Geriatric and Seniors Psychiatrists in Connecticut
![Photo of George J Costanzo, DC APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51d70f4c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
George J Costanzo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DC APRN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fairfield, CT 06824 (Online Only)
I'm a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (APRN), licensed to prescribe psychiatric medication across the lifespan. At our practice, we collaborate with patients and their therapists to use medications conservatively, while always incorporating holistic methods to assist in recovery. I have 30 years of experience as a chiropractor, treating patients without the use of medication. Now, with the ability to prescribe medication, I carry with me the philosophy that judicious medication use is key in treatment plans. My strength is in adolescents, adults and geriatric patients.
I'm a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (APRN), licensed to prescribe psychiatric medication across the lifespan. At our practice, we collaborate with patients and their therapists to use medications conservatively, while always incorporating holistic methods to assist in recovery. I have 30 years of experience as a chiropractor, treating patients without the use of medication. Now, with the ability to prescribe medication, I carry with me the philosophy that judicious medication use is key in treatment plans. My strength is in adolescents, adults and geriatric patients.
![Photo of Joyce A Tinsley, MD, MS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6831e50d-3c8f-49aa-87d7-aa3ef34c8c62/1/320x400.jpeg)
I bring experience and expertise through therapy & medication management. If your psychiatric medication does not relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety or mood instability, you may need a second opinion. Mindful moderation can help you cut down on drinking, stop smoking, or cope with binge eating. You don't have to do this alone. Another area I deal with is acceptance of aging. With older age comes more unwanted challenges than at any other phase of life. We don’t know what will alter our lives, nor when these changes may occur: illness, loss, memory or loneliness, I can help adapt and enjoy the pleasures that older age can bring.
I bring experience and expertise through therapy & medication management. If your psychiatric medication does not relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety or mood instability, you may need a second opinion. Mindful moderation can help you cut down on drinking, stop smoking, or cope with binge eating. You don't have to do this alone. Another area I deal with is acceptance of aging. With older age comes more unwanted challenges than at any other phase of life. We don’t know what will alter our lives, nor when these changes may occur: illness, loss, memory or loneliness, I can help adapt and enjoy the pleasures that older age can bring.
![Photo of Mohammad Farooq Dada - Central Connecticut Behavioral Health, LLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42c42594-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Board Certified in Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry.
Providing quality care to all our satisfied clients through a comprehensive array of services, convenience and timely access. Our Expert, and caring team of clinicians with more than 30 yrs in the field of Psychiatry. We are multilingual with fluency in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi and treat patients age 18 and over. We provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluation including thorough evaluation of your medical records, Extensive psychiatric interview and explanation of treatment plan .
Board Certified in Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry.
Providing quality care to all our satisfied clients through a comprehensive array of services, convenience and timely access. Our Expert, and caring team of clinicians with more than 30 yrs in the field of Psychiatry. We are multilingual with fluency in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi and treat patients age 18 and over. We provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluation including thorough evaluation of your medical records, Extensive psychiatric interview and explanation of treatment plan .
![Photo of Dimitry Francois, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd3ef192-600f-4185-9da3-19af2915d7cb/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am an Ivy League-trained and triple-board certified psychiatrist in general psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and addiction medicine.
My practice focuses on psychopharmacology. I offer medication management evaluations, follow-up visits, and second-opinion consultations. If the need arises, I work with licensed therapists to provide behavioral support.
I am an Ivy League-trained and triple-board certified psychiatrist in general psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and addiction medicine.
My practice focuses on psychopharmacology. I offer medication management evaluations, follow-up visits, and second-opinion consultations. If the need arises, I work with licensed therapists to provide behavioral support.
![Photo of Lisa Killips, APRN, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/31d6ccae-e1b3-4a8a-8822-bb933493b1bc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa Killips
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Avon, CT 06001 (Online Only)
With a background in the treatment of Behavioral Medicine, General & Social Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Professional burn-out, Caregiver fatigue, perinatal & post-menopause, PMS, PMDD and Dementia.
I am accepting new Clients. My goal is to treat clients with an individual, holistic approach in an effort to strive for a healthy, balanced, quality of life. I am an empathetic listener utilizing integrative treatment strategies of medication management, complimentary therapies, mindfulness, nutrition, exercise and more. Treatment is with thoughtful consideration of the Client as a whole.
With a background in the treatment of Behavioral Medicine, General & Social Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Professional burn-out, Caregiver fatigue, perinatal & post-menopause, PMS, PMDD and Dementia.
I am accepting new Clients. My goal is to treat clients with an individual, holistic approach in an effort to strive for a healthy, balanced, quality of life. I am an empathetic listener utilizing integrative treatment strategies of medication management, complimentary therapies, mindfulness, nutrition, exercise and more. Treatment is with thoughtful consideration of the Client as a whole.
