Community Asset List for Older Adult Behavioral Health

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national support line available 24/7, 365 days a year, for free, confidential conversations. People of any age and background can connect with a counselor through call, text, and chat, with options in Spanish and for those who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing. Their website also includes resources and information about suicide warning signs and how to support a loved one in crisis.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), established in 1958, is a national organization that advocates for issues affecting people 50+. The local Oregon chapter’s website includes topical information posts on issues affecting older adults, resources for family caregivers, events and workshops for individuals and caregivers, and information about bills and policies affecting older Oregon residents. The website lists national and local events, both online and in-person, and filters for everything from cultural connections, exercise, and food and drinks to tech help, travel, and scam prevention.

AGE+ is an advocacy organization created to champion a new vision for successful and equitable aging for all Oregonians by empowering communities, linking generations, and stimulating innovation. Their work focuses on those with the greatest need, including older adults living in rural areas, those with low income, isolated and underserved individuals, and communities of color. They bring an aging lens to initiatives and partner organizations serving the lifespan through training, presentations, and program development. Website content highlights the intersectionality of aging with gender, race, geography, sectors, and more. AGE+ initiatives include Share Future Oregon, Leadership Exchange on Ageism, Ageless Award, Housing and Services, Aging Education and Briefing Papers, Advocacy, Care Network Capacity, and Ties That Bind.

The Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) of Oregon is a statewide resource for all, regardless of income, looking for services and information on aging or disability needs, with local public and privately paid options. The ADRC has trained professional staff who can help individuals and their families with immediate needs and planning for the future. This link directs to a clickable county map with local ADRC providers, offices, contact information, planning tool kits in several languages, long-term services and support options, and community, in-home, and facility-based services and support information.

The Oregon Aging Veteran Services Division is a program within Veterans Affairs that was established to address the needs and concerns of the rapidly aging veteran demographic and their families.

Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) is a national fellowship of people who come together to help alcoholics achieve sobriety. There is no cost to attend meetings and no age or education requirement. Anyone with a desire to stop drinking is welcome, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, income, or profession. Group members can just sit and listen, learn more about recovery, or share their situation. The A.A. website includes a searchable map of local offices that can connect you to local meetings, information about their philosophy, and information on how to find further assistance. There is also a link to a mobile app for locating local A.A. meetings and resources.

The Oregon & SW Washington Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association serves 38 local counties through educational programs, awareness presentations, support groups, fundraising events, volunteer opportunities, networking, and more. Their McGinty conference is Oregon’s leading conference on Alzheimer’s, dementia, brain health, and aging, offering the latest research and practical tips for caregiving and healthy living. Get help and support anytime with their free, 24/7 helpline and online support groups and discussions for people and caregivers living with dementia in English and Spanish.

Some details about the organization go here.

The Behavioral Health Support Line provides free emotional support for anyone 18+ in Oregon. Available in English and Spanish, they provide short-term, nonjudgmental, confidential conversations 24/7. Callers first speak with a counselor for 15-20 minutes, and if the service is a good fit, they will schedule a first, free 45-50 minute therapy appointment.

The Cascade AIDS Project is the oldest and largest community-based provider of HIV services, housing, education, and advocacy in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Services include HIV/STI testing, medical case management, behavioral health, health insurance navigation, culturally specific services, social support groups, and more. Intakes are by appointment only. Part of Cascade AIDS Project, Prism Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Portland offering comprehensive, compassionate, and culturally affirming healthcare for everyone to address long-standing health disparities in the LGBTQ+ community and promote equitable access to healthcare.

OCEBHA was founded in 2024 to address the mental health and substance use needs of Oregon’s growing population of older adults. Funded by the Oregon Health Authority, OCEBHA is a collaboration across multiple schools and departments within Portland State University (PSU) and the Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU), including the PSU Institute on Aging, the PSU School of Social Work, the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, the OHSU School of Medicine, and the OHSU School of Nursing. Its multidisciplinary approach strives to advance advocacy, health equity, and best practices in care. OCEBHA’s work includes an annual Behavioral Health and Aging conference, a yearly Leadership Academy cohort, and a quarterly research newsletter. Its work includes workforce development, community collaboration, equity, research, and evaluation. This asset map is a product of OCEBHA’s Community Engagement and Assessment Workgroup. Its twofold purpose is to (1) identify gaps in care and (2) connect the Oregon community with much-needed older adult behavioral health resources.

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) are designed to ensure access to coordinated, comprehensive behavioral health care. CCBHCs are required to serve anyone who requests care for mental health or substance use, regardless of their ability to pay, place of residence, or age. This includes developmentally appropriate care for children, youth, and older adults. CCBHCs must meet standards for the range of services they provide and are required to get people into care quickly. The CCBHC model requires (1) 24/7 Crisis services, (2) comprehensive behavioral health services, and (3) care coordination across behavioral health care, physical health care, and social services.

Locations and activities vary. Search for individual groups or clubs by name or type of activity. Searching your area using Google Maps may help you locate some options.

