Billboard showing effect of MS in upper extremity

Psychology and Multiple Sclerosis

The MS Psychology Consultation Services was founded in 2003 by Dr. Mary D. Hughes neurologist and former Director of the Augusta Multiple Sclerosis Center and Dr. Lara Stepleman, Associate Professor of Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior.

A Catalyst for Change
The attempted suicide of a young man was the catalyst for change in the way treatment was offered to patients with multiple sclerosis at the Medical College of Georgia. After this event, Dr. Hughes found Dr. Stepleman who had strong background in providing mental health services for persons with chronic illness. Through meetings with patients and families affected by MS, the two developed a program with a goal to remove barriers to emotional well-being in individuals with MS through convenient, collaborative, and compassionate psychological services during routine MS medical appointments. The program offers on-site availability of psychological services, focusing on helping persons with MS cope with the many stressors that come along naturally as part of having a chronic illness.

The objectives of the program are to:

  • Increased early detection of distress
  • Decreased transportation and mobility demands by having psychology services onsite and concurrent with medical appointments
  • Decreased stigma associated with mental health leading to greater utilization
  • Increased well-being resulting in greater compliance with MS medical regimen
  • Provide a more holistic approach to MS care using a comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment approach
  • Increased quality of life and daily functioning


    image showing the tripartite nature of the Augusta MS Clinic

    The objectives of the program are to:

  • Crisis Interventions
  • Psychological Consultation
  • Psychoeducation
  • Brief Individual and Family Therapy
  • Mental Health Screening
  • Cognitive Screening
  • Support Groups
  • Referral Services
  • Caregiver Education

    This very unique service has gathered national and international attention, and has been presented as a model at various MS conferences, such as the 22nd European Committee on the Treatment and Research of Multiple Sclerosis in Madrid, Spain.

    Revised July 13, 2009 .   Please send comments, suggestions or questions about this page to Neurology Web Page Manager: Michael Jensen, mjensen@mcg.edu .

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