Ann M. Steffen

As demographic trends shift toward an aging population, there is a growing need for improved mental health treatment for older adults. With depression as the leading mental health concern in later life, one of the greatest challenges for treatment providers is the wide variability of life circumstances that accompany depressive symptoms for clients across outpatient mental health, integrated primary care, and inpatient psychiatric settings. Treating Later-Life Depression: Clinician Guide outlines culturally responsive practices that target the contexts and drivers/antecedents of depression in middle-aged and older adults. Clinicians can choose research-supported modules from the accompanying Workbook that fit the needs of their clients (i.e. chronic pain, sleep problems, anxiety, experiences of loss). This practical guide reflects continuing international scientific and clinical advances in applying CBT to age-related problems using individual and group formats, with clinician-tested recommendations for telehealth practice. With the flexible clinical tools provided in this guide, practitioners can personalize the application of change strategies, including behavioral activation, relaxation training, self-compassion, cognitive reappraisal, and communication skills training among others. Case examples are also provided from a range of disciplines (e.g., clinical psychology, psychiatry, social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, nursing, occupational therapy and recreational specialists) to illustrate application in busy clinical practices. The guide closes with aging-friendly assessment tools and other resources to support ongoing professional development. Treating Later-Life Depression, Clinician Guide is an indispensable resource for all behavioral health providers who wish to help diverse aging clients thrive effectively and efficiently in a daily life that is true to their values and personal strengths.

Depression is a leading mental health concern in aging individuals. Written to be used in collaboration with a qualified mental health professional, Treating Later-Life Depression: Workbook is designed to address and alleviate depression and related concerns (chronic pain, sleep problems, anxiety, brain health, family caregiving and grief) in middle-aged and older adults. This practical Workbook, along with its companion Clinician Guide, reflects the latest scientific and clinical advances in cognitive-behavioral therapy for age-related problems, in individual, group, and telehealth formats. Along with learning how to re-engage in a meaningful daily life, individuals will build skills using personalized change strategies such as problem solving, relaxation training, self-compassion, reframing unhelpful thoughts and effective communication practices, among others. The Workbook closes with resources to support middle-aged and older adults' ongoing efforts at achieving and maintaining a greater sense of wellbeing.

With its timely focus on aging-related applications of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), this book offers flexible tools and evidence-based strategies for use with middle-aged and older adults. Stand-alone chapters make it easy to flip between topics and tailor CBT to each client's needs, strengths, and circumstances. The book dispels ageist misconceptions while exploring assessment and treatment of common challenges, including depression, anxiety, loneliness, complicated grief, chronic pain, sleep problems, brain health concerns, and more. Sample dialogues, “Did You Know?,†and “Examining Our Attitudes†boxes help clinicians build and apply key skills. Detailed examples of best practices will be appreciated by providers across a range of clinical settings. The companion website provides downloadable handouts and other helpful resources.