About Service Program for Older People – SPOP – New York
Service Program for Older People – SPOP offers mental and behavioral health support for people over the age of 55. Their administrative office, bereavement support team and clinic can be found in New York, New York, across the road from the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.
Their age-specific services are designed to consider the context and unique needs of older clientele, making them an invaluable resource for those looking for support as they mature. They offer all services in English and Spanish.
Many older adults struggle with feeling isolated when they make the choice to age in place, rather than moving to a retirement community or assisted living home. SPOP’s response to this phenomenon is their STRIVE program. This program is designed for adults over the age of 55 who are looking for mental health treatment, substance use treatment and/or age-related services.
The STRIVE team is filled with peer support specialists, health professionals and social workers to blend behavioral healthcare with aging services. This collaborative effort is managed by SPOP, New York City Aging and Metropolitan Center for Mental Health.
Another program that can help seniors facing addiction and serious mental health challenges is called PROS – Personalized Recovery Oriented Services. The counselors in the PROS program use a variety of evidence-based modalities in their treatment approaches. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and motivational interviewing. Some of their staff are trained in specialized services like psychoanalysis, narrative therapy and family systems.
Interacting with people who can relate to the things you’re going through can feel like a soothing balm. Group therapy sessions give you the chance to share with others about your experiences and receive guidance from a licensed counselor. Some of the topics that get covered during group sessions include dealing with isolation, being part of the LGBTQ+ community, working through anxiety or depression, living with chronic illness and bereavement.