Strengthening Support from the Inside Out: ALS United Greater New York Expands Mental Health & Wellness Program 

Living with ALS can present profound emotional and psychological challenges that require compassionate, specialized support. Thanks to the generous vision and leadership of Tom and Jill Pulley, we are proud to introduce two new signature initiatives under the Tom & Jill Pulley Mental Health & Wellness Program, designed to expand and strengthen the mental health resources available to our community. 

Individual Therapist Sessions – With the addition of Dr. Carmaletta Zandi and Kellie Branch-Dircks, LCSW, we now offer dedicated psychotherapy sessions tailored to individuals and families affected by ALS. These experienced clinicians understand the unique and evolving challenges of the disease, from processing a diagnosis and adapting to physical changes to navigating caregiver stress and planning for the future. If you are living with ALS or are a primary household caregiver and believe you would benefit from ongoing, short-term psychotherapy support, we encourage you to contact your ALS United regional care coordinator for more information. 

Patient and Family Grants for Mental Health – This newly launched program further expands access to specialized care. Beyond our direct counseling services, these supplemental grants provide financial assistance to ensure individuals and families can connect with providers who meet their specific needs. This may include therapists experienced in supporting children coping with a parent’s diagnosis, practitioners who speak different languages, or counselors trained in specific cultural contexts and family dynamics. By removing financial barriers, these grants ensure that every member of the ALS community can access the personalized therapeutic support that best fits their circumstances. 

For more information, contact your regional Care Coordinator or Grant Coordinator, Angelica Veras-Rivera at averasrivera@als-ny.org. 

We are deeply committed to caring for the whole person and the entire family, mind as well as body. If you would like to learn more about these services or request a mental health grant, please reach out to your regional care coordinator. Together, we are strengthening the support systems that help our community navigate ALS with resilience, dignity, and hope.