Mental Health Services for Older Adults
Therapy, medication management, and thoughtful care guidance.
Centered on what matters most to you, supporting your well-being at every stage of life.
Available in-person at my office in Stamford, CT, online and in your home.
This is supposed to be a time to enjoy your life, but no one prepares you for the emotional and physical complexities that can accompany aging.
I provide mental health support for older adults who…
Feel sad or down, often tired, and find daily tasks have become more difficult
Are worried, feel jittery, fearful or unhappy about aspects of their current life, and apprehensive about their future
Are grieving the loss of a spouse, other family member or friend, and are unsure how to navigate life with this painful absence
Value their independence and seek help to remain self-reliant and safe, even with mobility or health limitations
Are concerned about memory changes or forgetfulness, want to understand what's happening, and learn effective ways to address these issues
Feel isolated, forgotten or misunderstood by friends or family, want help finding new ways to manage loneliness and reconnect with others
Are worn down by health concerns, frequent doctors' visits or taking multiple medications. They need support to figure out how to stay well, communicate effectively with their providers, and actually feel better
Have family members or friends who need guidance about how to best help them. They may be concerned about their loved one’s isolation, management of daily tasks, low mood or medical issues. They want help to clarify what's causing these challenges, to be able to offer sensitive assistance
My approach
The care you need from the comfort of home.
In addition to in-person at my office and telehealth appointments,
I provide home visits for therapy and medication evaluation to older adults in Connecticut. You can learn more about my specific approach to therapy by clicking HERE, and my approach to prescribing medication by clicking HERE.
By meeting at home, I can assess your overall well-being in the context of your own living environment. We will discuss the issues that concern you and what you would like to change. I value understanding your routines, your network of friends, family and healthcare providers and your medical history. I will talk with you about any limitations you may have as well as your strengths, your diet, your sleep patterns, and what brings you greatest happiness. My goal is to work with you individually and, as needed, as an advocate for you with your healthcare team. With your permission, family members are welcome to join appointments to be able to share their insights, questions and suggestions. After understanding your unique circumstances, I will provide guidance to support your optimal mental and emotional health, always prioritizing your comfort, safety, dignity and personal wishes.
Specialized mental health support for Older Adults can help you…
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Therapy can offer a space where you feel heard, understood, and accepted. By exploring your strengths and focusing on what you’re able to do, you can regain motivation to take steps on your own behalf, including connecting with others and exploring new opportunities to enrich your life. Even time by yourself can become more gratifying with the help of carefully-attuned therapeutic support.
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To help you thrive with vitality and be as independent as possible, my care focuses on nurturing your well-being across the spectrum of your life. Mental health support can enrich your motivation to be more active, to learn to truly relax, to be able to sleep better, and to find personally meaningful ways to experience contentment and enjoyment. As your therapist, I offer guidance in wise and practical self-care, which can reap amazing benefits in how you feel, no matter your age. I am also able to share resources, as needed, for additional services.
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Therapy can provide a caring, professional partnership through the challenges that can accompany this important stage of life—such as loss, complex family relationships, and uncertainty about the future. Together, we will identify new ways to manage the adjustments you may be facing, with the goal of helping you feel more comfortable and secure in your daily life, while enabling you to experience fulfillment - and JOY!
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Strengthening relationships with family and friends can bring you a renewed sense of belonging. You may feel others don't really understand what you are going through, dismiss your ideas, or get frustrated with you. We can work on improving the bonds that matter to you—whether that means finding ways to feel more respected and heard, or learning to express your needs for autonomy or for companionship.
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As an experienced LCSW, Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner, I take a "whole health" perspective in assessing how you feel and function. I pay attention to all dimensions of you - your outlook and emotional life, each medication you're taking and why, your family and friends, your favorite pastimes and practical aspects of your home base. I will collaborate with your care team to provide coordinated services that support your full health and comfort. And I will be available to help you if or when things may change.
CORE TENETS OF MY PRACTICE
Seeking help at every age is a powerful choice that reflects courage and self-awareness.
The potential to experience contentment and peace of mind is within reach at every stage of life.
FAQs
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I help older adults manage depression, anxiety, cope with health issues, address loneliness, and improve relationships with family and friends. I also provide support and guidance around concerns regarding memory and other age-related changes. I prioritize helping older adults remain as safely independent as possible, while retaining satisfaction and enjoyment in their lives.
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Yes, I am a strong advocate of interprofessional collaboration. I will work with your care team across disciplines to help you obtain coordinated and well-rounded support for your emotional and physical well-being. Respect for each provider's expertise and role in your health care is a key aspect of my practice. My background across three specializations - therapy, psychiatry and primary care - helps me form positive connections with a wide range of health care professionals and services.
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Yes, I do make home visits for older adults who live in Connecticut, when it’s helpful or necessary. I am also able to meet with them in their residences within “senior communities,” hospitals and nursing facilities. This can provide extra comfort and convenience for those who prefer for me to come to them.
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Absolutely. As a caregiver to an older adult, or overseer of care, you have a great deal on your plate. My background includes work with older adults residing at home, in skilled nursing facilities, senior residences, geriatric day programs, and in hospice care. I understand that the needs of older adults can be complex, but they can be successfully addressed to support true quality of life, respecting dignity and personal wishes. I’m available to discuss your concerns and how you can be involved in enhancing emotional wellness, physical health, and daily functioning for your loved one. Please reach out for a no-fee phone consultation to begin exploring how we might work together.
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If you have ever had a FaceTime call, you already are familiar with the experience of an online appointment. I use a HIPAA compliant online platform for telehealth appointments; this is quite easy to access from a cell phone, laptop or desktop computer. I work with individuals to help them establish online meetings with me. Sometimes, a family member or friend assists with set up. I recommend we try online appointments a few times to see if you are comfortable with this modality. If you prefer not, or find telehealth unsatisfactory for any reason, we can meet in my Stamford, CT office and/or I can come to your home at whatever frequency seems helpful.