Susan Labott, PhD;
Eric Prensky, PhD; Sarah Shelby, PhD
For more information
or to schedule an initial evaluation, please call: (312) 996-7746
The Health Psychology
Clinic provides clinical psychological services for adult patients and their families
who are dealing with medical diagnosis and treatment. The service is staffed by
professionals who have experience in the psychological issues associated with various
medical problems. Comprehensive care is provided through collaboration with the
patient's physician, or through consultation with other services in Psychiatry,
e.g., for psychotropic medications. Following an initial evaluation of biological,
psychological, and social factors, an individualized treatment plan is developed
to help the client cope with or adjust to the problems he/she is facing. Many of
our clients are struggling to manage stressful medical situations that are associated
with anxiety, depression, marital/family problems, end-of life issues, or difficult
lifestyle adjustments. Others may have difficulty complying with medical regimens,
or may need evaluations of competency to make treatment decisions. Our general treatment
approach is to follow a cognitive-behavioral perspective in which we collaborate
with patients to alter their behavior or their thinking to promote more adaptive
problem-solving strategies and emotional reactions. Research is also an integral
part of the Health Psychology Service. Ongoing projects include studies of the psychological
impacts of being a stem cell donor, understanding of informed consent in behavioral
research, and emotional and social factors in COPD.