Alzheimer’s disease, like many chronic illnesses, will affect you both physically and mentally. It is important to realize that you are not alone. If you feel you need help coping, you should consider seeking counseling.
The decision to seek counseling is an important step. Too often, people don't get help because they feel guilt, shame, or embarrassment. By deciding to get help, you have made a choice to feel better and to improve your life. Counseling services should be chosen with care to meet your needs. Working with a trained mental health care provider, you can develop the right treatment plan.
Where do I start?
First, you will receive an "assessment," a review of your mental health. The assessment is done by a person trained in mental health care. These specialists include family therapists, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other professionals. (Your health care provider can refer you to a mental health care professional.)
The assessment is used to diagnose the problem and determine the best treatment. You will be asked to describe why you want counseling, any symptoms you have (emotional, mental, and physical) and your medical history. You may be given a question-and-answer survey.
What happens after the assessment?
Once you complete the assessment, a treatment plan can be chosen. At this time, you and your counselor can discuss:
- The best type of counseling
- The best setting for counseling (counselor's office, outpatient clinic, hospital, residential treatment center)
- Who will be included in your treatment (you alone, family members, others with similar problems)
- How often you should go to counseling
- How long counseling may last
- Any medications that may be needed
What are the types of counseling?
The following list briefly describes common types of counseling. These can be used together or alone, depending on the treatment plan.
- Crisis intervention counseling — In cases of emergency (such as initial despair over diagnosis), the counselor will help you get through the crisis and refer you to further counseling or medical care, if needed. These services are provided by community health agencies, helplines, and hotlines.
- Individual counseling — The person meets one-on-one with the counselor. Counseling often takes place in the privacy of the counselor's office. This type of counseling works well when problems come mainly from you and your thinking patterns and behaviors. Also, some problems are very personal and difficult to confront with others present. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, or grief in dealing with your Alzheimer’s disease, this type of counseling may be appropriate.
- Family therapy — A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can affect the entire family. If you are the primary provider in the home, there can be financial strain. If you are a homemaker, there may need to be adjustments in the distribution of chores. These everyday strains, combined with the emotional effects of dealing with a chronic illness, can have an enormous impact on the family dynamic. Family therapy can help family members resolve issues with each other. It can also help them adopt ways to help another family member cope better. Family members can learn how actions and ways of communicating can worsen problems. With help, new and improved ways of communicating can be explored and practiced.
- Group therapy — In group therapy, people join in a group and discuss their problems together. The session is guided by a counselor. Members in the group often share the same problem, but not always. The group session provides a place where people can confide with others who understand their struggles. They also can learn how they see themselves and how they are seen by others. Members gain strength in knowing that they are not alone with their problems. Group therapy is useful for a variety of problems.
- Long-term, residential treatment — The person receiving therapy lives at a treatment center. The length of stay can vary, depending on the treatment program and progress of therapy. A program can last more than a year or just a week or two. Settings include hospitals, home-like structures, and clinics. The person focuses mainly on his or her problem and on getting well. Other activities, such as work, school, family, and hobbies, take a back seat to treatment. In most programs, the person receives counseling daily and participates in regular group therapy. Additional counseling after residential treatment has ended may be needed.
- Self-help and support groups — These include a network of people with similar problems. These groups usually meet regularly without a therapist or counselor. There are self-help groups for those coping with Alzheimer’s disease.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 5/20/2003
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