Peer Counseling & Support Groups

 
Older woman placing hand of support on older man's shoulder

Senior Peer Counseling

Developed in 1977, Peer Counseling services at Wise & Healthy Aging have become an international model for the delivery of counseling services to adults ages 55 and older. Seniors dealing with stage-of-life issues such as loss, ill health, retirement, and other changes can develop insight and coping skills.

Our paraprofessional peer counselors provide individual counseling at our Santa Monica site. Peer counselors also facilitate support groups (see list below) to provide older adults with social interaction and emotional support. The peer counselors are volunteers, ages 55 and older, who receive extensive training and ongoing supervision with a mental health professional.

Fees for individual counseling are on a sliding scale based on ability to pay.

For more information about Peer Counseling services, or to volunteer, please call (310) 394-9871, ext. 289.

Support Groups

Wise & Healthy Aging offers a variety of support groups focused on areas ranging from men's issues, women's issues, caregiver issues and workshops on special topics.

Support Group fees are on a sliding scale, based on ability to pay. Please note that most of these groups are not drop-in; please call (310) 394-9871, ext. 289 for more information.

Bereavement Group

This group provides a safe, confidential place to grieve the loss of a loved one and an opportunity to address one’s own emotional needs.
Meets Thursday’s on Zoom
Meets Wednesday’s in Culver City

Women’s Group: Expanding Your Horizons

A safe place for women to share the pain and pleasure of life, and to provide and receive emotional support.
Meets Monday’s on Zoom
Meets in-person 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month, 10-11:30am

Men’s Support Groups

Confidential and trusting environments in which men can talk about personal issues in their lives, covering both physical and emotional concerns.
Meets Thursdays

 

From Collecting to Decluttering 15-Week Workshop (C2D)

A step-by-step, 15-week program to assist and support participants in gaining control over acquiring and saving too many things. Call for more information.

From Collecting to Decluttering (C2D) Support Group

A step-by-step, 15-week program to assist and support participants in gaining control over acquiring and saving too many things. Meets Wednesdays.

Caregiver Support Groups

WISE & Healthy Aging's Adult Day Service Center provides emotional support, information, and referrals to resources for those caring for a family member.
Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays