Seniors Mental Health Outreach Program

Specialized services for seniors provided by Registered Mental Health Professionals

We’re partnering with community senior living providers* like you to improve the lives of older adults and their families by offering therapeutic services that align with the goal of healthy ageing.

* long-term care homes, independent support living, assisted living residences

As people age, they face many challenges and different sources of stress. They typically aren’t as strong and independent as they used to be; they’re more prone to illness and disease; and retirement from a full and engaging career can lead to loneliness and isolation. These are the normal challenges of aging that we will all experience. The services we offer ensure that no one has to face these challenges alone.

Onsite Individual Counselling

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING
FORMAT: IN-PERSON / ONSITE

Online Individual Counselling

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING
FORMAT: ONLINE

Onsite Group Therapy

REMINISCENCE GROUP THERAPY
FORMAT: IN-PERSON / ONSITE

What is the need?

People 65 and older make up about 20 per cent of Canada’s population (and growing). But the data on risk level or how many are experiencing mental health concerns is lacking.*

What we do know is that according to the World Health Organization, the mental health of seniors is often overlooked and that complicates the prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment and management of mental health disorders.

*MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION OF CANADA

1 in 3

of those 65 and older experience some type of mental health disorder (anxiety, depression, dementia)

1 in 4

older adults say they have a need for mental health care

2/3rds

of seniors do not get treatment for their mental health due to a ‘treatment gap’ to receive services

Why choose this program?

Our Seniors Mental Health Outreach Program was specifically designed to address one of the most prevalent challenges facing our community: older adults are facing barriers and gaps in care that limit their ability to achieve the best mental health and care outcomes.

We address the current senior ‘care gaps’ that exist.

There are three barrier types that inhibit Canadians from accessing mental health services that our program addresses:

Structural barriers which can include race, gender, culture, socioeconomic status, and / or geographical location.

Personal barriers which can include societal and / or cultural stigmas or personal beliefs about mental health and illness.

Practitioner barriers which can include a lack of culturally competent, therapeutic services that address the specific challenges of older Canadians.

We make it easier for seniors to heal the way they want.

Our program is designed to deliver services that are person-centred which includes:

  • A choice of onsite or online counselling sessions for those with physical concerns that make it difficult to get to appointments

  • Onsite, group therapy to address loneliness and other symptoms associated with aging

  • Reduced session rates for those with financial hardship*

We align our work with the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing.*

Our program is designed to enable and empower seniors to live productive and dignified lives.

  • Building supportive, social connections

  • Learning how to accept assistance from others

  • The ability to process the realities of aging

  • Addressing unresolved issues from the past

  • The opportunity to improve their overall mental health and quality of life

We have the expertise to address the unique needs of seniors.

Our program is designed with evidence-based strategies to respond to our aging population.

  • Coordinating between different health and social care providers to bring greater access to resources, tools, and therapeutic services

  • Addressing ageism and dispelling the stigma(s) surrounding mental health that prevent Canadians from getting support

Instead of living day-to-day, we want our older Canadians to live life to the fullest.

Every member of our Senior Mental Health Outreach Program team has their own specialties and experience that address the unique challenges that come along with navigating this normal life transition.

We believe mental health and overall wellness is about having a sense of control in life, so that when confronted by things that negatively impact us, we have both the choice and the ability to manage how we will respond to life’s changes. Our goal is to empower those we work with so they can cope in a positive and healthy way.

OUR SUBJECT AREAS

  • Advanced Care Planning

  • Anxiety / Stress Management

  • Chronic Pain

  • Depression / Coping Skills / Mood Disorders

  • Family Dynamics / Family Violence

  • Interpersonal Issues

  • Life Transitions

  • Trauma

  • Acute mental health issues such as abuse, addictions and suicide

OUR THERAPY STYLES

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

  • Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Motivational Interviewing

  • Reminiscence Therapy

  • Solution-Focused Therapy

  • Trauma Informed Therapy

Let’s connect.

The therapeutic services we provide address the unique challenges, phases and stages of life, and the programs we offer address the most prevalent challenges facing our communities.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR PARTNERS like you to bring these services to those who need them most.

Let’s talk about how we can do that… together.

Adrianna Zabel, COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER

Adrianna Zabel, COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER