A Multidisciplinary Approach to Parkinson’s Disease: The Role of Mental Health Professionals

There is a great need for mental health professionals to whom referrals can be made to provide assessments and care for patients, caregivers, and families affected by Parkinson’s Disease. This intermediate level course was developed by the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego in collaboration with Zur Institute in an effort to train mental health professionals on the behavioral and mental health needs and best practices for working with this population.

Parkinson’s Disease is a complex degenerative neurological disease which requires a multidisciplinary approach to treatment and for which there is no cure. This course consists of engaging video interviews with members of a team of specialists – a neurologist, a nurse practitioner, a neuropsychologist, a clinical psychologist, and a social worker. They provide a broad base of information about the motor and non-motor symptoms of the disease, an overview of contemporary thought about etiology, and differential diagnoses. In addition, they describe cognitive decline and other associated neurological conditions that impact mental health treatment. Next, they address multidisciplinary needs, such as financial challenges, exercise, and social resources, that affect the entire family. Finally, they provide specific guidance on conducting mental health sessions with clients and their care partners and families. Additional information from the American Parkinson’s Disease Association’s website is included to highlight specific areas of mental health that therapists commonly address across the course of the illness. Note that the $150 fee for the course includes a $100 donation to the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego. In the additional resources are tips on how to obtain referrals through local Parkinson’s Association’s referral system as well as other sources.