Clearings Elder Depression Screening & Therapy

Good Neighbors Make Great Communities

Where There Is Help, There Is Hope...
Depression amongst older adults is a rapidly growing concern. The effects of depression can greatly impact individuals, families, and communities. An estimated 20% of older adults experience some form of depression and older adults with significant depression have total health care costs that are roughly 50% higher than those without depression.

Depression is not a normal part of aging and there are ways to alleviate the symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment works for about 80% of individuals who are experiencing symptoms of depression. People suffering from depression do not have to go through it alone, there is help.

Wilshire Community Services’ Clearings Program is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of Older Adults. By screening and identifying signs of depression early, the supportive therapy services and related resources work together to alleviate the acute symptoms of depression while promoting overall health and wellness.

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Depression Screenings
Wilshire Community Services offers Depression Screenings at no cost. Screenings are available in the home and they are offered countywide at locations where seniors frequently gather, such as Senior Centers and nutritional sites. The confidential results of each screening are discussed with the individual and information and resources are offered to those who are interested.

Therapeutic Interventions
Individuals who present with mild to significant signs of depression and/or those who would likely benefit from directed therapy are offered 4-8 sessions of transitional therapy at no cost. These therapy sessions can be provided in the individual’s home or in an office setting. Clients will work with a professional Clinician In order to stabilize the situations in their lives and allow for a smooth transition into less intensive services that are able to provide longer-term support. As part of the therapeutic component, individuals may also choose to join a therapy group offered through Wilshire Community Services. Group therapy sessions are designed for those individuals who could benefit from learning from their peers’ shared experiences. The group component also provides the opportunity to build meaningful social connections that can further increase positive outcomes from counseling.

Resource and Referral
Upon completion of an initial assessment, clients are connected with referrals to supportive programs in the community such as Caring Callers or Senior Peer Counseling. Other community resources that provide services to older adults and their families are also made available.

Eligibility
Services are available to any older adult who is struggling with life issues typical of aging. Services are designed to help older adults stay active, independent, and healthy.

Accessing Services
To find out more about the services provided through the Clearings Program, contact Wilshire Community services to speak with one of our Senior Services team members. An individual consultation can be arranged and/or information will be provided about the next scheduled public screening event.

There is no charge for services provided through Wilshire Community Services’ Clearings Program.

Contact us
Contact us for more information or if you would like to schedule an appointment with our staff.

Give us a call at: 805-547-7025 Ext. 15
Email us at:

Contribute Now
Clearings Elder Depression Screening & Therapy is a collaborative effort and its success depends upon the generosity of individuals and organizations throughout the community.

Send your tax-deductable financial contribution to support the program to:

Clearings Elder Depression Screening & Therapy
285 South Street, Suite J
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401