Christian Health Care Center is preparing to expand behavioral health support for residents through access to counseling services with Dr. Melvin Watt, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 35 years of experience.
Dr. Watt earned his doctorate from Seattle Pacific University and has served in private practice, hospitals, community clinics, correctional facilities and nursing homes.
For more than two decades, his work has focused on older adults in long-term care settings, where he provides psychological assessment, therapy and multidisciplinary consultation. He has extensive experience supporting individuals facing depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic pain and major life transitions.
Dr. Watt approaches therapy in a collaborative, respectful and empathic manner. As a Christian provider, he is attentive to the role faith and values may play in a person’s life when desired. His goal is to create a safe space where individuals can address life’s challenges, reduce emotional suffering and experience hope and growth.
Residents in long-term care often face complex emotional challenges, including grief, anxiety, depression, chronic illness and significant life transitions. Changes in health, independence and environment can surface feelings that are difficult to process alone. Counseling offers a structured, confidential space to talk through those experiences, develop healthy coping strategies and strengthen resilience.
At CHCC, this clinical support complements the spiritual care that is already available. While chaplain visits, prayer and faith conversations nurture spiritual well-being, professional counseling addresses psychological and emotional needs through evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Together, these supports reflect a whole-person model of care, attending to mind, body and spirit with compassion and dignity.
Counseling sessions with Dr. Watt will be offered virtually via telehealth on Mondays from 3 to 5 p.m. A tentative start date of mid-March is planned, depending on the number of patients who sign up.
CHCC’s care team will facilitate referrals for residents who may benefit from counseling. Families and resident representatives are encouraged to contact a member of the social services team if they believe this service would support their loved one’s emotional and mental well-being. They can be reached at 360-354-4434.
These counseling services are provided through a contract with Senior Connections, a Washington-based organization that delivers psychological and psychiatric services to individuals living in nursing homes and assisted living communities.