What is the best Parkinson's clinic in the US? Your Guide to Top Care

September 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Affecting over one million Americans, Parkinson's disease requires specialized care, making the choice of a clinic crucial. What is the best Parkinson's clinic in the US? The answer depends on individual needs, but top centers offer advanced treatments and a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to managing the disease.

Quick Summary

Finding the right Parkinson's clinic depends on a patient's specific needs, location, and access to comprehensive, multidisciplinary care teams, often found at major academic medical centers designated by organizations like the Parkinson's Foundation.

Key Points

Personalized Search: The "best" clinic depends on your specific needs, location, and symptoms, not a one-size-fits-all ranking.
Foundation's Role: The Parkinson's Foundation's Centers of Excellence and Comprehensive Care Centers designations are authoritative starting points for finding high-quality, comprehensive care.
Multidisciplinary Care: Look for clinics with a team including movement disorder specialists, neurosurgeons, therapists (PT, OT, SLP), and social workers for holistic treatment.
Top Institutions: Renowned medical centers like the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Johns Hopkins are consistently recognized for their comprehensive Parkinson's programs.
Research and Clinical Trials: Many leading clinics are major research centers, offering access to cutting-edge treatments through ongoing clinical trials.
Comprehensive Services: A high-quality clinic will provide a full spectrum of services, including advanced therapies, rehabilitation, and support for non-motor symptoms.

Finding the Right Fit: Why “Best” is Personal

While a definitive, singular “best” Parkinson's clinic for all patients does not exist, several institutions are consistently recognized for their exceptional research, specialized care, and advanced treatments. The most effective clinic for an individual will depend on their specific medical needs, proximity, and access to a multidisciplinary team. Evaluating a clinic involves looking beyond general hospital rankings to focus on specialized movement disorder expertise and comprehensive services.

Beyond Rankings: Key Factors to Consider

Selecting a Parkinson's clinic requires careful consideration of several critical factors. The right choice can significantly impact the quality of life for a person living with Parkinson's.

Access to Specialized Expertise

Movement Disorder Specialists: Look for neurologists with fellowship training specifically in movement disorders. These specialists have dedicated their careers to managing complex cases of Parkinson's and are up-to-date on the latest research and therapies.
Multidisciplinary Team: The best care is collaborative. A comprehensive clinic should offer access to a range of specialists in one location, including neurosurgeons (for Deep Brain Stimulation - DBS), neuropsychologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. This team-based approach ensures all aspects of the disease, both motor and non-motor, are addressed.

Comprehensive Service Offerings

Advanced Treatment Options: A top clinic should provide a full spectrum of treatments, from standard medication management to more advanced therapies. This includes infusions (like carbidopa-levodopa intestinal gel), pump-based therapies, and access to surgical options like DBS.
Rehabilitation Services: High-quality physical, occupational, and speech therapy are vital for managing Parkinson's symptoms. Ensure the clinic has therapists trained specifically in Parkinson's-related techniques like LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD.

Research and Clinical Trials

Active Research Programs: Many leading clinics are also major research institutions, actively conducting clinical trials for new drugs and therapies. For patients interested in accessing cutting-edge treatments, participation in a clinical trial can be a significant benefit.

Leading Centers for Parkinson's Care

Several institutions are consistently recognized for their exceptional Parkinson's programs. These are often designated as Centers of Excellence by the Parkinson's Foundation, a rigorous process ensuring high standards of care, research, and outreach.

The Mayo Clinic

With campuses in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida, the Mayo Clinic is internationally renowned. Their comprehensive approach integrates patient care with research, offering a wide array of treatment options, including sophisticated DBS procedures and clinical trials. Their neurology department is consistently ranked among the best in the nation, providing highly coordinated, patient-centric care.

Cleveland Clinic

Located in Ohio, the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Neurological Restoration is another leader in Parkinson's care. It is a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence known for its multidisciplinary team approach, which includes experts in neurology, neurosurgery, neuropsychology, and rehabilitation. They also provide specialized therapies and access to clinical trials.

