How geriatric psychiatry supports mental wellness in aging adults

Mental health support is important in any stage of life. If you’re an older adult living with mental health conditions, geriatric psychiatry can help. 

Geriatric psychiatry is a mental health specialty that focuses specifically on the needs of people aged 65 and older. Research shows that approximately up to 25% of adults 65 and older have depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. Psychiatric services can help you manage these conditions, whether you’ve been living with them for a long time or don’t yet have a diagnosis.

What to expect from geriatric psychiatric care

Geriatric psychiatry doesn’t look all that different from psychiatric services for any other age group. However, it’s important to work with mental health providers who are familiar with the challenges commonly faced by people your age (and how they influence your mental health). For example, many older adults experience hearing loss, which can contribute to anxiety and paranoia. It’s important for your psychiatrist to understand how aging and mental health are related.

Older adults are also more likely to be experiencing multiple medical conditions. You may already be taking medication for other health conditions. Any new psychiatric medications could interact with these, so it’s important for your psychiatric provider to know all the medications that you are taking. 

Geriatric psychiatrists have specialized training in how to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions in older adults. For this specialty, they must have at least one additional year of training, as well as additional qualifications from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in geriatric psychiatry. If you’re seeing a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), they are trained across the lifespan with specialized clinical training for geriatrics. 

Because of this specialized training, they’re more comfortable and familiar with navigating the common concerns that older adults face. Geriatric psychiatric providers consider other co-occurring medical conditions and how that might influence your diagnosis and treatment.

One of the main roles of all psychiatric providers, including geriatric psychiatrists, is prescribing medication and providing follow-up care. But some other services that geriatric psychiatric providers can provide include:

• Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations
• Individual and family therapy
• Medication management
• Referrals to other medical specialists
• Cognitive screenings for memory and thinking 
• Coordination with primary care providers and family members

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What’s treated in geriatric psychiatry

Older adults can face the same mental health conditions that anybody else does, and a psychiatric provider can help. Research shows that some mental health conditions are more common in this age group.

Some of the most common reasons that an older adult might seek the support of a psychiatric provider include:

• Depression: Depression amongst older adults is a significant problem. Research shows that up to 20% of people in this age group have depression. But depression isn’t a “normal” part of getting older, and if you think you might be living with depression, you deserve psychiatric care. Antidepressant medication has been found to be just as effective for older adults as it is for people of any other age.
• Anxiety: Many older adults experience anxiety — especially when faced with health concerns, caregiving worries, or grief. It’s important to address anxiety early. When left untreated, it can worsen physical health and overall quality of life.
• Panic disorder: Panic attacks can become more frightening with age, especially when symptoms mimic medical events like a heart attack. A geriatric psychiatric provider can help distinguish between medical and psychological symptoms and develop a treatment plan.
• Substance use disorder (SUD): Unhealthy substance use in older adults is often underdiagnosed but can be serious. Some people begin using substances later in life — especially if they’re experiencing chronic pain or grief.
• Dementia: Although geriatric psychiatric providers don’t treat dementia directly, they may play an important role in care. They can identify cognitive decline and help manage the mood and behavior changes that may come with dementia.
• Schizophrenia: Some older adults have been living with schizophrenia for most of their lives, while others develop late-onset psychotic disorders. Geriatric psychiatrists understand how to treat this complex condition, especially considering other age-related concerns.

Getting started with a geriatric psychiatrist

Whether you’re looking for psychiatric care for yourself or for an older adult in your life, it can be a confusing process to navigate at first. Here are some steps you can take to get started.

1. Find a provider. Most of the time, you don’t need a referral to get an appointment with a geriatric psychiatric provider. But in some cases — especially depending on your insurance plan — it might be easiest and fastest to talk to your general care physician and ask for a referral. Let them know what symptoms you’re experiencing and ask if they can recommend someone who specializes in older-adult care.
2. Check insurance. Most older adults have access to psychiatry through Medicare. You can use online directories or contact your insurance provider directly to find out which psychiatrists are in network. Some areas are facing a psychiatrist shortage, so it may be difficult to find a Medicare psychiatrist in your local area. Online psychiatrists can help close this gap and give you access to a wider range of providers in your state.
3. Consider online vs. in person. Online psychiatry can be a convenient and effective option, especially if you have mobility concerns or live in a rural area. But it’s also OK if you prefer to meet your provider face to face if you’re not comfortable or confident in the technology that’s required. Some psychiatric providers may offer hybrid options that allow for both. 
4. Prepare for your first appointment. Before your appointment, take note of the symptoms you’ve been experiencing and any medications you currently take. If you feel comfortable, consider bringing a trusted family member with you. They may be able to help remember key information or provide context.
5. Pick up your medication. If your psychiatric provider prescribes medication, they’ll send it to your pharmacy after your appointment. You can usually pick it up the same day. Your psychiatrist will also let you know how long to take the medication and when to schedule a follow-up appointment to check in.

Find care with Rula

It’s valid to feel unsure or overwhelmed about starting geriatric psychiatry later in life. But mental health matters at every age, and support is available to help you feel more like yourself again.

At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.

Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.

Find a provider with Rula