Dr. Elizabeth "Elspeth" Mellin

My practice specializes in navigating the unique mental health, societal, and life-transition challenges faced by LGBTQ+ older adults and elders (ages 60+). A lot of my clients are LGBTQ+, though the practice is open to anyone. People come to me dealing with chronic illness, grief, loneliness, caregiving, all the stuff that comes with getting older, including that feeling of becoming invisible. A lot of what I see with LGBTQ+ elders is specific to aging itself. Worrying about being closeted again with a home health aide or in assisted living. Chosen family not always being let in the room when it matters. Caring for biological family who weren't always accepting, which can bring up old stuff even while you're the one showing up for them. Some people isolate rather than risk a new doctor or aide not understanding. For some, there's also the AIDS generation. Caring for people again, all these years later, can bring back a lot of old sorrow. The name Middle Way comes from a Buddhist idea, finding a way between extremes. That fits aging pretty well, I think. You're often holding two things at once: accepting what's changed while still asking what's possible, grieving what's gone while noticing what's still here, wanting to stay independent while needing people more than you used to. For caregivers, it's caring for someone else while trying to remember to take care of yourself too. There aren't always good answers for these transitions. Often what people need most is genuine connection, someone who asks how they're doing and who listens deeply enough to really hear the answer. Everyone shows up at different points. Maybe retirement didn't feel as free as you thought. Maybe your body isn't doing what it used to. Maybe you've gotten lonelier than you thought after loss. Or maybe you're worn out from caregiving. Some people have done therapy before and it helped. Others tried it and it didn't go anywhere, or they've just never been sure it was for them. All of that makes sense. The first few sessions are about getting to know each other and seeing if it feels like a good fit. I'm in-network with Traditional Medicare and Aetna Medicare Advantage, so cost isn't a barrier if that's a concern. I keep my caseload small so I can be fully present with every person I see. We'll talk about what's going on, figure out what might help, and go at whatever pace makes sense. There's no timeline you're supposed to keep. If you have questions, call, email, or text, you don't need to have anything figured out before reaching out.