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 PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives)

PEARLS is an evidence-based program designed to reduce depression in adults (18 +) .  A PEARLS-certified counselor leads the one-on-one sessions over a 19-week period. Sessions can be done in the home, or at a community location. Sessions are conducted in person or via telehealth.

Sessions 1-3 are done weekly, sessions 4 and 5 are bi-weekly and sessions 6-8 are monthly. An additional 3 monthly brief check-in calls are utilized to ensure the client is managing well.  The session structure includes the weekly administration of the PHQ-9 to assess for depressive symptoms.

The sessions focus 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. Problem Solving Treatment (PST) assists clients with skills to begin to address problems.
• Increasing participation in social, physical, and other pleasant activities leads to a decrease in depressive symptoms. The Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives for Seniors (PEARLS) is a community-based treatment program for older adults with minor depression or dysthymia, an ongoing low-grade depression. This kind of depression is especially common in older adults who are physically impaired or socially isolated.

The PEARLS Program is a highly effective method designed to reduce depressive symptoms and improve the quality of life in older adults and in all-age adults with epilepsy. During six to eight in-home sessions that take place in the client's home and focus on brief behavioral techniques, PEARLS Program counselors empower individuals to take action and to make a lasting impact on their lives.

 The program consists of six to eight in-home counseling sessions that focus on the following goals:

• Solving problems
• Becoming socially and physically active
• Scheduling enjoyable activities

The key to the success of this program is that it is participant-driven.  Each week, counselors encourage their participants to define and select a problem that they want to address and then support the participant in selecting their preferred solution.  Commonly selected problems range from financial problems to social isolation, to health care needs or housing-related issues. 

 An essential component of PEARLS is psychiatric supervision/clinical oversight and consultation.  The PEARLS counselor works closely with psychiatric oversight. Clinical oversight may include recommendations about psychiatric medications (mostly antidepressants) can be made as well as when medical issues, drug side effects, or other issues are contributing to depression or other mental health symptoms. 

 Read more about this evidence-based program.

•  I've been feeling down, sad, or blue
• I have little interest in doing things I once enjoyed
• I have trouble making decisions and struggle with problem-solving

•  Learn how to recognize signs of depression
• Understand the link between unsolved problems and depression
• Learn how to move into action and make lasting healthy changes
• Develop goals to increase social and physical activities
• Reduce depressive symptoms
• Improve the quality of life and have a more positive outlook
• Become more engaged with family, friends, and activities you enjoy
• Improve physical and mental health
• Lead a more active and rewarding life

 We can help you to have the opportunity to thrive and lead a rewarding life. 

 If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately. 

 September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness on this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. In addition to shifting public perception, we use this month to spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.  Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues. 

Informational Resources

• Know the Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Suicide
• Being Prepared for a Crisis
• Navigating a Mental Health Crisis
• Need more information, referrals or support? Contact Support@sincere2000.org

• 78% of all people who die by suicide are male.
• Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are nearly 4x more likely to die by suicide.
• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–34 and the 10th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
• The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 35% since 1999.
• 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition.
• While nearly half of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition, research shows that 90% experienced symptoms. Have you opened a new location, redesigned your shop, or added a new product or service? Don't keep it to yourself, let folks know.

 Suicide rates have increased by 35% since 1999. More than 48,000 lives were lost to suicide in 2018 alone. Comments or thoughts about suicide — also known as suicidal ideation — can begin small like, “I wish I wasn’t here” or “Nothing matters.” But over time, they can become more explicit and dangerous.