Mobile Therapy for Seniors

There is no way around it. Growing old, whether you are caring for a parent or you are the parent yourself, often provides situations which are stressful and can be very emotional. Many seniors grew up during a time when they coped with difficult emotions by simply grinning and baring it. We now know that people can experience a lot of relief by seeking the help of trained therapists to listen, provide helpful insights, as well as help a client come to see solutions. I reached out to Silver Linings for Seniors, the primary mobile mental health provider in the region. Their Lead Therapist for the Fuquay Varina through Apex areas, Mayela Harris, LCSW, answered my questions.

We provide mental health counseling, which may address grief issues, anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, and more. We help clients problem solve, express themselves, create coping mechanisms, and more to improve their quality of life. With Silver Linings for Seniors, we see clients in their homes or senior living communities as well as in our office. We have a lot of flexibility with schedules and locations.

What is your background and/or training?

I have a BS in psychology from St. Lawrence University and an MS in social welfare from SUNY @ Albany, NY. I am also a Licensed Social Worker in two states, NC and NY. I also have experience in working with dysfunctional families and hospice work.

What value do you bring to your clients?

Opportunity to share feelings and concerns in a confidential and safe environment. I also provide evidence and support to address issues.

Are there credentials? If so, what kind of credentials should we look for when selecting a Therapist?

Yes, there are different credentials that a therapist can have. They can be an LPC, an LCSW, or a Psychologist. To be able to bill Medicare, a therapist must be an LCSW or have a Doctorate in Psychology.

What are the three most common reasons people contact you?

Adjustment issues, unresolved grief, and challenging family dynamics.

Tell me one story about how you have helped a client?

I worked with a client whose mother died of a terminal illness and was struggling to manage her grief and coping with loss. This client went from being afraid to even discuss the pain, anger, and grief she was experiencing to letting go of her pain and being able to share her feelings with other family and friends, and in turn, help them cope with their loss as well. In addition, as a result of freeing up some space that grief filled, she was more joyful and empowered to deal with other life stressors. There was a dramatic improvement in healthy coping skills, boundaries with others and overall quality of life.

How do I find a therapist if I don’t live in this region? Is there a database or association I should search?

Check with your health insurance provider, Psychology Today, and the National Association of Social Workers.

What can I expect to pay for these services?

Services may be covered by your insurance, including Medicare, so start with checking with your healthcare provider. For a private pay, there is a sliding scale fee schedule for those who have limited finances or it is $120 per session.

What are names of other individuals/agencies working in this region in this space?

There are several other mental health counseling companies in the area with different specialties and sizes. Be sure to find one that matches you. If you are specifically looking for a company that will come to your home, the only other option I know of is Doctor's Making House Calls.

Any additional advice?

Be sure to find a therapist that you connect with. Not every client is right for every therapist, and not every therapist is right with every client, so be sure you connect with your therapist, as that will improve your results.