SPRY
Program (Seniors Preparing For Rainbow Years)
Growing older may be a difficult and lonely time for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender seniors. But you are not invisible, and you shouldn't have to go back into the closet, just because you are getting older and may need help.
SPRY strives to shine a light into the lives of GLBT seniors for them to be able to experience prideful, bold and bright rainbow years.
- I know what it stands for, but what exactly is SPRY?
SPRY provides mental health and support services for GLBT persons who are age 60 and older, including assesment, peer support, counseling, case management and psychiatry. - How much does it cost?
There is no out-of-pocket cost to you. We will bill your insurance if you have it, including Medicare and Medicaid. Grant funding will take care of any copay you may have, or the cost of your services if you do not have insurance. You simply have to identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender and be at least 60 years old or older.
- What if I'm not sure I need counseling or any of the other SPRY Program services?
That's an excellent question. The best place to start is to talk to one of our trained outreach workers who can explain the services in person and help you determine what you might need. They even have a handy "needs assesment" tool to make it easy. - How do I begin?
Call either Montrose Counseling Center at 713.529.0037 (and press 0) or call Legacy Community Health Services at 713.830.3025. If you call Montrose Counseling Center, you may either tell the receptionist that you would like to speak with a SPRY outreach worker, or go ahead and schedule an intake with a licensed therapist. After the intake, you will be assigned to a counselor and/or case manager who will contact you to schedule an appointment that is convenient for you. If you prefer, you may leave a confidential message at the Legacy Community Health Services number, and someone will call you back. - What else?
SPRY will also provide training, consultation and advocacy for health care providers to the elder population to better enable them to serve the needs of GLBT seniors.
Intake required for all services. Sliding fee scale and limited grant funding available. Insurance accepted.