Cognitive Remediation Therapy in NYC for Attention, Memory, and Executive Function
Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment designed to improve attention, memory, processing speed, and executive functioning. At Dr. Iospa Psychiatry Consulting Group in Midtown Manhattan, CRT is used to help adults and adolescents who are struggling with cognitive inefficiencies that interfere with daily life, work, or academic performance.
Unlike compensatory strategies that work around cognitive challenges, cognitive remediation therapy directly targets how the brain processes information. Treatment is individualized and often integrated with neuropsychological testing, psychiatric care, and psychotherapy when appropriate.
Personalized programs to restore focus, memory, and executive function.
Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment designed to improve attention, memory, processing speed, and executive functioning. At Dr. Iospa Psychiatry Consulting Group in Midtown Manhattan, CRT is used to help adults and adolescents who are struggling with cognitive inefficiencies that interfere with daily life, work, or academic performance.
Unlike compensatory strategies that work around cognitive challenges, cognitive remediation therapy directly targets how the brain processes information. Treatment is individualized and often integrated with neuropsychological testing, psychiatric care, and psychotherapy when appropriate.
Who Cognitive Remediation Therapy Is For?
Cognitive remediation therapy may be helpful for individuals who experience measurable difficulties with thinking skills rather than isolated emotional symptoms alone. Common referral reasons include:
• ADHD-related attention and executive functioning difficulties
• Brain fog following illness, stress, or prolonged burnout
• Cognitive inefficiencies associated with anxiety or depression
• Mild cognitive changes related to aging
• Cognitive challenges following concussion or neurological illness
• Academic or professional performance concerns despite adequate effort
Cognitive remediation therapy is not a stand-alone treatment for all cognitive complaints. Individuals whose difficulties are primarily due to untreated sleep disorders, active substance use, or unmanaged medical conditions may require medical evaluation first. Similarly, CRT is not designed to replace psychotherapy or medication management when emotional symptoms are the primary concern.
A comprehensive evaluation helps determine whether cognitive remediation therapy is appropriate or whether alternative interventions would be more effective.
Regain Mental Clarity: What Is Cognitive Remediation Therapy?
Watch: An Introduction to CRT with Dr. Dana Haywood
Learn more in our 3-part video series on Cognitive Remediation Therapy (scroll down to watch). Our Licensed Neuropsychologist, Dr. Dana Haywood, PhD, explains the science behind CRT and how structured training can help restore clarity and mental sharpness.
Who Benefits from Our Specialized CRT Programs in NYC?
A. Adult ADHD and Executive Dysfunction
CRT helps adults with ADHD strengthen executive functions that medication may not fully address:
Working Memory: Hold and use information while completing tasks.
Planning & Organization: Build sustainable strategies for time and task management.
Impulse Control: Reduce distractibility and improve focus.
B. Post-Concussion Syndrome (TBI) and Brain Injury
For those recovering from concussion or TBI, CRT targets deficits identified in neuropsychological testing:
Processing Speed: Train your brain to absorb and respond faster.
Sustained Attention: Stay focused for more extended periods, essential for work or study.
C. Chemo Brain, Long COVID, and Medical Fog
Medical conditions and treatments can impact cognition. We provide tailored support for:
Chemo Brain: Overcoming challenges with memory, recall, and word-finding.
Chronic Illness Fog: Addressing fatigue, mental slowing, and difficulties linked to Long COVID or other conditions.
D. Cognitive Deficits in Anxiety and Depression
Mood disorders often impair focus and decision-making. By improving baseline cognitive efficiency, CRT can enhance the benefits of psychotherapy and medication.
Our Specialized, Integrated Approach to CRT
The Diagnostic Foundation: Neuropsychological Evaluation
Every program begins with a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation by Dr. Dana Haywood, PhD, Dr. Yuka Cohen, PsyD, Dr. William Lu, PsyD. , or Dr. Catherine Stolove, PhD This assessment identifies strengths and weaknesses across memory, attention, and executive functions, providing an objective roadmap for therapy.
Customized Training and Techniques
Our programs combine multiple evidence-based methods:
Direct Training (Restorative): Computerized and paper tasks that strengthen weak functions (e.g., memory drills).
Strategy Training (Compensatory): Real-world planning, chunking, and problem-solving tools.
Metacognitive Training: Teaching patients to monitor their own thinking and adapt strategies in real time.
Sessions are typically 60–90 minutes, once or twice weekly, with home practice to reinforce neuroplastic gains.
How Cognitive Remediation Therapy Works
Cognitive remediation therapy uses targeted exercises to strengthen specific cognitive skills. Sessions are structured and goal-oriented, focusing on attention control, working memory, planning, organization, and cognitive flexibility.
Treatment typically follows a clear sequence:
• Identification of cognitive strengths and weaknesses
• Individualized treatment planning based on functional goals
• Repetitive, adaptive cognitive exercises
• Ongoing monitoring of progress
• Integration with daily life, academic, or professional demands
Evaluation and Treatment Pathway
Many patients begin cognitive remediation therapy after a neuropsychological evaluation, which helps clarify the nature and extent of cognitive difficulties. When testing is not indicated, a clinical intake may be sufficient to determine treatment goals.
Cognitive remediation therapy may be provided as a stand-alone service or coordinated with psychiatric care, psychotherapy, or academic accommodations when appropriate.
Why Choose Dr. Iospa Psychiatry Consulting in Bryant Park?
Authority and Expertise in Complex Care
Our practice, led by Dr. Alla Iospa, MD, specializes in complex psychiatric cases and second opinions. We are uniquely qualified to provide CRT in conjunction with advanced psychopharmacology and medication management from experts, including Dr. Chepurnaya, Dr. Nikiforov, and Dr. Serobyan
Integrated, Multidisciplinary Team
We are not just a psychiatry or psychology clinic—we are a collaborative team:
Board-Certified Psychiatrists: Medication and overall mental health.
Neuropsychology Experts: CRT delivery and cognitive testing.
Collaborative Care: Regular team meetings to align therapy with medication management.
Specialized Focus on NYC Professionals
Conveniently located near Bryant Park and Grand Central Terminal, our clinic is designed for professionals balancing demanding schedules who cannot afford to lose productivity.
If you are struggling with brain fog, memory loss, or ADHD-related challenges, our integrated CRT program can help.
Learn more in our 3-part video series on Cognitive Remediation Therapy (scroll down to watch)
Session Duration and Treatment Timeline
Thinking about starting Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT)? Knowing what the therapy involves can help you get the most out of it. You’ll learn how many sessions to expect and how long each will last.
In CRT, you’ll do activities designed to boost your thinking skills. These exercises challenge your brain and help it grow new connections. By sticking with it, you’ll improve how you think and function in daily life.
So, how many sessions will you need? It depends on your needs and goals. Usually, people go through multiple sessions over a few weeks or months. It’s common to attend sessions once or twice a week.
What happens in a session? Each one lasts 60 to 90 minutes. During this time, a trained therapist will guide you through activities. They’ll give you support and feedback to ensure you get the most out of the therapy.
It’s important to remember that CRT takes time. How long you’ll need depends on how you’re doing and what you hope to achieve. Some people see results in a few months. Others benefit from more extended treatment. Your therapist will check in to see how you’re doing and adjust your plan as needed.