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WHITEFISH- A new mental health program for senior citizens is now in operation in Whitefish, servicing residents from both Flathead and Lincoln counties. The new addition to North Valley Hospital is the only structured outpatient mental health program for seniors in Northwest Montana.

The North Valley Professional Office Building has been refurbished and now offers adults age 55 and older a place to receive mental health services, including individual and group therapies.

"What we're seeing mostly are persons who have not previously received services or been diagnosed in the past and have major depressive episodes and issues that have surfaced as they are dealing with other life issues," North Valley Embrace Health Director Mary Jane Fox explained.

The program is designed to provide hospital-based mental health services for adults ages 55 and older. The out-patient intensive program through North Valley Hospital delivers mental health services with a medical doctor and psychiatrist.

"It's a very different program that has existed so far in the valley. There is no program designed specifically to treat persons who are senior citizens with mental health needs," Fox stated.

The program is also the only outpatient mental health service affiliated with a hospital and since opening in July, nine people have been admitted for services and seven are currently active in the program.

Anyone can refer themselves to the program but must be admitted by a physician. Call North Valley Embrace Health at (406) 862.4763 or click here.