Accessing Virtual Mental Health Resources as an Older Adult
By: Jess Downer
The COVID-19 pandemic transformed how we access services, including mental health care. For older adults, the shift to virtual therapy—using platforms like Zoom or Telehealth—has made mental health support more accessible than ever.
During the pandemic, I experienced anxiety and isolation, prompting me to seek help. When in-person therapy became unavailable, I turned to virtual therapy, which proved to be an effective and convenient option. It was not only easier but often more affordable, and for older adults, virtual therapy can remove several common barriers to psychological care.
The Importance of Mental Health for Older Adults
Aging can bring many emotional and physical challenges—grief and bereavement, social isolation, and both cognitive and physical changes—that can affect mental health and well-being. Addressing these issues through therapy can improve quality of life and overall health. Mental health care isn’t just for younger generations—it’s essential at every stage of life.
Why Virtual Therapy Works for Older Adults
1. Accessibility: Virtual sessions eliminate the need to travel, making therapy more accessible for those with mobility challenges or no access to transportation.
2. Affordability: Virtual therapy often comes at a lower cost than in-person sessions, with many providers offering sliding scale fees to accommodate financial barriers.
3. Privacy: Virtual therapy can reduce the stigma some older adults feel about seeking help, offering greater comfort in anonymity, as well as allowing older adults to choose when and where they choose to meet with their mental health practitioner.
4. More Choices: With virtual care, you’re not limited by geography and can access therapists who specialize in issues relevant to older adults. There are various websites such as www.betterhelp.com and www.psychologytoday.com where anyone can explore therapists and find their best fit in terms of needs.
Resources in the Greater Hamilton Area
There are many resources available for older adults in the Greater Hamilton Area. These services offer virtual therapy and mental health support:
1. Hamilton Family Health Team – Offers virtual mental health services, including counseling for anxiety, depression, and grief. Website: www.hamiltonfht.ca
2. Hamilton Health Sciences – Mental Health and Addiction Services – Provides virtual mental health consultations through Telehealth. Website: www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca
3. Alzheimer Society of Ontario – Specializes in dementia-related mental health support, available both in-person and virtually. Website: www.alzheimer.ca
4. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Hamilton Branch – Offers virtual therapy and crisis support for older adults. Website: www.cmha-hamilton.ca
Taking the First Step
Please know that support services designed to assist older adults are out there, and there is no shame in exploring the resources listed above to initiate taking the first step toward better mental health – for yourself or for a loved one.
