The Brain Injury Research Center of Mount Sinai (BIRC-MS) is one of only 16 federally designated Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems in the United States. Since 1987, the center has provided comprehensive rehabilitation services, clinical care, and support groups for individuals with brain injuries and their families. The center holds CARF accreditation and offers a full continuum of care from acute treatment through long-term community reintegration.

While Mount Sinai provides world-class services for traumatic and acquired brain injuries, families should understand that this organization primarily serves adults and young adults with TBI, stroke, and other acquired brain injuries. The center does not specialize in birth injuries or perinatal brain injuries, and their support groups are designed for adult survivors rather than parents of children with brain injuries. Families seeking birth injury-specific support may need to explore additional specialized resources that focus on pediatric brain injuries and developmental concerns.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths	Limitations
National Recognition – One of only 16 federally designated TBI Model Systems in the U.S., providing the highest level of comprehensive specialty care from injury through community reintegration	Not Birth Injury Focused – Center specializes in traumatic and acquired brain injuries in adults, not birth injuries or perinatal neurological conditions in children
CARF Accreditation – One of only two CARF-accredited brain injury services in NYC, ensuring quality standards across rehabilitation programs	Adult-Centered Services – Support groups and programs designed primarily for adult survivors (ages 16+) and their caregivers, not parents of young children
Comprehensive Services – Offers integrated care including emergency services, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient programs, cognitive rehabilitation, and long-term support groups	Manhattan Location – Primary services concentrated in Manhattan may require significant travel for families outside NYC metropolitan area
Free Support Groups – Multiple support groups available at no cost for survivors and family members, including specialized groups for young adults	Appointment-Based Access – Most services require advance appointments with limited walk-in availability for urgent needs
Research Opportunities – Access to cutting-edge clinical trials and research studies, with over $8.3 million in NIH funding for TBI research

Services & Support

Support Groups

Free adult brain injury support group facilitated by clinical staff
Meeting of the Minds support group for young adults ages 16-30 with brain injury
Support group specifically for loved ones, family members, and caregivers
Peer mentoring program connecting survivors and families

Clinical Rehabilitation Services

Neuropsychological evaluations and cognitive assessments
Individual cognitive rehabilitation therapy
Individual psychotherapy and counseling
Couples and family therapy
Group therapy programs
Phase II Program (4-month outpatient cognitive rehabilitation)
Bridge Program for skills development
Concussion clinic services
Pet therapy with licensed therapy dogs

Inpatient Care

24/7 emergency care for brain injuries
Inpatient rehabilitation at Mount Sinai Morningside with state-of-the-art equipment
Transition planning from inpatient to outpatient care

Care Coordination

Case management and care coordination services
Therapy navigation assistance
Vocational counseling and support

Educational Resources

Workshops and educational seminars
Written guides and informational materials
Online resources including newsletters
Precision Recovery online program

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance program through Mount Sinai Health System for eligible uninsured or underinsured patients
Fees may be reduced using New York State Medicaid Program rates

Research Participation

Opportunities to participate in clinical trials and research studies
Access to innovative treatments through research programs

Locations & Contact

Primary Location – Brain Injury Research Center
5 East 98th Street, B-15
New York, NY 10029

Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Center
Mount Sinai Morningside
1111 Amsterdam Avenue (at 114th Street)
New York, NY 10025

Mount Sinai Hospital Main Campus
1450 Madison Avenue at 100th Street
New York, NY 10029

Phone Numbers:

Support Groups / Research: 212-241-5152
Clinical Services / Scheduling: 212-241-2221
Inpatient Rehabilitation Admissions: 332-243-2253

Email:

General inquiries: birc@mountsinai.org
Meeting of the Minds: MindsFund@gmail.com
Loved Ones Support Group: svetlana.serova@mountsinai.org

Website: https://icahn.mssm.edu/research/brain-injury/patients-families/support

Counties Served: Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, with patients accepted from across the country

Who Can Access Services

Age Range:

Young adults ages 16-30 (Meeting of the Minds support group)
Adults 18+ (main support group)
Family members and caregivers of any age

Geographic Area: Primarily serves New York City metropolitan area but accepts patients from across the country and internationally for clinical services.

Cost:

Support groups are free
Clinical services may involve insurance co-pays or self-pay options
Financial assistance available for eligible patients who are uninsured or underinsured

Accessibility:

All locations are wheelchair accessible with ceiling lifts and accommodations for power wheelchairs
Over 200 languages available via phone interpretation (24/7)
Video remote interpretation in 35 languages
In-person interpretation with advance notice
ASL interpretation available 24/7 via video, in-person with advance notice
Assistive devices including clear masks, videophones, captioned telephones, communication boards, and sound amplifiers
Telehealth appointments available for select services

Insurance: Accepts most major insurance plans; contact office for specific coverage questions.

How to Get Started

For Support Groups: Call 212-241-5152 to speak with Timothy Pruce or email birc@mountsinai.org to learn about meeting schedules and register.
For Young Adult Support Group (ages 16-30): Contact Bryan Steinhauer at 718-207-9688 or Dr. Sabrina Breed at 212-241-6103.
For Family/Caregiver Support Group: Email Dr. Svetlana Serova at svetlana.serova@mountsinai.org.
For Clinical Services: Call Susan Giorgi at 212-241-2221 for scheduling and referral information. Medical records may be required.
For Inpatient Rehabilitation: Contact Rehabilitation Admissions at 332-243-2253 for admission process and requirements.

Bottom Line

The Brain Injury Research Center of Mount Sinai is best suited for families of young adults (16+) or adults who have experienced traumatic brain injury, stroke, or acquired brain injury and need comprehensive rehabilitation services and peer support. The center offers exceptional clinical care backed by cutting-edge research and national recognition as a TBI Model System, with free support groups and a full continuum of services. However, families of infants and young children with birth injuries should understand that this is not a pediatric-focused program and does not specialize in perinatal brain injuries or developmental support for young children.

If your child is under 16 or has a birth-related brain injury, you’ll likely need additional resources that specifically address pediatric brain injury, early intervention, special education advocacy, and developmental concerns. Consider Mount Sinai if you’re caring for an older teen or young adult with a brain injury, or if you’re seeking resources for your own adjustment as a caregiver, but look for pediatric-specific brain injury organizations if your child is young or has a birth injury.

Brain Injury Research Center of Mount Sinai