The Neuropsychological Educational Approach to Cognitive Remediation (NEAR) Model: Practice Principles and Outcome Studies

NEAR is an evidence based approach to cognitive remediation which was specifically developed for use with psychiatric patients. NEAR emphasizes the fact that cognitive remediation is essentially a learning activity and therefore instructional techniques incorporate basic educational principles that have been shown to enhance learning. Rather than using a fixed software package, NEAR uses a variety of exercises, which are chosen based on whether they meet the criteria to both address neuropsychological deficits and be motivating and engaging. The theory behind the NEAR program, practice principles and outcome studies are reviewed.