Mental Health America of Illinois Presents:
Anxiety and Depression in Older Adults
Presented by Kate Krajci, MA, LCSW
By the year 2030, roughly 20% of the United States population will be 65 years or older. Older adults face many stressors that can contribute to depression and anxiety, yet these conditions often go underdetected or undertreated due to a variety of factors, including ageism and the complex overlay of physical and mental health. In addition, there is a well-documented shortage of mental health professionals to meet the current and growing demand for serving older adults. This session will support participants in understanding the unique aspects of depression and anxiety in older adulthood, including screening and treatment options. Common myths about older adults and mental health will be dispelled and future trends will be discussed to prepare professionals and consumers for supporting this growing population.
Objectives:
- Describe prevalence and presentation of depression and anxiety in older adults
- Understand the unique factors that older adulthood brings to depression and anxiety
- Appreciate the evidence-based practices for identification and treatment of depression and anxiety in older adults
- Be introduced to emerging areas of need relating to the mental health treatment of older adults
The cost for this workshop is $30.00. 1.5 CEUs are available for Social Workers and Professional Counselors. Discounted parking ($16) is located at 20 E. Randolph (Macy’s Parking Garage).
About the Presenter: Kate Krajci, MA, LCSW
Kate is a licensed clinical social worker who has provided clinical services to older adults and family caregivers since 2002. She has expertise in assessment, care coordination, mental health and the long-term impact of chronic illness and disability on individuals and families. At Rush University Medical Center Health and Aging, she was responsible for the strategic direction and management of social work interventions integrated into primary and specialty care clinics and will now be leading the department’s mental health and skill-building services for older adults and family caregivers.
Kate received her Master’s Degree in social work from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration where she was awarded the Sonia G. Berz Award for Outstanding Promise in the Field of Aging. She is now an instructor for their annual Older Adult Professional Development Program. Kate serves on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Coalition on Mental Health and Aging, is a member of the American Society on Aging’s Mental Health and Aging Network Leadership Council and is a key member of the recently formed Coalition on Substance Use and Aging. She was instrumental in the development of the Chicago Bridge, a grassroots organization for professionals in the early to mid-stages of their careers in the field of aging.
About MHEP:
The Mental Health Empowerment Project (MHEP) is a series of educational presentations/trainings throughout the Chicagoland area. Presentation topics range from addictions to smoking cessation, bullying to social emotional literacy, and other current mental health topics. The goal of MHEP is to provide mental health providers with the most up-to-date information and tools to successfully treat their clients, as well as to empower consumers to live successful and productive lives.