Sarah Haupenthal

Dr Sarah Haupenthal is a Psychological Psychotherapist at the University Medical Centre in Mainz, Germany, where she works in close collaboration with the team at Villa Metabolica. Her expertise lies in providing essential psychological and psychosocial support to patients and families affected by rare genetic and metabolic diseases. Dr Haupenthal's work addresses a critical, yet often overlooked, component of managing these chronic conditions: the emotional and mental health challenges faced by individuals and their families.

With a strong foundation in clinical psychology, Dr Haupenthal provides specialised therapy and counselling to help patients cope with the emotional burdens of their disease, including feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. She also works with families, helping them navigate the complexities of caring for a child with a rare disease, managing sibling relationships, and fostering resilience. Her approach is tailored to the unique needs of this patient population, recognising that a diagnosis of a rare disease impacts every aspect of a person's and a family's life.

Dr Haupenthal's research and clinical interests focus on identifying and addressing the psychological symptoms associated with specific metabolic disorders, such as Alpha-Mannosidosis. She aims to shed light on how the disease itself, in addition to the social and medical challenges, can affect cognitive and emotional well-being. By integrating psychological care directly into a multidisciplinary clinical setting, she ensures that mental health support is a standard part of patient management.