Mental health

ing upon difficult situations where mental health plays a role. She explained their approach in all cases.

“We look at the entire person and help them address decisions that can meet all of their needs and link them to other resources and services outside of our agency when needed,” Jones said.

The agency is aware of all of the community resources available.

“When an individual is calling because they have mental health needs, our intake staff and care management staff are trained in different community resources and are able to provide information on the appropriate path for an individual to take to address mental health,” Jones said.

They also have a unique relationship with Berks County’s Office of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.

“We will consult with them if we are running up against a difficult situation to discuss other resources and avenues where we can help individuals and families,” Jones said.

Anyone can use the agency as a resource, regardless of income level. That includes a family member of an older adult who is in need of support.

“We are also trained in other areas, from mental health to rental assistance,” Jones said.

Central Behavioral Health in Montgomery County is a resource for the county’s residents. The nonprofit community behavioral health center provides services to more than 6,000 individuals and families through more than 24 specialized programs.

Their programs cover a full spectrum of behavioral health services for seniors in addition to children, adolescents and adults.

Katie Walsh is COO of Central, where she has worked for the past 41 years in different capacities.

Geriatrics is an area of focus Walsh said they have concentrated on being more skillful in.

“That is a group of people who need help, and they are often reluctant to reach out for it, or can be homebound,” she said. “We have a senior outreach service program where our therapist and senior case managers can go out to the homes to help them.”

The center’s mission is to provide behavioral health services to the Montgomery County community and help people recover.

“We support them with as many resources as we can so that they can live more meaningful lives,” Walsh said.

She said the pandemic has had an impact on a rise in anxiety and depression, which has led to an increasing need for people requiring mental health support.

“Every day we see more and more people being referred to us,” she said.

Walsh said it is often the caregiver who reaches out to seek support for their loved one. Sometimes a treatment plan includes therapy, which has become easier to access for those who are homebound.

“People can come to us for therapy, and we are doing so much more telehealth too,” she said. “Access to care has increased.”