Parkinson's Disease Psychiatric Clinic
Director: Gregory Pontone, M.D.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please phone 410-955-5147
The Clinic offers psychiatric services to adults with Parkinson's disease (PD) and related disorders such as dementia with Lewy bodies, progressive supranuclear palsy, or multiple system atrophy. Disorders treated include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, dementia and milder cognitive impairment, psychosis, and other behavioral disturbances associated with these disorders, such as impulse control problems. Treatment of these problems includes both medications and non-medication strategies. Our goal in the care of patients is to minimize their disability and maximize their functioning.
Psychiatric problems, such as depression, anxiety, cognitive changes, and psychosis, increase the disability associated with the Parkinson's diesae. However, proper treatment of these conditions in patients with PD improves their functioning and the quality of life for patients and caregivers.
Clinic is held on Thursdays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Clinic offers psychiatric treatment to patients after discharge from a hospital, evaluates new patients for continued follow-up or second opinion, and provides ongoing psychiatric care. The Clinic is staffed by psychiatrists. Referrals are accepted from physicians. Self-referrals are welcome.
Location and Parking
The location is 600 N. Wolfe Street, Meyer Building, 2nd Floor, Suite 235 (Off of the main loop at McElderry and Wolfe).
Patients and visitors, please use the Wolfe Street entrance at the end of the traffic circle.
Directions
Patients should park at Orleans Street garage or use the Valet Parking Service at the main entrance to the hospital at 1800 Orleans Street. From the Orleans Garage, patients should take the garage elevator to the 4th floor to access the pedestrian bridge to the main hospital and an information desk where they can be directed to the Meyer building. There are wheelchairs available for use at the main entrance information desks.
Patients can also be dropped off at the lobby entrance at 600 North Wolfe Street, which is the Wolfe Street main loop (the corner of Wolfe and McElderry Streets prior to parking in the Orleans Garage.If a patient is being dropped off who requires assistance, it is advisable to bring an assistant to stay with the patient at the lobby entrance while the car is being parked in the Orleans Garage. There is an information desk at this entrance, too, as well as wheelchairs available and the Meyer Building is a short distance from this entrance.
Consultations
The Clinic also evaluates patients and families in a one-time consultation. Either patients or physicians can call to set up a consultation appointment. A consultation note and follow-up telephone call to the referring physician will be provided.
Patients undergoing evaluations to determine their eligibility for surgical treatments of Parkinson's disease, such as deep brain stimulation, are referred to the clinic for psychiatric assessment. Given the high rate of psychiatric disturbances in Parkinson’s disease, even after surgical treatments, this approach is used to ensure that all mental health concerns are addressed pre-operatively.
Cost of Outpatient Visits
Medicare, Medicaid and many other commercial insurance plans (EHP, USFHP with authorization, BC/BS Federal-standard) are accepted and often cover some of the cost for initial evaluation. Verification of all private insurance must be made prior to an appointment being scheduled. When applicable, patient co-payments are expected at the time of service. Information about insurance coverage and co-payments can be obtained by contacting Mary Anne Wylie, M.S., R.N., A.P.N. or Kate Hicks at 410-502-2981.
Inpatient Care
Psychiatric hospitalization of patients with Parkinson's disease and related disorders is sometimes necessary. The Clinic has a close affiliation with the Geriatric Psychiatry Unit and Memory and Neuropsychiatry Unit at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Both have extensive experience caring for patients with Parkinson's disease and related disorders.
Education and Outreach
The Parkinson’s and Related Disorders Clinic in the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry is one component of the comprehensive multidisciplinary clinical program offered to patients through the Johns Hopkins Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center, which has been designated a Center of Excellence by the National Parkinson's Foundation. The National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence supports The Johns Hopkins University Parkinson's Disease Community Outreach & Education Center, developed to address the specific needs of individuals with Parkinson's disease and related disorders as well as their families.
Research
The Clinic is closely affiliated with a comprehensive research program dedicated to achieving better understanding, recognition, and treatment of psychiatric and cognitive disturbances in individuals with Parkinson's disease and related disorders. There are a number of ongoing and planned research projects at Johns Hopkins for which patients and their families may be eligible. Participation in research is not required for treatment. To see PD research studies that are currently recruiting volunteers, click here.
Philanthropy
The Parkinson's and Related Disorders Clinc strives to maintain the Johns Hopkins philosophy of excellence in patient care, research and teaching. It is currently financed by revenues obtained from clinical work. If you are interested in supporting our goals to enhance patient care, research or educational activities and would like to make a contribution, please contact the clinic director, Gregory Pontone, M.D. at [email protected] or Karen K. Hussey, Director of Development for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at 410-955-8159 or [email protected].