Psychology and Multiple Sclerosis
A Catalyst for Change
For patients and families affected by MS, we have developed a program with a goal to remove barriers to emotional well-being in individuals with MS through convenient, collaborative, and compassionate psychological services during routine MS medical appointments. The program offers on-site availability of psychological services, focusing on helping persons with MS cope with the many stressors that come along naturally as part of having a chronic illness.
The objectives of the program are to:
- Improve early detection of distress
- Decrease transportation and mobility demands by having psychology services onsite and concurrent with medical appointments
- Decrease stigma associated with mental health leading to greater utilization
- Increase well-being resulting in greater compliance with MS medical regimen
- Provide a more holistic approach to MS care using a comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment approach
- Improve quality of life and daily functioning
- Crisis Interventions
- Psychological Consultation
- Psychoeducation
- Brief Individual and Family Therapy
- Mental Health Screening
- Cognitive Screening
- Support Groups
- Referral Services
- Caregiver Education
This very unique service has gathered national and international attention, and has been presented as a model at various MS conferences, such as the 22nd European Committee on the Treatment and Research of Multiple Sclerosis in Madrid, Spain.