Senior citizens are at higher risk of anxiety, depression, and loneliness as we emerge from the pandemic, said Jill Young, Chief Program Officer.
“The older population was more isolated during COVID and have unique and often-times unmet mental health challenges,” she said.
To assist seniors, Family & Children’s Services (FCS) is partnering with LIFE Senior Services and the Tulsa Housing Authority (THA) to provide mental health services for seniors in the communities where they live.
FCS will embed a therapist and case manager at LIFE Senior and THA locations.
“Our goal is to help seniors overcome barriers to mental health services, including lack of adequate transportation, social isolation, and for many, overcoming a generational stigma towards mental health,” Young said.
FCS will provide mental health services for seniors inside the administrative offices at housing complexes or in the home of seniors.
“We will work directly with staff at LIFE Senior and THA to provide more holistic services and provide easier access to mental health care for seniors.”
The initiative is part of the FCS transition as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Care Center (CCBHC).
