AbleTo Announces Behavioral Health Programs for Parkinson's Disease Patients and Their Caregivers
Depression affects nearly 50 percent of patients with Parkinson's disease sometime during their illness
Apr 11, 2017, 10:07 ET
NEW YORK, April 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AbleTo, Inc., the leading technology-enabled provider of behavioral health treatment proven to improve patient outcomes, increase access, and lower healthcare costs, announced today two additional treatment programs to address the unique behavioral health challenges faced by patients with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers. These programs are customized to treat the depression, anxiety, apathy, and sleep disturbances commonly experienced by individuals suffering from Parkinson's disease, utilizing AbleTo's proven care delivery model that integrates human care providers and digital capabilities in a structured, evidenced-based treatment offering.
The 8-week Parkinson's disease program will be available in the summer of 2017. Individuals interested in learning more about the program can contact [email protected]
Effects of Depression on Parkinson's Disease Patients and their Caregivers
The National Parkinson Foundation estimates that at least 50 percent of those diagnosed with Parkinson's disease will experience some form of depression during their illness. Research published by the American Psychological Association found that depression has been linked to significant decreases in quality of life, greater impairment in completing activities of daily living, more rapid physical and cognitive decline, increased need for treatment of motor symptoms, greater disability, and increased caregiver burden.
AbleTo's 8-week program was developed using evidence-based Parkinson's disease research and informed by clinical experts, incorporating a multi-disciplinary approach with emphasis on treatment, education, and advocacy. The program utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, acceptance-based approaches, and narrative techniques to meet the unique needs of individuals struggling with Parkinson's disease.
AbleTo Chief Clinical Officer, Aimee Peters, said, "People who suffer from a chronic illness, including Parkinson's disease, are especially vulnerable to the ill effects of depression and anxiety. AbleTo carefully designed these new programs to reflect the unique experience of those with Parkinson's disease and to allow our therapists and coaches to tailor their approach accordingly."
"Best practice research in Parkinson's disease treatment underscores the importance of caring for both patients and their caregivers," Ms. Peters added. "AbleTo's new Parkinson's disease program includes therapy and coaching sessions that integrates the needs of patients and their caregivers, but can also serves the needs of caregivers alone."
Connecting Emotional and Physical Health
AbleTo Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Reena Pande, said, "As a practicing physician, I witness first-hand how often my patients' emotional health impacts medical health and impedes medical recovery. Strong emotional and physical health go hand-in-hand. More than 40 million U.S. adults experience mental health issues every year. Many more go undiagnosed, and less than half of those with mental health conditions receive the care they need and deserve."
"For people who suffer from Parkinson's disease, for whom traveling to a clinic can itself be challenging due to physical limitations, the use of technology can dramatically increase access to sorely needed behavioral health care," Dr. Pande added. "And for their caregivers, behavioral support can have an immeasurable influence on quality of life."
About AbleTo, Inc.
AbleTo, Inc. is a technology-enabled provider of behavioral health care. AbleTo has been treating patients for over five years, and improves patient outcomes and lowers costs by providing treatment that integrates behavioral and medical health care. AbleTo's structured therapy programs strengthen medical recovery and self-care among members with chronic or complex clinical needs. AbleTo analytics, coupled with our highly-trained engagement team, identify members with unmet, often undiagnosed, behavioral health needs. A proprietary communications platform connects individuals and their care teams with AbleTo licensed providers who deliver weekly sessions by phone or video. AbleTo programs are clinically proven to improve both behavioral health and medical outcomes while lowering overall spending for high-cost, high-risk members. AbleTo's investors include .406 Ventures, BlueCross BlueShield Venture Partners/Sandbox Industries and HLM Venture Partners.
AbleTo is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more professional services entities, including AbleTo Behavioral Health Services, P.C., that are managed by or affiliated with AbleTo Inc., a management company.
Media Inquiries
John D. Pelle
1-718-578-8275
[email protected]
SOURCE AbleTo, Inc.