In 2024, Advocates, a local organization dedicated to supporting individuals facing developmental, mental health, and other life challenges, was awarded $10,000 through the Nashoba Valley Community Health Grant program.

Advocates aimed to address the behavioral health needs of older adults in the region. Many seniors are less likely to seek help and often encounter obstacles such as financial barriers and the stigma surrounding mental health. The challenge is even greater for those reliant on Medicare, as coverage is limited to therapy provided exclusively by Independent Licensed Social Workers and  Mental Health Counselors (LICSW & LMHC), further restricting access to care.

With Nashoba Valley Community Health funding, Advocates provided 95 hours of free care to 18 senior citizens who otherwise would have paid out of pocket to see a therapist or gone without the help they needed.

Like many organizations in the mental health sector, Advocates continues to grapple with a nationwide shortage of clinicians. The challenge is particularly acute for bilingual professionals, leading to longer wait times for those in need of support. To address this issue, Advocates recently launched an innovative pilot program to recruit bilingual clinicians from Puerto Rico, offering relocation assistance as part of the initiative. So far, they have successfully relocated two clinicians, each of whom is now serving 40 clients.

As Advocates continues to expand access to essential behavioral health services, they remain committed to finding creative solutions to workforce shortages. By investing in innovative recruitment strategies and prioritizing the needs of underserved communities, they are working to ensure that all individuals—regardless of language or background—receive the support they deserve.