OBJECTIVE: The goal of this pilot program was to test the feasibility of mental health screening among elder abuse victims and enrolling those victims into a brief psychotherapy useful with both depression and anxiety.
METHODS: Elder abuse victims who sought assistance from a large, urban elder abuse service were screened for depression and anxiety using standardized measures. Clients with clinically significant depression (PHQ-9) or anxiety (GAD-7) were randomized to receive one of three different mental health interventions concurrent with abuse resolution services. This design helped determine the acceptability of each intervention offered and thus the optimal format for service delivery.
RESULTS: Staff were able to integrate mental health screening for 315 individuals, with 34% of clients scoring positive for depression or anxiety. Of those with mental health needs, only 15% refused all services. The mental health intervention (PROTECT) was able to be implemented in two different formats, with collaboration between elder abuse and mental health staff workers.
DISCUSSION: These findings support both the need for mental health care among elder abuse victims and the feasibility of integrating mental health screening and treatment into routine elder abuse practice.