Telehealth Psychotherapy for Depression in Parkinson's Disease

The investigators plan to conduct a randomized control trial with 12 participants. Six (PD-early) will receive three assessments: baseline, immediately post-treatment (post1), and 6 weeks after treatment (post2). The other six (PD-waitlist) will have an additional assessment (Baseline 2; 12 weeks after Baseline 1) to examine practice effects before beginning treatment, and then will have the post1 and post2 assessments (four assessments).

Inclusion criteria

• Idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD), any subtype
• Depression
• Internet access and a webcam
• For psychotropic and dopaminergic medications, participants may enroll only if they are stable for at least 6 weeks and 2 weeks, respectively, before beginning the study
• The investigators will enroll only depressed individuals with PD who are not already receiving or are willing to stop other ongoing psychotherapy before beginning this treatment study

Exclusion criteria

• Serious chronic medical or neurological illness, other than PD
• History of traumatic brain injury
• Mental retardation
• Current or recent (past 90 days) history of substance abuse or drug dependence, with the exception of nicotine, marijuana, and caffeine
• Active suicidal or homicidal ideation or intent
• Dementia
• Current DSM-5 diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or substance/medication-induced disorder
• Previous experience with an adequate trial of cognitive-behavioral therapy (8 sessions within the past 5 years
• Concurrent psychosocial treatment (i.e., therapy) focused on depression, anxiety, or other related disorders, or are not willing to refrain from initiating additional therapy during the study
• Concurrent psychotropic medications if not stabilized or not willing to maintain a stable dosage of psychotropic medications, such as medications for depression or anxiety, during study participation