Imagine sitting across from an 82-year-old woman who has survived the death of her husband, two of her children, and now — a diagnosis that threatens to reshape everything she thought her final years would look like. She has never spoken to a therapist before. She was raised to be strong, resilient, stoic. But here […]

If you spend any time on social media, you have probably seen it — a well-meaning post, shared thousands of times, warning that caregivers are so depleted, so selflessly devoted, that they often die before the very people they are caring for. It is a striking claim.   Caregiving is hard. It is exhausting, isolating, […]

Have you ever caught yourself lying awake at night thinking, “What if I get dementia and don’t even recognize my own children?”   Or maybe you’ve had a health scare and found your mind immediately leaping forward — “This is just the beginning. It’s all downhill from here.” Perhaps you’ve felt that persistent, low-grade dread […]

When an older loved one completes alcohol detox and enters a medical rehab program, families often feel a swirl of emotions: relief, hope, fear, and sometimes overwhelm. You may find yourself asking: How do we best support them right now? What’s really causing their symptoms—withdrawal, depression, or dementia? How do we help them return to […]

20-22%  of older adults live with a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, or a dementia-related disorder. Yet, the vast majority go undetected and untreated. Why? A complex web of misconceptions, systemic failures, and structural barriers keeps older adults from getting the care they need.   Mental health conditions are just […]

As I write this, wildfires and windstorms are ravaging parts of Los Angeles. Having grown up not far from these areas, I’ve been deeply moved by the stories of resilience and support within communities, especially among people looking out for their neighbors and older adults.   Stories like this one highlight how vital it is […]

Studies show that people who participate in Medical Aid in Dying experience benefits primarily centered around the principles of autonomy, relief from suffering, and dignity. And of course, there can be psychological comfort in the form of peace of mind, even if they ultimately choose not to pursue it. 7, 8   Even as a […]

When it comes to end of life care, the focus is often on reducing physical suffering, as it should be. At the same time, there’s a profound opportunity for emotional and spiritual healing and growth. ​ This is where you come in. You have an important role in helping people at the end of life […]

In recent years, the concept of Death with Dignity (DWD) has gained increasing attention and acceptance in various parts of the world. As society grapples with end-of-life issues, mental health professionals play a crucial role in supporting patients who are considering this deeply personal decision.   This article explores the multifaceted responsibilities of mental health […]

State-by-State Guide to Medical Aid in Dying Laws and Requirements Death with Dignity, also referred to as Medical Aid in Dying is an end-of-life option, governed by state legislation, that allows certain eligible individuals to legally request and obtain medications from their physician to end their life in a peaceful, humane, and dignified manner.   […]

When working with people with terminal illness, you’ve no doubt heard:  “I don’t want to live like this anymore” “If Medical Aid in Dying isn’t available, I’ll find another way.” “I want help dying, but I don’t want people to think I killed myself.” “I want to go quickly before the dementia gets worse” “Some […]

As a clinical health psychologist specializing in chronic pain and illness, I have spent the past 12 years working with people who have chronic pain, and during that time I have learned a lot about the experience of pain and all of the many ways that it can impact one’s quality of life.  One of […]