Senior Services Announces Partnership with Mental Health Association
Published on October 22, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
Montclair Department of Health & Human Services
Lisy Espindola
973-509-4979
lespindola@montclairnjusa.org
Montclair Senior Services Department Partners with Mental Health Association to Offer Short-Term Psychotherapy Services for Seniors
The Township of Montclair, Division of Senior Services (Lifelong Montclair), and the Mental Health Association are collaborating to bring short-term psychotherapy and counseling services for Montclair’s senior residents through a program called Aging Well Behavioral Health.
If you or someone you know is 65 or older, lives in Montclair, and is experiencing feelings of depression, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed by daily life, support is available.
Please call the Township of Montclair Social Worker Lisy Espindola, MA, MSW, LCSW at 973-509-4979 or by email at lespindola@montclairnjusa.org Lisy will arrange an intake appointment with a clinician at the Mental Health Association within 10 days.
Services are covered by insurance, Medicare or by sliding scale fees. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. All services are strictly confidential.
Why Aging Well Behavioral Health Matters?
Depression is the most common mental health issue in older adults, yet it often goes unrecognized, sometimes showing as aches, fatigue or confusion. Anxiety affects 10-20% of seniors, often tied to health, finances, social life, or falling. Social isolation and loneliness, heightened by widowhood, retirement, or limited mobility, are major risks for both mental and physical health.
Major life changes like retirement, loss, reduced independence, and chronic illness can also cause psychological distress.
Recognizing these challenges is the first step in supporting mental well-being in later life. Open conversations and accessible resources make a profound difference. Community programs, peer support groups, and accessible counseling services are vital in helping older adults build resilience and find meaningful connections. Family members and caregivers also play a crucial role by noticing changes in mood or behavior, offering empathy, and guiding loved ones to seek professional support. By fostering a compassionate, stigma-free environment, we can help seniors thrive emotionally as they age.