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Senior inpatient psychiatric programs treat a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders, as well as symptoms associated with diseases of aging like Alzheimer's disease and dementias. Some treatment facilities also treat substance use disorders and provide rehab services. Because these mental health conditions can look different in older adults than in younger populations, programs that have staff that specialize in these conditions in older adults is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Inpatient programs provide 24-hour psychiatric care for seniors; therefore, they are the best fit for older adults who are in psychiatric crisis or who need medical monitoring during stabilization. In contrast, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are outpatient services that offer structured treatment several days per week but do not involve seniors staying overnight in a facility. These services are typically used after inpatient discharge or when an older adult’s symptoms are serious but don’t put them at an immediate safety risk. If you are unsure what level is most appropriate for a family member, a primary care physician (PCP) or psychiatrist can conduct an initial assessment and recommend the appropriate level of care. Some senior mental health programs also offer phone consultations or assessments to help families determine what level of treatment is appropriate.

Most senior mental health programs use evidence-based therapies adapted for older adults, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for depression and anxiety, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills for emotional regulation, and group therapy for peer connection and to address social isolation, one of the strongest risk factors for mental health decline in older adults. Medication management is often another important component of treatment programs since older adults can be more sensitive to psychiatric medications and may have other physical health conditions that require coordination with psychiatric treatment.

In the United States, most seniors have Medicare, the federal health insurance program for adults 65 and older and people with disabilities. Medicare does cover mental health treatment, although the specifics depend on the type of program and the type of Medicare. Inpatient psychiatric stays are covered under Medicare Part A, although coverage is limited to 190 days over a person's lifetime and may involve significant cost sharing. Outpatient services like therapy and medication management are covered under Medicare Part B. Medicare Advantage plans, by contrast, are offered through private insurers, and may have different benefits. Therefore, it is important to call your plan directly to confirm coverage prior to seeking care if you or a loved one has a Medicare Advantage plan.