Depression is an illness that affects a person’s body, moods and thoughts. It is nothing to be ashamed of and is not a sign of weakness. Depression is treatable, yet it often goes undiagnosed and untreated, resulting in months or years of suffering and disability that might have been avoided.
What is the Depression Screening program?
Senior Services offers a unique program to provide outreach and early intervention to vulnerable seniors who may suffer from depression. We provide services countywide to residents 60 or older who live in non-institutional settings. Program services include educational presentations, depression screening, follow-up consultation, referral, advocacy and short-term counseling support. All program services are free of charge.
We promote healthy aging and help prevent or reduce the effects of depression through:
Education
Our presentations focus on depression awareness, stress management, and principles of healthy aging. Topics include:
• Factors that may affect mood: Exercise, diet, light, sleep, and socialization
• Coping with loss
• Medication problems and solutions
• Working effectively with medical providers
• Reducing stress to improve health
• Tips for succeeding at lifestyle changes
• Identifying and accessing community resources
Screening
A geriatric mental health specialist provides no cost, confidential depression screening to Snohomish County seniors age 60 and older in their own homes.
Consultation
Participants receive information regarding treatment options, medication management, and lifestyle issues that may be contributing to depression.
Referral and advocacy
When consultation indicates a need for counseling, medical, or other supports, we offer appropriate referrals. When individuals have difficulty getting the help they need, we assist them in accessing available services and in obtaining quality care.
Counseling support
Available services may include free, short-term counseling follow-up, in-home or at our program office.
Please contact our program for information about:
Obtaining program services
Making client referrals
Scheduling an educational presentation for your group
Making a donation to our program
Contact Us
Senior Services
Geriatric Depression Screening
8225 44th Ave. W., Suite O
Mukilteo, WA 98275
Phone: 425.290.1260
800.422.2024
TTD: 425.347.7997
Fax: 425.290.5445
Get Answers online. E-mail us at seniorinfo@sssc.org
The emotional challenges and life transitions we face in growing older can be difficult. Loss of loved ones, health problems, retirement and many other age related changes can lead to depression, isolation and anxiety.
WHAT IS SENIOR PEER COUNSELING?
The Senior Peer Counseling Program offers confidential, no-cost counseling services to Snohomish County seniors, age 60 and older, who are experiencing problems that may be associated with aging. Volunteer peer counselors meet with individuals in their own homes on a weekly basis to offer support for such issues as:
• Caregiver stress
• Loss of loved ones
• Coping with chronic pain or illness
• Isolation from family or friends
• Other life changes or losses.
Senior Peer Counselors are volunteers, age 55 and older, who are screened, trained, and supervised to offer emotional support to individuals within their own communities. Our volunteers commit to maintaining client confidentiality and the highest ethical standards.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
• Assessment by a professional
• Free, confidential counseling
• Weekly in-home visits
• Emotional support
• Community resource information
• Support groups
WHAT WE DO NOT PROVIDE
• 24 hour emergency response
• Assessments for dementia
• Counseling for addictions or major mental illnesses
JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER TEAM TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE!
We are recruiting volunteers age 55 and older who would like to help Snohomish County seniors in need of emotional support.
Volunteers commit to volunteering 4 hours a week (including travel and supervision time) for a minimum of 6 months, within their own communities.
Forty (40) hours of training is required for all program volunteers. This training gives volunteers the tools they need to use their own life experiences to benefit others.
Training topics include:
• Aging and mental health issues
• Counseling and communication skills
• Principles of healthy aging
• Management of chronic illness or pain
• Community resources
Previous counseling experience is not necessary; we provide all of the training and supervision necessary to effectively help others.
Staff mental health specialists screen all clients in their homes and work with the volunteer in planning counseling sessions.
Volunteers enjoy the opportunity to:
• Learn new skills
• Make meaningful connections with other volunteers
• Contribute positively to the community and the lives of others
Volunteers agree to maintain client confidentiality and the highest ethical standards. Volunteers commit to compassion, sensitivity and tolerance in attitude and behavior toward program clients.
PLEASE CONTACT OUR PROGRAM FOR INFORMATION ABOUT
• Receiving support from a peer counselor
• Becoming a volunteer
• Next scheduled volunteer training
• Making a donation to our program
8225 44th Ave. W., Suite O
Mukilteo, WA 98275
425.290.1252, 800.422.2024
TTD 425.347.7997
Get answers online. E-mail us at seniorinfo@sssc.org