Coast to Forest is Oregon State University’s county-specific resource guide on mental health and substance use. This guide highlights resources in emergency and crisis, mental health, substance use, Medicaid, peer support, recovery, prevention, and services in Spanish. Click on your county to be redirected to a PDF of resources with contact information, location, and website hyperlinks.

Locations and availability of courses vary. Search for “senior university auditing” or a university program and auditing by name. Searching your area using Google Maps may help you locate some options.

Local Community Mental Health Programs (CMHPs) provide low or no-cost services and supports related to behavioral health, mental health, substance use, and problem gambling. CMHPs cannot deny services to patients based on their inability to pay. There is generally at least one CMHP provider per county. Some are clinics housed in county health departments, such as Multnomah County Health Department. Others are non-profit mental health providers, such as Options for Southern Oregon. This page lists them by county. Your local CMHP will help you connect to services near you.

Compassion and Choices advocates for an intentional approach to end-of-life care and choices throughout the United States. They focus on and advocate for healthcare equity at end-of-life, dementia end-of-life care, medical aid in dying, voluntarily stopping eating and drinking, palliative sedation and care, hospice care, advance care planning, unwanted medical treatment, and refusals to provide care. Their website hosts resources for end-of-life planning, no-cost confidential and nonjudgmental end-of-life consultations, and dementia support.

Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) is a non-profit advocacy organization that helps people with disabilities with their disability-related legal issues. In addition to advocacy, they focus on public education, outreach, information, referrals, know-your-rights guides, legislative advocacy, direct client representation, and class-action litigation. Information on topics such as Assistive Technology, Financial Protection, Mental Health, and Veterans is available on their website.

Dual Diagnosis Anonymous supports individuals with co-occurring mental health and addiction diagnoses. Their website includes a searchable list of DDA Meetings, other resources, volunteer information, and veterans’ specific information. DDA groups meet online and in person to discuss dual diagnosis recovery using the 12 Steps + 5 recovery program. Online meetings run on Zoom at various times and dates throughout the week, with closed meetings for LGBTQ+, women, or men-specific identity groups.

Varies by location/need. Search for individual providers by name, denomination, or type of care/service desired. Searching your area using Google Maps may help you locate some options.

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are community-based, nonprofit health centers that provide primary care to underserved populations. Their services include primary care, mental health care, maternity and prenatal care, dental care, preventive care, emergency care, and pharmaceutical care. Patients are charged a sliding fee scale based on their income and family size. FQHCs cannot deny services to patients based on their inability to pay.

FindTreatment.gov is a searchable, confidential database hosted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for people seeking treatment for mental and substance use disorders in the United States and its territories. You can search by your location or facility name and select filters for types of care, service settings, facility operations, medication therapy, and treatment approaches to find services, contact information, location, insurance, and payment options.

Friendly House Elder Pride Services (formerly SAGE Metro Portland) works to enhance the lives of older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender plus (LGBTQ+) community members through education, advocacy, outreach, and resource development. They create a safe and communal space for older LGBTQ+ adults and build community through social events, holiday parties, wellness events, outdoor activities, and scheduling educational presentations about legal and medical issues. Friendly House Elder Pride Services engages in local and national advocacy, housing, DEI training for those who work with older LGBTQ+ adults, the SAGE national LGBT Elder Hotline, and more.

The Hearing Voices Network USA is a partnership between (1) individuals who hear voices or have other extreme or unusual experiences and (2) professionals and allies in the community, all working together to change assumptions and create supports, learning, and health opportunities. Sorted by state and city, click resources to find information on meeting times, locations, and contact information.

Varies by location/interest. Search for individual groups or opportunities by name or type of activity. Searching your area using Google Maps may help you locate some options.

Home Instead is the largest national home care service that helps to connect you with local private pay home care services through franchised locations. The types of home care services they provide for older adults include personal care, enhanced care (medication reminders, wound care), end-of-life care, meal prep and home help, transportation, companionship, and in-home support for chronic conditions like Alzheimer’s & Dementia, cancer, diabetes, and more. Their website hosts FAQs, information about pricing, and contact information for local and national offices.

The Hospital Association of Oregon represents 61 hospitals across the state and works to ensure all Oregonians have access to care in their communities. Their website hosts a map of hospitals across Oregon with geriatric specializations and their contact information.

Oregon Housing and Community Services hosts informative links to help you find affordable rental housing in Oregon. Their resource lists are divided into general housing, housing for persons with disabilities, subsidized housing, senior housing, housing for those with HIV/AIDS, and housing for veterans. They also include information about emergency rental assistance, resources for contacting a housing counselor, and information about housing acronyms, definitions, and income limits.

Varies by location/need. Search for individual providers by name or type of care desired (Section 8, assisted care, memory care). Searching your area using Google Maps may help you locate some options.

The Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon (MHAAO) is an inclusive, no-cost, peer-run agency and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to promote self-directed recovery and wellness for all, honoring the voice of lived experience. MHAAO helps individuals set and meet their recovery goals by getting into treatment, securing housing, or finding employment and feeling empowered to direct their own path forward to recovery, health, and healing. Their website hosts a number of peer services and trainings, including Peerzone, e-learning, the annual Peerpocalypse conference, a monthly events calendar, a newsletter, and other media.