Johns Hopkins Medicine

Based in Baltimore, Maryland, the Johns Hopkins Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center is also a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence. The center offers comprehensive, compassionate care and is heavily involved in both groundbreaking research and the development of new therapies for movement disorders.

Other Notable Centers

NYU Langone Hospitals: A top-ranked hospital for neurology and neurosurgery, offering specialized care for Parkinson's in New York City.
UCLA Health: With its Ronald Reagan Medical Center in Los Angeles, this institution is recognized for its neurological care and strong movement disorders program.
Massachusetts General Hospital: In Boston, this hospital is a well-respected institution with extensive services for Parkinson's patients.

Comparison of Top Parkinson's Programs


Clinic Name	Notable Locations	Specializations	Key Highlights
Mayo Clinic	Rochester, MN; Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ; Jacksonville, FL	All stages of PD, advanced therapies, DBS	Integrated research and clinical care, personalized plans
Cleveland Clinic	Cleveland, OH; Weston, FL	Comprehensive multidisciplinary care, DBS, clinical trials	Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence
Johns Hopkins Medicine	Baltimore, MD	Advanced research, clinical trials, symptom management	Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence
NYU Langone Hospitals	New York, NY	Neurology and neurosurgery expertise, movement disorders	Highly ranked for neurological care, personalized treatment

The Parkinson's Foundation: A Guiding Resource

Before making a decision, utilizing the resources of the Parkinson's Foundation is highly recommended. The foundation provides a directory of its designated Centers of Excellence and Comprehensive Care Centers, which meet rigorous criteria for patient care, research, and professional training. These designations serve as a reliable indicator of quality and expertise.

For more information on accredited centers, visit the Parkinson's Foundation Global Care Network.

What to Expect at a Comprehensive Care Center

At a center of excellence, the patient experience is notably different from that of a general neurology practice. You can expect a holistic, team-based approach where motor symptoms are not the sole focus. Non-motor symptoms, including depression, cognitive changes, sleep issues, and gastrointestinal problems, are also addressed by the appropriate specialists. These centers also focus on empowering patients through education, support groups, and connecting them with resources for a better quality of life.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

Ultimately, the quest for the best Parkinson's clinic in the US culminates in an informed, personal decision. There is no single answer, but rather a set of excellent options that vary by location and specific needs. By focusing on clinics with movement disorder specialists, a multidisciplinary team, and affiliations with credible organizations like the Parkinson's Foundation, you can find a center that provides outstanding, comprehensive care. Taking the time to research and visit potential clinics will ensure you find the support and expertise needed to manage Parkinson's effectively and live your best life.

Frequently Asked Questions

A neurologist is a specialist in all diseases of the nervous system. A movement disorder specialist is a neurologist who has completed additional fellowship training specifically focused on diagnosing and treating conditions like Parkinson's disease, giving them a higher level of expertise.

The easiest way is to use the "Find Care" tool on the Parkinson's Foundation website. You can also contact their helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO for referrals and assistance in your search.

It depends on your insurance plan and the clinic's requirements. Many specialty clinics at major hospitals prefer or require a referral from your primary care physician or a general neurologist. It's best to check with both the clinic and your insurance provider beforehand.

A comprehensive clinic typically provides access to a multidisciplinary team, including movement disorder specialists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, and various therapists. They manage both motor and non-motor symptoms and offer advanced treatments and support resources.

While many top-tier clinics and academic medical centers are actively involved in research and clinical trials, not all of them offer trials for every patient. You should inquire directly with a clinic about their research programs and eligibility requirements for specific trials.

Most insurance plans cover treatment at specialized clinics, especially when a referral is obtained. However, coverage details, including co-pays and out-of-pocket costs, will vary by provider and plan. It is crucial to verify coverage with your insurance company.

In addition to motor symptoms, specialized clinics address non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, cognitive changes, sleep disturbances, constipation, and pain. They can connect you with the appropriate specialists for effective management.

Proximity is a key consideration, especially as frequent visits for therapy or check-ups may be necessary. For those living far from major centers, some specialists recommend receiving most care from a local, knowledgeable neurologist while traveling to a major center a few times a year for expert consultation.