When Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) invited Ithaca College to collaborate on a program to enhance treatment and support for individuals throughout the region with acquired brain injury and co-occurring substance abuse disorder, IC embraced the opportunity. The two organizations launched the Therapeutic Alliance Program (TAP) in July 2024.
With faculty supervision, students in IC’s occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology programs have been working together to design and implement treatment interventions. Further, the innovative interdisciplinary partnership is being regarded as advancing the health profession.
Christina Moylan, dean of the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance, says, “We are particularly excited that [the intervention work] is being accomplished in partnership with our community, enabling us to bring our expertise to addressing an identified need and gap in services. This is an incredible source of support for interprofessional practice and research among allied health professionals.”
Melinda Cozzolino, professor, chair, and program director of occupational therapy at Ithaca College, received a $21,985 grant from the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professionals to support the program. The data collected will inform college-wide curriculum and be shared with other institutions.
