What Are Geriatric Psychiatrists? And What Do They Do?

As it can for people at every stage of life, aging often presents a variety of unique psychological challenges for older adults. People who are 65 and above may experience numerous changes that impact their cognitive, emotional, and physical health. To help address these concerns, geriatric psychiatry focuses on providing these individuals with comprehensive mental health care. Geriatric psychiatrists are mental health professionals who diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and direct treatment plans in order to help care for older adults. Below, we’re going to discuss what geriatric psychiatrists do, why they are important, and how you can find the right professional for you.

What Are Geriatric Psychiatrists?

When it comes to treating older clients, there are some key points that a psychiatrist may need to consider. Older individuals may not be able to take an active role in their mental health treatment. They also may require differing amounts of support or assistance from other people in their life, which might include their family or medical staff. 

Regardless of the specific challenges they may face, many older individuals require a tailored form of treatment that addresses their mental, physical, emotional, and social needs. A geriatric psychiatrist may work with an individual’s primary care provider, therapist, and other professionals to create a multi-faceted treatment plan. They may also work with an older adult’s family so that they can provide support and care.

In addition to completing medical school, geriatric psychiatrists are typically required to complete a 4-year residency in general psychiatry. They then usually complete a 1-year residency that is focused on geriatric psychiatry. In addition to completing training that helps them prepare to address the mental health challenges that older adults experience, they are often required to obtain certain qualifications In this way, the therapist can be better prepared to provide the specialized and individualized care that an older client may need. 

Given the advances in healthcare and an increasing societal focus on wellness, the population of older adults is growing rapidly. In fact, from 2010 to 2020, the number of people 65 and over in the United States increased by 38.6%. With this significant increase in the population of older adults comes the need for more mental health professionals who can provide them with care. It is thought that the demand for geriatric psychiatrists will grow significantly in the coming years.   

Why Geriatric Psychiatry Is Important

As we get older, we often experience changes in our lives that can affect our mental and physical health. Shifts in our lifestyles, family dynamics, financial situations, and other parts of life can drastically change the way we live each day and what kind of help we need. Geriatric psychiatry seeks to understand how the realities of living as an older adult can impact mental health. 

Some people choose to see a geriatric psychiatrist as a result of mental health challenges that are related to a physical health concern, such as a stroke, chronic pain, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, or other medical conditions. Certain forms of illness can increase the risk of an individual developing depression. Additionally, mental health conditions may impact older adults differently than they do people of different ages. Alternatively, a patient may simply be looking to meet with an expert who can understand how aging may impact their needs.

Psychiatrists can also help clients process the emotional challenges that can accompany getting older. Retirement, the loss of loved ones, increasing loneliness, and various other experiences can lead to complex feelings. Additionally, mental health and neurological disorders like depression, anxiety, and dementia can lead to serious emotional concerns. 

Older adults can also experience several cognitive challenges that may accompany aging. There are certain neurodegenerative diseases that primarily affect older individuals, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Additionally, a general decline in cognitive function occurs with aging. This can lead to confusion, frustration, anger, or sadness. Geriatric psychiatrists can help clients focus on these challenges so that they can improve facets of cognitive function like memory and attention. 

Geriatric psychiatry can be important because many of the experiences older adults undergo are unique to their age. Those who specialize in providing mental health solutions for people 65 and over can be particularly helpful. If you’re experiencing mental health challenges related to aging, consider meeting with a licensed mental health professional, whether a geriatric psychiatrist, a therapist, or another provider. 

How Treatment With A Geriatric Psychiatrist Progresses

When an older adult seeks psychiatric treatment, there will typically be a consultation or an initial session in which the psychiatrist conducts medical examinations, provides screenings, and asks questions about the individual’s history, lifestyle, and symptoms. If necessary, the psychiatrist may then diagnose the individual with a mental health disorder. They may also help the individual develop a treatment plan, which could include medication, therapy, or a combination of the two.

Because it can also be important for an older individual to have a place to express themselves and discuss their feelings, a psychiatrist may also provide therapy. Most clients who would benefit from therapy, however, will be referred to another mental health professional. While they can provide psychotherapy, fewer and fewer psychiatrists include it as part of their practice. 

After the initial sessions with a psychiatrist, clients will typically check in regularly to provide information on how their symptoms are progressing and how the treatment plan is working. Based on this feedback, the psychiatrist may decide to change the dosage of a certain medication or prescribe a different or supplemental drug that will better address the individual’s symptoms. 

Finding A Geriatric Psychiatrist

If you’re an older adult seeking mental health care, there are several ways you can connect with a geriatric psychiatrist. A good place to start is typically your insurance provider, to find out if you’re covered. Your carrier’s provider lookup tool can typically help you narrow down a list of professionals who specialize in geriatric psychiatry. If you’re covered under Medicare, you can use its search feature and filter providers based on whether they practice geriatric psychiatry. 

Additionally, your primary care provider can refer you to a geriatric psychiatrist. You can also find a list of geriatric psychiatrists near you by utilizing the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry’s site. Or you can simply conduct your own online search to find the right professional for you. 

How Online Therapy Can Help

Studies show that online therapy can help older adults navigate mental health challenges. For example, in a study published in the journal Behavior Therapy, researchers found that online cognitive behavioral therapy led to significant reductions in symptoms of depression in participants, who were all over 60 years of age. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a widely utilized modality focused on helping individuals reframe negative thought patterns, such as those that may lead to maladaptive emotions and behaviors associated with aging and depression. 

If you’re living with mental health concerns related to getting older, consider accessing the resources and support provided by an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. With online therapy, you can connect with a licensed therapist remotely, which can be helpful if you’re not as comfortable leaving home. BetterHelp works with thousands of mental health professionals—who have a wide range of specialties—so you’ll have a good chance of matching with someone who can address your specific concerns regarding aging or other important life changes.