TBI Therapy Cincinnati Ohio
Because you deserve the best treatment for your traumatic brain injury. Don’t wait, reach out today
Your brain injury didn't end when you left the hospital.
You look fine to everyone else. The scans might be clear. But inside, everything feels different—and harder.
Maybe your memory isn't what it used to be. Maybe you can't focus the way you could before. Maybe your emotions swing without warning, or you're exhausted all the time for no visible reason. Maybe you don't recognize yourself anymore.
People who haven't experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) don't understand that recovery isn't linear—or that some changes don't go away. They expect you to "bounce back" because the physical wounds have healed. But TBI affects your cognition, your emotions, your sense of self.
Here's what we know: The invisible struggles of TBI are real. And specialized mental health support can help you rebuild your life.
TBI Therapy That Understands the Whole Picture
Dr. Helmer Figueiredo is a licensed psychologist who specializes in traumatic brain injury. He's been working with TBI survivors for nearly a decade, and he understands that brain injury affects far more than just cognition—it affects mood, relationships, identity, and how you move through the world.
This isn't general therapy adapted for TBI. Dr. Figueiredo has specific training in neuropsychology and trauma-informed approaches that address the unique challenges brain injury creates.
Dr. Figueiredo helps with:
Cognitive changes (memory, attention, executive functioning)
Emotional regulation and mood swings
Depression and anxiety following TBI
Identity shifts and loss of self
Relationship strain and communication difficulties
Chronic fatigue and managing energy
Adjusting to a new normal
He uses evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) within a neuro-sensitive framework. That means he's not just treating symptoms—he's helping you understand how your brain works now and build strategies that actually fit your reality.
A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force—like a fall, car accident, sports injury, or assault—disrupts normal brain function. The initial injury is just the beginning. Recovery can take months or years, and some changes may be permanent.
Common challenges after TBI:
Memory problems: Difficulty forming new memories or recalling information
Attention and concentration: Trouble focusing or easily distracted
Executive functioning: Problems with planning, organizing, or making decisions
Emotional changes: Irritability, mood swings, depression, anxiety
Fatigue: Physical and mental exhaustion that doesn't improve with rest
Sensory sensitivity: Overwhelm from noise, light, or crowds
Sleep disturbances: Insomnia or sleeping too much
Communication difficulties: Trouble finding words or following conversations
Loss of identity: Feeling like a different person than you were before
The hardest part? Most of these struggles are invisible. People can't see what you're dealing with, which makes it easy to feel isolated or misunderstood.
What Happens After a Traumatic Brain Injury
We start by understanding your experience.
What's different since the injury? What's hardest for you right now? What do you need support with? Dr. Figueiredo takes time to understand both the neurological and emotional impact of your TBI.
We work on practical strategies.
Memory aids, organizational systems, energy management techniques—tools that help you function better in daily life. This isn't about fixing your brain; it's about working with the brain you have.
We address the emotional toll.
TBI often comes with grief—for the person you were, the abilities you've lost, the life you expected. Dr. Figueiredo helps you process that loss while also finding ways to move forward.
We strengthen executive functioning.
Problem-solving, planning, decision-making—these can all be affected by TBI. We build skills and strategies to help you regain confidence and autonomy.
We support your relationships.
TBI affects everyone around you. Dr. Figueiredo can help you communicate your needs, navigate misunderstandings, and strengthen connections with the people who matter.
We manage mood and stress.
Depression, anxiety, irritability—these are common after TBI and often related to both brain chemistry and the stress of adjusting to changes. We work on regulation skills and coping strategies.
What TBI Therapy Actually Looks Like
Meet your psychologist
Dr. Not all therapists understand TBI. General talk therapy often isn't enough because TBI affects how your brain processes information, regulates emotion, and manages stress. You need someone who understands the neurological piece—not just the emotional one.
What makes Dr. Figueiredo different:
He specializes in TBI.
This isn't one area among many—it's a core focus of his practice. He understands the specific cognitive and emotional challenges that come with brain injury, and he knows how to adapt treatment to meet you where you are.
He uses trauma-informed, neuro-sensitive approaches.
TBI is often traumatic, both physically and psychologically. Dr. Figueiredo integrates trauma awareness into his work, recognizing that brain injury can affect your sense of safety and control.
He takes a whole-person approach.
TBI doesn't just affect cognition—it affects your relationships, your work, your sense of self. Dr. Figueiredo helps you navigate all of it, not just the symptoms.
He's collaborative and realistic.
Recovery from TBI rarely follows a straight line. Dr. Figueiredo works with you to set realistic goals, track progress, and adjust as needed. He's not going to promise a full return to "normal"—but he will help you build a meaningful life with the brain you have now.
TBI Treatment at Hello Mental Health in Cincinnati
We have specialized expertise.
Dr. Figueiredo holds a PsyD in Clinical Psychology and has been treating TBI survivors for nearly a decade. He's licensed by the Ohio Board of Psychology and maintains rigorous training in multiple therapeutic modalities. This is someone who knows the science and the lived experience.
We offer flexibility.
Dr. Figueiredo provides both in-person therapy in Cincinnati and telehealth throughout Ohio. That means you can access specialized care even if travel is difficult post-injury.
We're a small practice.
You'll work with Dr. Figueiredo consistently—no rotating therapists, no starting over with someone new every few months.
We don't take insurance.
This means Dr. Figueiredo isn't constrained by session limits or treatment protocols dictated by insurance companies. He can take the time to do the work properly, at the pace that works for you.
We track progress collaboratively.
Recovery isn't always linear, but it helps to see where you're making gains. Dr. Figueiredo works with you to set measurable goals and track progress in ways that matter to you.
Life After TBI Can Still Be Meaningful
A traumatic brain injury changes things. Some of those changes are permanent. But that doesn't mean you can't build a life that feels worth living.
Dr. Figueiredo can help you navigate the cognitive challenges, manage the emotional toll, strengthen your relationships, and find your footing again. Recovery might look different than you expected—but it's still possible.
