A Bay Area aging center is expanding free counseling services as more older adults receive mental health diagnoses. The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas wants residents 60 and older to know they can access no-cost support from licensed professionals.
The program offers screenings, assessments, and both in-person and virtual counseling sessions. Fair Health reports a 57.4% rise in mental health diagnoses among adults 65 and older from 2019 to 2023. Anxiety and depression are the most common conditions. Adults ages 51 to 64 also saw a significant increase of nearly 36%.
Christine Didion, the agency’s Director of Programs, says many seniors are facing intense pressures.
“Costs of living, isolation, loneliness after COVID, grief, and the loss of loved ones all take a toll,” she said. “Seniors can talk with a licensed mental health counselor. They can choose telehealth or meet at a nearby senior center.”
Pinellas County resident Robert Palin, 81, has used the service since 2022. He sought support as he adjusted to the challenges of aging.
“I thought a mental health counselor could help,” Palin said. “I have a neuromuscular disability, hearing loss, sight loss, and even my voice is changing. Large groups and public spaces are hard for me.”
Palin is part of a growing number of older adults seeking help. He says counseling has eased the emotional strain of declining physical abilities.
“When we lose the ability to do what we have done for decades, depression is common,” he said. “Support has helped me accept what it means to decline.”
He also says his confidence has grown.
“It helps you focus on what you can still do,” he said. “I can still play piano and chess. I’m still curious about many subjects.”
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