Where can I find a counselor or therapist that will make home visits?

Dk7470 asked...

I have a friend out of state that due to the fibromylasia in her arms can't drive long distances to go and seek a therapist for the depression/suicidal thoughts she is having. Is there any kind of program where a counselor or therapist can make home visits for her to get the help she needs? There is no one available to take her into town and she feels all alone in the world.

Expert Answer

As Founder and Director of Circles of Care, Ann Cason provides caregiving, consulting, and training services to individuals and public and private organizations involved in eldercare. She is the author of Circles of Care: How to Set Up Quality Home Care for Our Elders.

Your friend would benefit from a therapist home visit.  There are several possibilities that you may be able to help her find someone to help. 

  • Try to find for her a suicide hot line. She will have a trained person to talk with and some of the services have home visits to follow up. Try to get the number for her as she may be too depressed to track it down.
  • Also, she might benefit from an online support group for fibromialgia.
  • Also, I would contact the visiting nurse service where she lives. Does she have health insurance?  Can she afford a visit from a visiting nurse to assess her situation and be in contact with her physician.
  •   Also, for a time it would help if you check with her frequently.  Does she have any friends who could check on her, at least by phone if there is no transportation.
  • Please write back to let me know how any of these suggestions worked out. It may be necessary to think further.