern Colorado communities.
My Approach to TBI and Concussion Therapy
Brain injury therapy looks different from traditional counseling because I adapt my approach to meet your unique cognitive and emotional needs. This might mean shorter sessions if fatigue is an issue, allowing time for processing information, using visual aids or written summaries, and coordinating care with your medical providers.
Collaborative, Integrated Care
One of the most important aspects of effective brain injury therapy is collaboration with your broader treatment team. I work closely with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and neurologists to ensure your mental health treatment aligns with your overall recovery goals. This team approach means we’re all working together to support your healing—not in isolation.
Addressing the Whole Person
My therapeutic approach draws on multiple evidence-based methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) adapted for brain injury, trauma-focused approaches, mindfulness-based techniques, and family systems therapy. I emphasize a person-centered, holistic approach that recognizes you as more than your injury. Together, we’ll work on emotional regulation, developing coping strategies, processing grief and loss, rebuilding self-esteem, navigating relationship changes, and setting realistic goals for recovery and beyond.
Flexible and Compassionate
Recovery from brain injury is not linear. Some days are harder than others, and progress doesn’t always look the way you expect. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can process the full range of emotions that come with TBI recovery—frustration, grief, hope, fear, anger, and everything in between. My approach is flexible, patient, and tailored to where you are in your recovery journey.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions About TBI Therapy in Fort Collins
How soon after a brain injury should I start therapy?
There’s no “too soon” or “too late” for brain injury therapy. Some people benefit from early intervention in the weeks following their injury, while others seek support months or even years later when they realize they’re still struggling with emotional or cognitive challenges. Many of my clients come to therapy after their physical symptoms have improved but find they’re still dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, or difficulty adjusting to changes in their abilities. Wherever you are in your recovery journey, specialized brain injury counseling can help.
Do you accept insurance, or do you offer a sliding scale?
I want therapy to be accessible to everyone who needs it. Let’s talk about payment options that work for your situation. I offer a sliding scale for clients who are experiencing financial hardship, and I’m happy to discuss your specific circumstances. Please reach out to discuss what’s possible—I never want cost to be the only barrier to getting the support you need.
What's the difference between regular therapy and brain injury therapy?
Brain injury therapy is specifically designed to accommodate the cognitive, emotional, and physical effects of TBI. This means I understand how brain injury affects memory, attention, emotional regulation, and processing speed. I adapt my therapeutic techniques accordingly—this might include shorter sessions, written summaries, coordination with your medical team, and therapeutic approaches that are evidence-based for brain injury recovery. Regular therapists may not have this specialized training or understanding of the unique challenges TBI survivors face.
Do you offer in-person or virtual therapy sessions?
I offer both in-person sessions at my Fort Collins office (2627 Redwing Road Suite 350) and secure, HIPAA-compliant virtual sessions via telehealth. Many clients prefer in-person sessions, especially in the beginning, while others appreciate the convenience and reduced sensory stimulation of telehealth—particularly if travel is difficult or if you’re sensitive to light, sound, or motion. We can discuss what format works best for your needs and recovery.
Will you work with my other medical providers?
Absolutely. Collaborative care is one of the cornerstones of effective brain injury treatment. With your permission, I regularly communicate with occupational therapists, physical therapists, neurologists, and other members of your treatment team. This ensures everyone is working toward the same goals and that your mental health treatment complements your physical and cognitive rehabilitation. I’ve worked extensively with brain injury specialists throughout Fort Collins and Northern Colorado.
How long does brain injury therapy take?
Recovery timelines vary significantly depending on the severity of your injury, your individual circumstances, and your specific goals. Some clients work with me for a few months to address acute emotional challenges following a concussion, while others engage in longer-term therapy as they navigate ongoing cognitive and emotional changes from moderate or severe TBI. We’ll regularly review your progress and adjust our work together based on your needs and goals.
How soon after a brain injury should I start therapy?
There’s no “too soon” or “too late” for brain injury therapy. Some people benefit from early intervention in the weeks following their injury, while others seek support months or even years later when they realize they’re still struggling with emotional or cognitive challenges. Many of my clients come to therapy after their physical symptoms have improved but find they’re still dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, or difficulty adjusting to changes in their abilities. Wherever you are in your recovery journey, specialized brain injury counseling can help.
Do you accept insurance, or do you offer a sliding scale?
I want therapy to be accessible to everyone who needs it. Let’s talk about payment options that work for your situation. I offer a sliding scale for clients who are experiencing financial hardship, and I’m happy to discuss your specific circumstances. Please reach out to discuss what’s possible—I never want cost to be the only barrier to getting the support you need.
What's the difference between regular therapy and brain injury therapy?
Brain injury therapy is specifically designed to accommodate the cognitive, emotional, and physical effects of TBI. This means I understand how brain injury affects memory, attention, emotional regulation, and processing speed. I adapt my therapeutic techniques accordingly—this might include shorter sessions, written summaries, coordination with your medical team, and therapeutic approaches that are evidence-based for brain injury recovery. Regular therapists may not have this specialized training or understanding of the unique challenges TBI survivors face.
