Psychiatric Care for Older Adults
We provide psychiatric care for older adults. Psychiatric care later in life involves additional considerations: medication sensitivity, co-occurring medical conditions, cognitive changes, and conditions that may present differently than they did at an earlier age. Our evaluation and treatment process accounts for all of this.
How Care Is Tailored for Older Adults
Assessment considerations
The evaluation for older adults includes attention to cognitive function, co-occurring medical conditions, and how these interact with psychiatric symptoms. Conditions like depression can present differently in older adults, sometimes as cognitive complaints or physical symptoms rather than mood changes. The evaluation process is designed to account for these differences.
Medication sensitivity and polypharmacy
Older adults are often on multiple medications for other medical conditions. Prescribing accounts for drug interactions, dosing adjustments, and increased sensitivity to side effects. We review all current medications before recommending any psychiatric medication, and we monitor closely as treatment progresses.
Cognitive screening
When indicated, cognitive screening is part of the evaluation. This helps distinguish between psychiatric conditions and cognitive decline, which can overlap in presentation and require different approaches.
Caregiver involvement
With the patient's consent, caregivers or family members can be involved in the evaluation and ongoing care. This is especially relevant when cognitive concerns are present, or when a family member's perspective adds important clinical context.
Late-life onset and lifelong conditions
Some patients are managing conditions diagnosed decades ago. Others experience new onset later in life. The approach accounts for both scenarios, and treatment planning reflects the difference between adjusting a long-standing regimen and starting care for the first time.
Coordination with medical providers
We communicate with primary care physicians and other specialists managing the patient's medical care. Psychiatric treatment does not happen in isolation, and coordination helps ensure that all aspects of care are aligned.
Conditions We Commonly Treat
Depression
A persistent mood disorder that goes beyond ordinary sadness, affecting energy, concentration, and daily functioning.
Learn moreAnxiety
Excessive, persistent worry that interferes with daily activities, relationships, and physical well-being.
Learn moreBipolar Disorder
Dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels — from emotional highs to depressive lows.
Learn moreSchizophrenia
A serious condition affecting thinking, perception, and behavior, requiring long-term psychiatric management.
Learn moreCognitive concerns are also addressed as part of the evaluation process. While we do not have a standalone cognitive disorders page, cognitive screening and differentiation between psychiatric and cognitive conditions is a routine part of care for older adults.
Each condition page explains how we evaluate and treat that condition across all age groups. Your provider tailors the approach based on your individual health profile and needs.
Our Care Model
The same care model applies to older adults as to all of our patients: a standardized, evidence-based evaluation process, providers trained and supervised by the psychiatrist, and psychiatrist review of all new patient treatment plans. The process is tailored for your clinical context, but the quality framework is the same.
Learn more about our approach →Common Questions
Yes. With your consent, we communicate with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure your psychiatric care is coordinated with your overall medical care.
Not a problem, but it is an important consideration. We review all your medications to account for interactions and sensitivities before recommending any psychiatric medication.
Yes, with your consent. Caregiver involvement can be especially helpful, and we welcome it when the patient is comfortable.
When indicated, cognitive screening is part of the evaluation. This helps us distinguish between psychiatric conditions and cognitive changes, which sometimes overlap in how they present.
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