Date of Conferral

4-16-2024

Date of Award

April 2024

Degree

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

School

Social Work

Advisor

Alex Casiano

Abstract

Researchers have documented a projected increase in the older adult population and a foreseeable increase in older adult suicides associated with shortcomings in the mental health field related to providing adequate mental health treatment to individuals 65 and older. Researchers have concluded that these shortcomings are due to ageism, lack of awareness, lack of knowledge in gerontology, and inadequate training for professionals entering the field. Studies have highlighted the growing number of older adult suicides but have lacked effective treatment strategies to reduce depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts/behaviors, specifically in the older adult male population, which has the highest number of completed suicides. This study brings awareness to this growing social problem by describing the efforts of clinical social workers to reduce suicide risk and depressive symptoms for this growing vulnerable population. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with seven experienced master’s-level clinical social workers in Mississippi and Tennessee with more than 2 years’ experience who provided therapeutic services to the older adult population. Thematic analysis was used to interpret patterns of meaning in the data. The themes were (a) provision of services, (b) perceptions of mental health services, (c) barriers, (d) treatment interventions, (e) safety planning, (f) community programs, (g) perception of aging, (h) educational background, (i) interpersonal struggles, and (j) screening tools. Clinical social workers who provide mental health services to adults 65 and older can apply the findings for positive social change by improving the aging experience, affording this community the opportunity to have a meaningful life through improved therapeutic services.

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