Do you offer in-person or virtual therapy sessions?
I offer both in-person sessions at my Fort Collins office (2627 Redwing Road Suite 350) and secure, HIPAA-compliant virtual sessions via telehealth. Many clients prefer in-person sessions, especially in the beginning, while others appreciate the convenience and reduced sensory stimulation of telehealth—particularly if travel is difficult or if you’re sensitive to light, sound, or motion. We can discuss what format works best for your needs and recovery.
Will you work with my other medical providers?
Absolutely. Collaborative care is one of the cornerstones of effective brain injury treatment. With your permission, I regularly communicate with occupational therapists, physical therapists, neurologists, and other members of your treatment team. This ensures everyone is working toward the same goals and that your mental health treatment complements your physical and cognitive rehabilitation. I’ve worked extensively with brain injury specialists throughout Fort Collins and Northern Colorado.
How long does brain injury therapy take?
Recovery timelines vary significantly depending on the severity of your injury, your individual circumstances, and your specific goals. Some clients work with me for a few months to address acute emotional challenges following a concussion, while others engage in longer-term therapy as they navigate ongoing cognitive and emotional changes from moderate or severe TBI. We’ll regularly review your progress and adjust our work together based on your needs and goals.
Getting Started: Your First Brain Injury Therapy Session
Your first session is about getting to know each other and understanding your unique situation. We’ll discuss your injury history, current symptoms and challenges, goals for therapy, and any concerns you have about the therapeutic process. I’ll ask about your treatment team, what’s working well in your recovery, and where you’re struggling most.
There’s no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with, and we’ll move at a pace that feels manageable for you. Many clients with brain injury experience fatigue or difficulty with sustained attention, so I’m mindful of pacing and building in breaks as needed. By the end of our first session, we’ll have a preliminary plan for how to move forward together.
If you’re not sure therapy is right for you, that’s okay too. The consultation is a chance for you to ask questions, get a feel for how I work, and determine if we’re a good fit. There’s no obligation, and I’m happy to provide referrals to other specialists if needed.
About Heidi Kalak, LCSW, Fort Collins Brain Injury Therapist
I’m Heidi Kalak, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Fort Collins, Colorado, specializing in brain injury recovery, trauma therapy, and mental health counseling. Over my career, I’ve dedicated myself to supporting individuals and families affected by traumatic brain injury, working collaboratively with occupational therapists, physical therapists, and neurologists throughout Northern Colorado.
My approach is grounded in compassion, evidence-based practice, and a deep understanding of the complex challenges that accompany brain injury. I believe in meeting you where you are—recognizing that recovery isn’t just about “getting back to normal,” but about building resilience, adapting to change, and finding meaning in your new reality.
I’m committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can process the emotional weight of brain injury, develop practical coping strategies, and work toward your personal goals. Whether you’re in the early stages of recovery or navigating long-term effects, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Learn more about my background and approach on the About page
Additional Counseling Services in Fort Collins
In addition to brain injury therapy, I also provide specialized counseling for:
Trauma and PTSD Treatment
Many brain injuries occur during traumatic events – car accidents, assaults, or falls – and the psychological trauma can be as significant as the physical injury. I provide trauma-informed therapy using evidence-based approaches to help you process and heal from traumatic experiences.
Couples and Relationship Counseling
Brain injury affects relationships. Partners, family members, and loved ones often struggle to adjust to changes in personality, emotional regulation, and daily functioning. I offer couples counseling using Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help you navigate these challenges together.
Anxiety and Depression Support
It’s common to experience anxiety and depression following a brain injury. These aren’t signs of weakness—they’re normal responses to significant life changes and neurological shifts. I provide compassionate support to help you manage symptoms and work toward healing.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
You don’t have to navigate brain injury recovery alone. Whether you’re in the early stages of healing from a concussion or managing the long-term effects of TBI, specialized therapy can help you rebuild confidence, process difficult emotions, and move forward with hope.
I’m currently accepting new clients in Fort Collins and throughout Northern Colorado. Sliding scale fees are available—let’s talk about what works for your situation.
Offering in-person therapy in Fort Collins and secure telehealth sessions throughout Colorado.
Located at 2627 Redwing Road Suite 350, Fort Collins, CO 80526
Brain Injury Resources in Fort Collins and Northern Colorado
Recovery is supported by a strong network. Here are trusted local resources I recommend:
- Brain Injury Association of Colorado - Statewide support, resources, and advocacy for brain injury survivors and families
- Colorado In Motion (Fort Collins) - Physical and occupational therapy specializing in neurological conditions and brain injury rehabilitation
- Poudre Valley Hospital Rehabilitation Services - Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs
View more recommended books, podcasts, and resources on my Resources page