Therapist Recommendations??

[ash2012]

Hi all,

My dad has ALS (was diagnosed officially in October 2019), and he has shown interest in talk therapy with a psychologist/psychiatrist who has expertise/experience working with patients who have terminal illnesses. His ALS clinic team told him that there isn't anyone in our area with this credential that he could see in person, but I'm wondering if there are other professionals he could speak to via video chat instead? Any and all therapist recommendations/resources would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
ASH

 

[Nikki J]

I don’t know of anyone. I wonder though whether it might be worth asking in the cancer center and support organizations? Although many cancers are cured now there are still people who are known terminal. Another resource might be palliative care? My clinic has a neuro palliative care physician. It is an innovative program and she did fellowships in both areas so you are unlikely to find anyone there but still a palliative care specialist might be an option. It seems like there must be someone around who deals with terminal illness as it is a need everywhere

 

[KimT]

I was lucky in that I knew a friend who taught Death & Dying at the college. He was a clinical psychologist for his full-time job. He was willing to do therapy sessions in person or with my iPad. Since I lived alone I chose Face time on my iPad for most of the sessions. He was also director of Genesis Counseling Center which was affiliated with a Methodist church. I first went to him shortly after I got married for counseling so I knew he was the right fit for me.

One resource would be to call a local psychiatrist and ask for a recommendation. They are usually aware of counselors and their areas of expertise as many of their patients are referred there.

 

[lgelb]

If you go to the APA locator, you can use zip or city and select a specialty like "chronic illness." When you click on the names it brings up, you can read their bios. Often they will state hospice or other applicable experience.

 

[ash2012]

Thank you for these suggestions, Nikki! I'll try these routes and see what I can find.

 

[ash2012]

How wonderful to already have that person close to you, Kim. I'll reach out to local psychologists' office near my parents and see if they have any suggestions. Thank you!

 

[ash2012]

Oh great, thank you for sharing that link. I'll try that as well.