Catholic Charities of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties

Catholic Charities of San Bernardino has teamed up with The County of Riverside Department of Mental Health in an effort to expand services and to address the needs of the elderly population in communities throughout Riverside County. Health officials are specifically concerned with targeting those elderly people who may be at risk of developing what is known as "Late Life Depression."

“We looked at the needs of seniors in the County and we realized there were gaps…there was no treatment or provision for the elderly when it came to issues of depression,” says David Fraser, Associate Director of Riverside County Counseling Programs and Services for Catholic Charities. “We are fortunate in that the California Mental Health Services Act of 2004 provides funding for Prevention and Early Intervention programs throughout the State, and the County of Riverside,” he added.

A fairly prevalent problem within the elderly population that has received little attention, the symptoms of late life depression often go unnoticed, typically masked by other symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and unexplained physical complaints. However, if left untreated, depression can have long-term consequences to one’s physical and mental health.

"Late Life Depression is not a normal part of the aging process, and has become a growing concern to public health professionals in the County" explained Ruth Dusenberry, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and the Program Supervisor for the Late Life Depression Program at Catholic Charities. “The good news is we offer the Program as a free service to seniors 60 years and over. They receive 20 free sessions,” she says, “and since we are focused on being compassionate and empathetic in our approach to treatment, we are very flexible…our patients can receive therapy in their home if they like, instead of in a clinical setting where they might fear being labeled or stigmatized.”

“The Late Life Depression Program is very pragmatic and hands-on. It is not merely a passive, psychoanalytical approach to treatment. The patient is engaged in interactive therapy that challenges him or her to regain control over his or her life, beginning with their thoughts and habits,’ says Fraser. When asked about the program’s effectiveness Dusenberry, who has over seven years of experience in Marriage and Family therapy said, “This flexible and interactive approach has proven to be very effective in helping our seniors, and yielded rather quick results.”

The Late Life Depression Program has been successfully implemented in various communities in Riverside County. Now the focus is on expanding this service to seniors living in the communities of Winchester, San Jacinto, Desert Hot Springs, Romoland, and North Palm Springs.

When asked about the program, Ken Sawa, CEO of Catholic Charities described it as a “Vital service for our seniors, and one Catholic Charities is proud to provide.” He added, “It is our continued mission to give people hope, to empower them and create positive change in their lives. We do this by providing aid and assistance wherever possible.“