Psychosocial Support
Many people coping with a chronic health problem benefit from work with a therapist or counselor. When choosing a clinician some considerations include:
- Experience with Parkinson’s disease, chronic illness, or symptoms you are experiencing (e.g. depression or anxiety)
- Compatibility
- Geographical location
- Insurance
It is recommended that you work with your primary healthcare provider or neurologist to assist you in identifying an appropriate clinician. These professionals may have a counselor or therapist who works with them and offers outpatient therapy. You can check with them directly for referrals. In addition, the following resources may assist you in your search.
The APDA Information & Referral Center
800-651-8466 or 617-638-8466
apdama@apdaparkinson.org
Contact the I&R Center for a listing of support groups in your area. These groups are community-lead self-help groups for individuals and families impacted by Parkinson’s disease. For a complete list of support groups across the state, click here.
HelpPRO
HelpPRO
(781) 862-5215
HelpPRO’s Advanced Search feature can be tailored by a number of different factors including location, health insurance accepted, and specialization based on disability or concern. In particular, the drop down box next to “Has expertise with specific populations” includes a “Parkinson’s” option, as well as a “Chronic Illness” option.
Social Work Therapy Referral Line
Social Work Therapy Referral Line
617-720-2828 or 800-242-9794
info@therapymatcher.org
The Social Work Therapy Referral Service is a free, confidential telephone referral service. They provide professional, personalized counseling referrals matched for location, specialty and insurance or fee requirements.
Psychology Today
Psychology Today is a web site that covers a range topics related to mental health. The “Find a Therapist” tool allows visitors to conduct a zip code search and find a provider with special training or interest in the area of chronic pain or illness.
Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association
Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association
508-698-0010
The MaMHCA Referral Network Directory is designed to help consumers locate a Licensed Mental Health Counselor based on their individual counseling needs. The directory describes the education and training qualifications of Licensed Mental Health Counselors, and basic information for consumers about the counseling process.
Boston University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CARD)
Boston University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CARD)
Visit this site to request a phone screening
If you are a person with Parkinson’s under the age of 65, Boston University’s CARD program offers a treatment program for anxiety and depression.
Click here to see a flyer with more information.
Your Insurance Company
You can call the number on the back of your card listed for mental and behavioral health, ask them for providers in your area that are covered by your insurance and who may specialize in a particular area (i.e. chronic illness, neurological disorders, or specific symptoms such as anxiety or depression).