The Senior Peer Counseling Program offers confidential, no-cost counseling services to older adults in Monterey County who are experiencing some of the problems that accompany the aging process. Trained and supervised volunteer counselors offer emotional support, guidance and empathy to people over the age of 55 who may be facing the death of a spouse, the stress of an illness, isolation from family and friends, or other life transitions. Counselors make home visits to accommodate disabled and homebound individuals.

Senior Peer Counselors are compassionate men and women over the age of 50 who are recruited from our community. They are trained and supervised by a mental health professional to provide the nonjudgmental, emotional support you may need in order to live a full and satisfying life.

"I never would have survived my husband's death without my Senior Peer Counselor. Because she's lost her husband too, she knows just what I'm facing...

Very simply, Senior Peer Counseling works because you are paired with a counselor who is old enough to have lived through - and survived - some of the same life events that you may be facing. Often, talking to someone close to your own age, with similar experiences, values, wisdom and common sense can help you work through your feelings, - or make decisions - about those difficult issues we all face as we grow older.

Senior Peer Counseling provides:
. Individual counseling
. Support groups
. Telephone consultations
. Mental health referrals
. In-home or office sessions
. Community education

We do not provide:
. 24 hour emergency response
. Assessments for dementia
. Counseling for addictions or major mental illnesses

Dr. Sheryl Zika has been the Director of Senior Peer Counseling since 1998. She holds a MA degree in Clinical Psychology and a PhD in Psychology, and has previously worked as a registered psychologist in New Zealand. She is skilled as a counselor, trainer, and researcher.

Robin Keeler, LCSW.
With the expansion of the Senior Peer Counseling Program into Salinas in 2002, Robin Keeler, LCSW, became a part-time contract member of our staff. Robin has an MSW degree, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and has worked in the mental health field for over 25 years. In private practice he provides counseling for individuals and couples. Robin has a special interest in working with people who have chronic illnesses using a mindfulness approach to stress and pain reduction.