Open Door is an engagement intervention that was developed and tested by Dr. Sirey in Westchester County and the Bronx NY. This intervention was completed with the support of with the support of the National Institute of Mental Health (R01 MH079265). Open Door focused on answering the question of how best to engage older adults in mental health treatment. Open Door social workers were provided training on a brief depression screening tool, empowering them to assist in identifying depression symptoms in their clients. Many older adults experience barriers to treatment like stigma and lack of knowledge about depression. The Open Door intervention was created to address these and other barriers, making it easier for older adults to seek or accept treatment.
Publications:
Improving Mental Health Treatment Initiation among Depressed Community Dwelling Older Adults.
Improving engagement in mental health treatment for home meal recipients with depression.