#United States #New York #Parkinson's Disease #American Parkinson Disease Association #Mental Health Training

New Training Course from APDA for Mental Health Professionals

The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is set to unveil a comprehensive, free five-part training program aimed specifically at mental health professionals who support individuals and families living with Parkinson's disease (PD). This initiative, titled "Bridging Mental Health and Parkinson's Care," seeks to enhance practitioners' understanding of the emotional and mental challenges faced by those affected by PD, as well as their caregivers.

Course Details

The course will be structured over the course of five months, with sessions launching from July 22, 2026, to November 18, 2026. Each session will offer participants a chance to earn Continuing Education (CE) credits, ensuring that mental health practitioners gain valuable insights relevant to their practice.

Session Breakdown

1. Understanding PD: A Foundation for Mental Health Practitioners
Available from: July 22, 2026
Presented by: Dr. Melita Petrossian, Director of the Pacific Movement Disorders Center
This session will cover essential knowledge about PD, including its symptoms, progression, and the impact on mental health, setting a foundational understanding for participants.

2. Mental Health and PD
Available from: August 26, 2026
Presented by: Gloria Lebeaux, LCSW
Focusing on the mental health struggles often associated with PD, this session will provide strategies for addressing conditions such as depression and anxiety among patients.

3. Supporting Family Caregivers
Available from: September 23, 2026
Presented by: Sheila Moore, MSG, LCSW, and Maureen Feldman, MA
This session will explore the psychological challenges faced by caregivers, offering resilience-building strategies and effective support systems.

4. Age and Cultural Considerations in PD Mental Health Care
Available from: October 28, 2026
Presented by: Dr. Natalie Diaz
Participants will learn how age and cultural backgrounds influence the mental health needs of PD patients and methods for providing culturally responsive care.

5. Addressing Grief and Loss
Available from: November 18, 2026
Presented by: Lori Nisson, LCSW
This session dives into the concepts of anticipatory grief and loss, focusing on ways to enhance the quality of life for patients and their caregivers.

Dr. Rosa Peña, Senior Vice President of Programs & Services at APDA, emphasizes the significance of addressing the mental and emotional facets of Parkinson's disease: "The mental and emotional aspects of Parkinson's are often overshadowed by physical symptoms, even though they can have a profound impact on daily life. By creating this course specifically for mental health practitioners, APDA is ensuring that professionals are equipped with the insights necessary to provide meaningful support to people with PD and their caregivers."

Additional Training Resources

This new training course complements APDA's existing professional training offerings, which include:

• - Parkinson's Disease Training for Fitness Professionals: Focused on developing safe and effective exercise regimens for individuals with PD.
• - Parkinson's Disease Awareness for First Responders: Train emergency personnel to recognize and respond appropriately to the symptoms of PD.
• - Taking Care of the Person with Advanced Parkinson's: Aimed at caregivers to help them better understand and manage the complexities of advanced PD.

All courses are web-based, accessible at no cost, and can be completed at the individual pace of participants.

APDA is committed to providing a plethora of resources, education, and support to everyone affected by Parkinson's disease. For further information, visit www.apdaparkinson.org, contact them via email at [email protected], or call 800-223-2732.

About APDA

Founded in 1961, the American Parkinson Disease Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by Parkinson's disease. The association focuses on advocacy, education, and research while striving for a future without PD. With a robust network throughout the United States, APDA has invested over $338 million in research and support for the Parkinson's community.