Michael S. Porter
Eric C. Nordby
The Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center is a comprehensive clinical care facility dedicated to improving the lives of people with cerebral palsy across the entire lifespan. Established in 2013, the Center was the first of its kind on the East Coast to offer integrated, multidisciplinary care for both children and adults with CP. The Center brings together physicians and specialists from more than 20 medical specialties to provide coordinated care, cutting-edge research, and access to clinical trials not available elsewhere.
This is primarily a medical care center rather than a support organization, so families should understand that the Weinberg Center focuses on clinical treatment, rehabilitation, and medical research. The Center serves as a “medical home” where patients can receive neurology, orthopedic surgery, rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy, mental health services, and other specialized care all within one coordinated system. With over 1,000 patients enrolled in their registry and more than 3,700 patient encounters in 2019, the Center has become a leading resource for families navigating the complex healthcare needs associated with cerebral palsy.
Best For: Families seeking comprehensive, lifelong medical care for a child or adult with cerebral palsy at an academic medical center with access to research and specialized treatments. The Center is particularly valuable for infants at high risk for CP (through their early detection program), children needing multidisciplinary care, and adolescents or adults who need continued specialized care as they age.
Strengths & Limitations
| Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Only transitional care program on the East Coast – One of just a few centers nationwide providing lifespan care from infancy through adulthood, with dedicated services for aging adults with CP | Geographic challenges – Primary location in Washington Heights, Manhattan may require significant travel for families outside the tri-state area |
| Truly multidisciplinary approach – Coordinates care across 20+ specialties including orthopedics, neurology, rehabilitation, neurosurgery, mental health, genetics, and more, all within one medical system | Insurance variability – Coverage varies by individual doctor, requiring families to confirm insurance acceptance with each provider’s office |
| Comprehensive mental health program – The only large CP center in the U.S. with full-time mental health providers (psychiatrist and licensed clinical social worker) working within the multidisciplinary team | Not a financial assistance organization – Does not provide grants, equipment loans, emergency funds, or direct financial help, though they connect families to external resources |
| Access to cutting-edge research – The only CP center in the country housing a basic science program (Movement Recovery Laboratory); patients can participate in novel clinical trials and benefit from the latest research | Clinical care focus only – Does not provide legal guidance, IEP/504 support, or advocacy services outside of medical care |
| Early detection program – Partnership with Neonatology has decreased the average age of CP diagnosis from 19.5 months to 9.5 months, allowing for earlier intervention |
Services & Support
Medical & Clinical Care
- Pediatric neurology and adult neurology services
- Orthopedic surgery (surgical and nonsurgical options for foot, leg, hip, and spine problems)
- Rehabilitation medicine including botulinum toxin injections, alcohol nerve blocks, intrathecal baclofen pump management, and orthotics
- Neurosurgery including selective dorsal rhizotomy and neuromodulation techniques
- 3D gait analysis for surgical planning
- Infant Movement Evaluation (InfantME) Clinic for comprehensive evaluations of infants with movement development concerns
- CP Genetics Program with genetic testing to refine care plans
- Wheelchair and seating clinics through NewYork-Presbyterian
- Primary care partnerships with Columbia Primary Care sites trained in CP-specific care
Therapy Services
- Physical therapy coordination and referrals
- Occupational therapy referrals
- Speech therapy referrals
- Therapy-based interventions for movement improvement
Mental Health Services
- Individual psychotherapy
- Couples and family therapy
- Psychiatry services
- Virtual support groups for teens with CP
- Disability Affirmation Circle (6-week program)
- Anxiety Coping Skills Group (5-week program)
Care Coordination & Support
- Dedicated Care & Outreach Coordinator who integrates care from multiple specialties and connects families to external resources
- Early Intervention guidance and service coordination
- Parent mentoring and peer support opportunities
Educational Resources
- Continuing medical education conferences and lectures
- Webinars for families
- Community resource list covering adaptive sports, apps, books, employment, fitness, and financial assistance resources
- Videos and educational content for patients, families, and health practitioners
Locations & Contact
Main Location:
3959 Broadway, 8 North
New York, NY 10032
At NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital / Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Appointment-only
Additional Locations:
- Brooklyn: 515 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215
- Columbus Circle: 5 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019
- Midtown Manhattan: 51 West 51st Street, New York, NY 10019
- Westchester: 155 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591
Contact Information:
- Main Phone: 212-305-2700
- Orthopedics Appointments: 212-305-4565
- Neurology Appointments: 646-426-3876
- General Email: CPCenter@cumc.columbia.edu
- Research Email: CPResearch@cumc.columbia.edu
- Website: https://www.weinberg.cuimc.columbia.edu
Social Media:
- Instagram: @weinbergcpcenter
- Facebook: facebook.com/WeinbergCP
- YouTube: Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center
Who Can Access Services
Age Range: All ages, from infants through adults
Geographic Area: Primarily serves the New York metropolitan area including NYC, Westchester, and parts of New Jersey. However, the Center accepts patients from across the country (testimonials from families in Georgia and Maryland/DC area show they travel for care).
Insurance & Cost: Services are billed through health insurance. The Center accepts most health care insurance plans in the greater New York City area, though participation varies by doctor. You must confirm coverage directly with each provider’s office. Alternate payment arrangements may be possible if your plan is not accepted.
Accessibility Features:
- Full wheelchair and stroller accessibility at main entrance
- ADA-compliant facilities with wheelchair lifts
- Interpretation and translation services available as required by law
- ASL and communication supports available through hospital’s disability services
- Telehealth video visits available on a case-by-case basis for patients residing in New York or Connecticut
How to Get Started
- Submit an online appointment request through the Center’s website, or call the appointment team at 212-305-2700 (weekdays 9 AM to 5 PM). For orthopedics-specific appointments, call 212-305-4565.
- Verify your insurance coverage with the specific provider you wish to see, as acceptance varies by individual doctor.
- Prepare medical records to bring to your appointment. While physician referrals are accepted, they are not required (self-referral is welcome).
- Attend your initial consultation where the clinical team will evaluate your needs and design a customized treatment plan, which may include physical therapy, rehabilitation, surgery, or other interventions.
- Consider telehealth if distance is a barrier by contacting cpcenter@cumc.columbia.edu to discuss video visit options on a case-by-case basis.
Bottom Line
The Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center is best suited for families seeking comprehensive, specialized medical care for cerebral palsy within an academic medical center that offers access to cutting-edge research and clinical trials. As the only dedicated CP transitional care program on the East Coast, the Center excels at providing coordinated, multidisciplinary care from infancy through adulthood, with particular strengths in early detection, mental health support, and access to over 20 medical specialties working together.
However, families should understand this is a clinical care facility, not a financial assistance or legal services organization. If your child has cerebral palsy related to a birth injury and you need high-quality medical care, specialized treatments, or are looking for a long-term medical home that can support your child into adulthood, the Weinberg Center is an outstanding resource to consider, particularly if you live in or can travel to the New York City area.