SPOP's mission is to enhance the quality of life of older adults and to foster their independent living through the delivery of comprehensive mental health and supportive services, advocacy and education. Over the course of nearly five decades SPOP has expanded to include a wide range of mental health and support services, delivered at our office, in the home (for homebound clients), and at satellite clinic locations throughout Manhattan. Today SPOP remains one of only a handful organizations in New York City that focus exclusively on the mental health needs of older adults.
Services Offered
Counseling - SPOP provides comprehensive mental health treatment at its Clinic office, located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, at satellite clinic sites throughout Manhattan, and in the home for clients who are unable to travel for appointments.
Specialized Substance Abuse Treatment Programs - Our Clinic offers specialized counseling to adults with a primary diagnosis of mental illness and a secondary diagnosis of substance use disorder.
Bereavement Support - The loss of a loved one can be traumatic at any age. Bereavement can leave one lonely, depressed, unbalanced and uncertain. With the right mix of therapy and support, there are ways to get through the trauma of loss. Experience has shown that one of the best ways to find comfort is through speaking with and learning from others who have gone through a similar experience.
Fees and Payment
We are a private, not-for-profit agency, for more information check our DONATE page.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.
