Stroke is the fourth leading cause of deathin the United States, and the number one cause of disability (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Stroke can cause physical and psycho-social debilitation. Depression in the post-stroke patient can lead to increased mortality and disability, and decreased social interaction resulting in poor outcomes in this population (McCarthy, Powers and Lyons, 2011). The purpose of this poster is to present stroke support group services as an evidence-based intervention for the treatment of post-stroke depression. First, the problem was identified and the literature related to stroke and depression were reviewed. Interdisciplinary evidence was then explored and used to develop support servicesfor post-stroke patients who suffer from depression. Integration of the intervention into practice and implications for research will be discussed.
