Older Adult Mental Health Program

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

Using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, New Hanover County created a Licensed Clinical Therapy Program for older adults aged 55+ to ensure access to mental health counselors through the county's Senior Resource Center. The well-being and mental health of older adults suffered during the pandemic only exacerbated issues of social isolation, anxiety, grief, and depression from stress of the unknown. The health impacts of the pandemic highlighted the need for services, and it continues today as mental health needs are more prevalent than ever. Older adults in New Hanover County now have access to free mental health services providing them with therapeutic services that improve their ability to manage their mental health symptoms, increase their social emotional wellbeing and overall success within our community. Providing older adults with access to mental health services will ultimately lead to resiliency, improved quality of life, and improved health of our community's older adults.