Support Services
If you have Parkinson's disease, you will likely need the support of Parkinson's specialists other than your doctor at times. These may include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, music and dance therapists, and counselors among others.
This list is provided as a resource to the local Parkinson's community only. We do not endorse any particular specialists.
Music Dance and Art
“Art and aesthetics can quite literally rewire your brain. They are a secret sauce that helps build new synaptic connections.”​
Ivy Ross & Susan Magsamen
Your Brain on Art
Orange County Tremble Clefs
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Music therapist, Karen Skipper leads this delightful and fun filled group as they "sing and explore the therapeutic values of music." The Tremble Clefs have online and in person classes.
RX Ballroom Dance
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Rx Ballroom Dance is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the healthy benefits of ballroom dancing to those struggling neurological functioning. Classes are free and are held throughout Orange County, San Diego and Riverside.
Painting for Parkinson's
Art classes are offered by Hoag in Irvine. No art experience needed. Classes are for people with Parkinson's only.
Rehab Services - PT/OT/Speech
Hoag Outpatient Rehab
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Hoag offers a variety of services including PT, OT, and Speech Therapy in Newport Beach and in Irvine. Hoag is also home to speech therapists certified by the Parkinson's Voice Project.
LSVT Big and Loud
Big and Loud classes are offered several places throughout the county including:
Dr. Patricia Brown Chapman University
MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center
Orange Coast Memorial offers speech, OT, PT. Several Speech Pathologists at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center are certified by the Parkinson's Voice Project. These classes meet at the Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley.
Call 714-378-5022 for more information.
Parkinson's Voice Project
The Parkinson's Voice Project is based in Texas but they certify Speech Language Pathologists throughout the country. To find a provider in your area, check here.
Parkinson's Wellness Program
Long Beach Memorial
The MemorialCare Rehabilitation Institute offers a free outdoor, in-person Parkinson’s Wellness Program for people who are having difficulty moving, speaking and thinking due to Parkinson’s Disease or Parkinson’s-like symptoms.
Rogue Physical Therapy
Dr. Claire McLean PT, DPT. NCS
Claire McLean is a PWR! certified instructor and specializes in treating those with Parkinson's. Rogue PT offers a variety of exercise classes, speech, cooking, and educational classes. All exercise classes are taught by physical therapists. In person classes are held in Fountain Valley. Rogue also offers a comprehensive virtual program called Rogue in Motion.
Cognitive and Mental Health Services
Brain Wellness Institute
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In partnership with the UCLA Longevity Center, the Brain Wellness Institute in Newport Beach holds individual and group therapy sessions designed to help those with mild age-related memory issues or mild cognitive impairment caused by Parkinson's and other conditions. This program is designed to help improve and maintain memory ability including attention, memory and recall.
Allison Lehrich, LCSW
Cognitive Care Solutions
Allison is a licensed clinical social worker, who has spent more than two decades assisting seniors and their families. Allyson excels at identifying the clinical aspects of senior cognitive states, as well as counseling seniors and their families regarding resulting emotional issues.
Julia Evans PhD Neuropsychologist
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Dr. Evans is a clinical psychologist specializing in neuropsychological evaluations, cognitive rehabilitation and psychotherapy.
Renee Marsh, MA, LMFT
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Renee Marsh is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She offers virtual counseling and also facilitates the South OC Parkinson's Care Partner Support Group. You can reach Renee at lorchrenee5@gmail.com.​
Timothy O'Brien PhD, Neuropsychologist
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Dr. O'Brien is a clinical psychologist specializing in Parkinson's and Movement Disorders.
O.C. Health Psychologists
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OC Health offers psychological and neuropsychological evaluations. Their focus is on mental wellness and integrative care for the body, mind and spirit.
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Allison Smith LMFT
OC Neuropain
Licensed marriage and family therapist, Allison Smith (aka: the Perky Parkie), has the unique perspective of living with Young Onset Parksinson's herself. Allison is part of the team at Dr. Martinez's office in Aliso Viejo.
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Darlene Mann MSW
Life Care Manager/Social Worker
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Darlene is a highly experienced master level social worker who has dedicated her professional career to working with older adults through the aging process. Expert in all facets of the aging process from healthy aging, issues of cognitive decline, complications of physical factors, diseases common in the senior population, to end of life decisions and the dying process. Trained in geriatric assessment to determine appropriate level of care needs.
Contact Darlene at djmannmsw@gmail.com.