The fields of cognitive science and cognitive rehabilitation share a fundamental interest in the nature of cognition. Both groups address questions that are critical to our understanding of human thought. Researchers in basic cognitive science address these questions from a theoretical perspective. Clinicians in cognitive rehabilitation address them from an applied perspective for individuals with brain injuries. Collaborative efforts and cross-fertilization of theory and practice have been less than what might be expected given the underlying commonality of the two fields. Here, we explore the complex nature of the relationship between cognitive rehabilitation and cognitive science, discuss barriers to collaboration, and suggest ways of overcoming those barriers.