Centre for Neuro Skills

Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS) is a privately held healthcare organization specializing in intensive post-acute rehabilitation for individuals who have sustained traumatic and acquired brain injuries. Founded in 1980 by Dr. Mark Ashley, the company's mission is to reduce disability, maximize independence, and enhance the quality of life for its patients. Its headquarters are located in Bakersfield, California.

CNS offers a comprehensive spectrum of services, including medical treatment, therapeutic rehabilitation, and disease management. These programs encompass residential and assisted living, outpatient and day treatment, neuro-behavioral rehabilitation, family education, community re-entry assistance, and home evaluations. The organization also provides specialized programs, such as a substance misuse program tailored for brain injury patients. CNS operates multiple facilities across California and Texas, addressing the needs of patients recovering from various types of brain injuries, including strokes.

In recent leadership changes, David Harrington was appointed CEO in January 2023, succeeding founder Dr. Mark Ashley, who transitioned to Executive Chairman of the Board. Matthew Ashley serves as the Chief Medical Officer. The company has been recognized in Newsweek's America's Greatest Midsize Workplaces in Health Care for 2026 and launched a redesigned website in June 2025. CNS continues to expand its footprint, including the opening of a new clinic in Plano, Texas, in late 2025, and advocates a "ReThink Rehab" philosophy, emphasizing continuous patient improvement.

Latest updates

Neuro Skills CEO Highlights Access Crisis in Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Event summary

  • Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS) CEO David Harrington appeared on the Brain to Brain podcast to discuss the neuroscience of brain injury recovery and systemic barriers to care.
  • The podcast episode was released during Brain Injury Awareness Month and features Harrington’s personal experiences navigating the healthcare system.
  • CNS estimates that over 5.3 million Americans are living with a long-term TBI-related disability, yet post-acute residential rehabilitation remains largely inaccessible.
  • CNS tracks patient outcomes for 10 years post-discharge, demonstrating the durability of recovery gains, and admits patients years after initial injury.

The big picture

The US faces a significant and under-addressed public health crisis with an estimated 2.8 million traumatic brain injuries annually. While CNS’s model demonstrates the potential for recovery, systemic barriers related to insurance coverage and public awareness limit access to specialized care. The podcast appearance highlights the growing role of patient advocacy and peer-to-peer support in driving awareness and potentially influencing policy changes within the fragmented brain injury rehabilitation landscape.

What we're watching

Policy Response
Increased public awareness, fueled by initiatives like the Brain to Brain podcast, may prompt policy changes addressing insurance coverage and access to post-acute brain injury rehabilitation services.
Market Expansion
CNS’s philosophy of long-term recovery challenges the conventional model, suggesting potential for expansion into new patient populations and geographic markets if the organization can scale its specialized care.
Financial Sustainability
The reliance on philanthropic support and advocacy to overcome insurance barriers indicates a need for CNS to diversify its revenue streams to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
CID: 2624