Who we see 

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• Patients who are experiencing psychiatric symptoms or complications secondary to medical disorders or treatments such as endocrine disorders, neurological disease (ie. stroke, TBI, Parkinson's disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis), deep-brain stimulator surgery, HIV, transplant or cancer.
• Patients who may benefit from specialized psychopharmacological consultations such as medically complex or geriatric patients.
• Patients who are interested in participating in a 9-week psychoeducational and skill building group about coping with chronic medical illness or psychotherapy groups for COVID-19 survivors 
• Post-ICU and post-COVID patients experiencing associated mental health difficulties including the need for cognitive screening
• Patients who would benefit from brief psychotherapy to address challenges associated with medical disorders or treatments such as:
  • Coping with and adjusting to new medical diagnoses
  • Coping with progression or complication of pre-existing medical conditions
  • Traumatic injuries (burn, spinal cord injury, etc.)
  • Medical trauma as a result of treatment for medical conditions

Who would not benefit?

• Patients who will need long-term psychiatric care exceeding 1-6 medication sessions or brief psychotherapy 
• Patients seeking general psychiatric care
• Patients with high psychiatric case management needs or who require involuntary outpatient treatment
• Patients experiencing acute safety concerns that would be better served by emergency evaluation

 

Group Therapy Services 

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Post-COVID Therapy Process Groups 

These are ongoing and open process groups for patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19. There are two groups being offered right now:

1. Post-COVID ICU: This group is for patients who required ICU-level hospitalization for COVID-19 and would like to discuss their experiences and any subsequent psychological or psychiatric struggles and connect with others who have had COVID-19.
2. Post-COVID: This group is for patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and either required medical (but not ICU-level) hospitalization or who were not hospitalized. Patients would be appropriate for this group if they would like to connect with other COVID-19 survivors and process their experiences and any subsequent psychological or psychiatric challenges.

Who would not benefit?

• Patients experiencing acute safety concerns such as active suicidal or homicidal ideation
• Patients experiencing acute worsening of psychotic symptoms such as hearing voices or having disabling delusional thoughts
• Patients with significant traumatic brain injury (TBI) or developmental disorder
• Patients with significant ongoing substance use disorder(s) that impairs their functioning
• Patients who did not have a confirmed COVID-19 infection and/or subsequent COVID-19 long-haul symptoms
• Patients who do not have access to technology (camera and audio) to attend virtual groups appointments

Location/Time 

• Where: Virtual, patients will be given access to the virtual therapy room
• When: Alternating Thursdays from 10am - 11:30am

 

Coping with Illness Group 

This 9-week group aims to help people better manage and cope with chronic medical illnesses through:

• Practicing skills such as mindfulness and sleep hygiene
• Learning different ways to cope
• Exploring the ways your medical illnesses impact your emotions and the relationships with people around you
• Connecting with and receiving support from other people who struggle with chronic medical illnesses

Who would benefit?

• Patients who are experiencing distress and difficulty as a result of chronic medical illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, COPD/emphysema, headaches, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, lupus, arthritis, chronic pain, kidney disease and similar significant illnesses.

Who would not benefit?

• Patients experiencing acute safety concerns such as feeling very suicidal or being violent
• Patients experiencing acute worsening of psychotic symptoms such as hearing voices or having disabling delusional thoughts.
• Patients with significant traumatic brain injury (TBI) or developmental disorder
• Patients with a primary diagnosis of somatization, conversion, or Illness Anxiety Disorder without co-occurring medical diagnosis
• Patients with significant ongoing alcoholism or substance abuse that impairs their functioning.

Location/Time                  

• Virtual via secure telehealth connection on Tuesdays from 3:00 – 4:30 pm
• Commitment: Members must commit to attending 9 weekly group sessions in addition to weekly homework assignments

 

Thida M. Thant, MD

Medical Director, Psychiatric Consultation for the Medically Complex Program/Psychiatrist

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Holly Gerber, PhD

 

Psychologist, Psychiatric Consultation for the Medically Complex Program

CU Bio

 

 

 

 

 

The CU Anschutz PCMC Program accepts many insurance plans, including Medicare and most Medicaid RAE's.  Please call your insurance plan to verify our providers are in your insurance network. Ask about copays, deductible, and coinsurance so you are aware of what your out-of-pocket responsibility will be.