The investigators developed EM/PROTECT, a behavioral intervention for depressed EM (elderly mistreatment) victims, to work in synergy with EM mistreatment resolution services that provide safety planning, support services, and links to legal services. PROTECT is built on a model which postulates that chronic stress promotes dysfunction of the cognitive control (CCN) and reward networks, impairing the victims' ability to flexibly respond to the environment and limits their reward activities. PROTECT therapists work with victims to develop action plans to reduce stress, and to increase rewarding experiences. EM/PROTECT has been designed in an iterative process with community EM providers of the New York City (NYC) Department for the Aging (DFTA) to use agencies' routine PHQ-9 depression screening and referral for service. In the current study, the investigators will compare the effectiveness of EM/PROTECT with EM enriched with staff training in linking EM victims to community mental health services (EM/MH). The investigators intend to enroll 50 subjects that will participate in the study for approximately 12 weeks.
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Change in Clinically Significant Depressive Symptoms as Measured by the MADRS
Timeframe: 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 12 weeks
Change in Assessment of Quality of Life, as Measured by the WHO-QOL
Timeframe: 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 12 weeks
Change in Assessment of Stress, as Measured by the PSS
Timeframe: Baseline, 6 weeks