Chronic Illness Therapy

Chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, obesity, and alcoholism, are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all heath problems in the U.S.  As a nation, 75% of our health care dollars goes to treatment of chronic diseases.   Most of these diseases are caused or maintained by a mixture of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle/behavioral inputs.  

Dealing with chronic illness is never easy or fun.  Psychological consultation is often very valuable.  Contributions of the chronic illness psychologist include: (a) education about the disease's cause, course, and treatment; (b) assistance in adopting behaviors which minimize the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease, and (c) assistance in adjusting emotionally to the reality of permanently impaired health and functioning.