PEARLS: Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives is a community integrated, home-based treatment for depression that significantly reduces symptoms and improves health. It is an evidence based practice for working with older adults.

The treatment is based on three fundamental principles:

• What a participant is experiencing are symptoms and the symptoms are due to depression.
• There is a close link between depression and unsolved problems.
• Increasing participation in social, physical, and other pleasant activities will lead to a decrease in depressive symptoms.

PEARLS Process:

• Meet by phone, Zoom, Facetime, or any digital platform that will work for both parties.
• Depression screening (PHQ-9) takes place at the beginning, at each session, and at the culmination to track progress.
• 6 to 8, 1-hour sessions over 6 months: (weekly, bi-weekly, then monthly) and then 3-6 follow up phone calls.
• Focus is on the Problem-solving process and increasing social, physical and pleasurable activities

If you would like to participate in an 8-session process that takes place over 6 months to help address your symptoms of depression or anxiety, contact: Maureen@FREED.org or call 530-477-3333 X210.