Young Onset Dementia: The Role of Therapists

Counselors can be a significant support for diagnosis and treatment of young onset dementia. If counselors can more easily recognize the possibility of dementia, referrals can be facilitated for diagnosis and care. As dementia progresses, treating professionals can also support young onset dementia clients with increasing coping skills, maintaining independence, and improving quality of life. This workshop is designed to support the treating professional by examining the specific practice logistics (confidentiality, documentation, payment, coordination of care, family work, office policies/procedures, etc.) required for supporting dementia clients and their families long term.

• Describe the supportive and consultative resources available to therapists, people living with dementia and their care partners.
• Create strategies to support practice management (e.g. paperwork, documentation and payment considerations, coordination of care, family work, office policies/procedures) when working with individuals living with young onset dementia and care partners.
• Develop a therapeutic approach for supporting individuals with dementia and care partners to live more fully long-term.

Pamela Corsentino, LPC, and Laura Jalbert, LCSW