BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPY AT HOME: TREATING DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY IN CLIENTS AND CAREGIVERS

Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health problems experienced among older adults, and are major contributors to the total mental health burden of seniors, often impairing physical, mental and social functioning and limiting the benefits of medical care. Insights, a no-fee and time-limited psychotherapy program established by Independence At Home, was designed to overcome barriers to treatment by delivering evidence-based protocols (EBP) to seniors and caregivers in their home. We assigned 307 patients to EBPs and report on 150 who have completed therapy and 61 who completed both therapy and maintenance. An evaluation assessing change in depression, anxiety, and quality of life was conducted. Findings indicated significant reductions in depression and anxiety following conclusion of the Insights psychotherapy program (P< .01) and significant improvements in quality of life (p<.01). Our study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of home-delivered evidence-based programs for depression and anxiety.