Photo of three white women. The woman on the far left has brown hair and is wearing a black shirt with a pink cardigan. The woman in the middle has brown hair and is wearing a white t-shirt. The woman on the right has brown hair and is wearing a turquoise t-shirt. Lacey Vanis, RN & Program Director; Shaina Palmer, Office & Patient Coordinator; Morgann Fangman, PLMHP, PCMSW & Program Therapist

Health Center Opens Mental Health Program for Seniors

By: Aprill Murphy

Albion, NE (July 2, 2025) – Boone County Health Center has partnered with Senior Life Solutions to help older adults who are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental challenges often associated with aging.

The Boone County Health Center Senior Life Solutions department provides outpatient services designed to meet the unique needs of individuals (typically 65 and older) who could benefit from coping and communication skills to improve their mental health well-being. The program offers group and individual therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management. The Senior Life Solutions team includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed therapists, a registered nurse, and other professionals dedicated to the emotional well-being of the older adults in our community.

“The Senior Life Solutions program provides our community with an evidence- and outcomes-based treatment proven to significantly improve the mental health of older adults,” said Caleb Poore, BCHC’s CEO. “Many people over the age of 60 believe depression is just a part of getting old. It’s not. This is a program that can help you live a happier, healthier life. Meal-times are such an important part of the family unit in general, but they are also a really important time of fellowship between people as individuals. In this program, BCHC will provide a meal three days a week for those in the program to share while working through mental health obstacles.”

Individuals may benefit from Boone County Health Center’s Senior Life Solutions program if they are experiencing any of the following common indicators or triggers of depression and anxiety:

  • Anxiety
  • Changes in appetite
  • Depression
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Feelings of sadness or grief lasting more than two weeks
  • Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
  • Lost a spouse or close family member
  • Loss of energy
  • Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
  • Recently experienced a traumatic event

Following an individual assessment, participants meet up to three times per week in a supportive, encouraging group setting. Individual therapy sessions are also offered, along with medication management and regular check-ins. The program also offers teletherapy services, allowing patients to get the mental health support they need from the comfort of their homes using a telephone, computer, or tablet device.

To celebrate the launch of this important program, Boone County Health Center is hosting an Open House on Thursday, July 24, from 1–3 PM. Community members are invited to stop by at any time during the event to check out the new space, meet the Senior Life Solutions staff, and learn more about the services offered. Refreshments will be provided.

Anyone can refer a patient to the program, including a healthcare professional, family member, or friend. For more information, call the Boone County Health Center’s Senior Life Solutions program at 402-395-3134.

ABOUT SENIOR LIFE SOLUTIONS

Senior Life Solutions is managed by Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC). Founded in 2003, PMC is a leading behavioral healthcare management company focused on addressing the needs of rural and underserved communities. PMC manages inpatient behavioral health units, intensive outpatient programs, and telehealth services in more than 35 states. PMC provides evaluation and treatment for patients suffering from depression, anxiety, mood disorders, memory problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other behavioral health problems.  For more information, visit https://boonecohealth.org/services/senior-life-solutions/

Photo:  Lacey Vanis, RN & Program Director; Shaina Palmer, Office & Patient Coordinator; Morgann Fangman, PLMHP, PCMSW & Program Therapist