![Photo of Richard Louis O'Sullivan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4399da43-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. O'Sullivan is a Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital trained psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience practicing clinical psychiatry and conducting psychiatric research. He offers medication management, psychotherapy and psychiatric home visits services. He sees patients of all ages including the elderly.
Dr. O'Sullivan is a Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital trained psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience practicing clinical psychiatry and conducting psychiatric research. He offers medication management, psychotherapy and psychiatric home visits services. He sees patients of all ages including the elderly.
![Photo of Dr. William A Abrokwa, DNP, PMHNP-B, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8bf7bbfb-3944-4715-96bc-33d136db246a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. William A Abrokwa
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-B, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
South Windsor, CT 06074
I hold a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. I am an APRN specializing in psychiatric/mental health. I have over ten years of experience working in behavioral health nursing with diverse populations. I obtained my Master’s in Nursing- FNP and Post-Graduate Certification in PMHNP from Chamberlain University and Frontier Nursing University, respectively. Mental health, addiction, and empowering patients through effective patient-provider engagement have always been my passion. My doctoral project was on effective depresion management in older adults using shared decision-making and antidepressant compliance.
I hold a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. I am an APRN specializing in psychiatric/mental health. I have over ten years of experience working in behavioral health nursing with diverse populations. I obtained my Master’s in Nursing- FNP and Post-Graduate Certification in PMHNP from Chamberlain University and Frontier Nursing University, respectively. Mental health, addiction, and empowering patients through effective patient-provider engagement have always been my passion. My doctoral project was on effective depresion management in older adults using shared decision-making and antidepressant compliance.
![Photo of Susan Daly, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b330c5fc-f508-46a9-9411-f9b80b308878/2/320x400.jpeg)
…. Diagnostic evaluation and psychopharmacology (medication evaluation and management) for adolescents, adults and seniors. As a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, Susan incorporates the most up to date evidence-based research into treatment plans. Continuing education is of paramount importance in selecting the best options for clients. Advanced continuing education includes attending conferences held with the most preeminent experts in the field of neuroscience and medication treatments.
…. Diagnostic evaluation and psychopharmacology (medication evaluation and management) for adolescents, adults and seniors. As a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, Susan incorporates the most up to date evidence-based research into treatment plans. Continuing education is of paramount importance in selecting the best options for clients. Advanced continuing education includes attending conferences held with the most preeminent experts in the field of neuroscience and medication treatments.
![Photo of Ayesha Ahmed, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d43a991-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am seeing Adult and Geriatric Patients and I have a Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry.
We are accepting new Patient (Adult,18 years and older). I am a 15+ years Experienced, Board Certified Physician specialized in Psychiatry, with Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry. Depression, Anxiety, Sleep Disorders, Trauma, Phobias, Alzheimer, Postpartum Depression, Behavioral Disturbance, Senior- Geriatric conditions. My mission is to provide my patients with the best care in a confidential, relaxed environment through Evaluation and Medication Management. My office is in West Hartford Center, near by towns are Bloomfield, Avon, Granby, Simsbury, Canton, Windsor, Hartford, Newrington, Glastonbury, Danbury, Springfield-MA.
I am seeing Adult and Geriatric Patients and I have a Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry.
We are accepting new Patient (Adult,18 years and older). I am a 15+ years Experienced, Board Certified Physician specialized in Psychiatry, with Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry. Depression, Anxiety, Sleep Disorders, Trauma, Phobias, Alzheimer, Postpartum Depression, Behavioral Disturbance, Senior- Geriatric conditions. My mission is to provide my patients with the best care in a confidential, relaxed environment through Evaluation and Medication Management. My office is in West Hartford Center, near by towns are Bloomfield, Avon, Granby, Simsbury, Canton, Windsor, Hartford, Newrington, Glastonbury, Danbury, Springfield-MA.
![Photo of Susan Daly, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d629706-4b33-4787-bd59-188288653669/1/320x400.jpeg)
…. Diagnostic evaluation and psychopharmacology (medication evaluation and management) for adolescents, adults and seniors. As a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, Susan incorporates the most up to date evidence-based research into treatment plans. Continuing education is of paramount importance in selecting the best options for clients. Although specializing in psychopharmacology, Susan believes in incorporating a mind, body approach. Her background includes years of experience in a trauma level ER which gives her a unique perspective to her client’s needs.
…. Diagnostic evaluation and psychopharmacology (medication evaluation and management) for adolescents, adults and seniors. As a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, Susan incorporates the most up to date evidence-based research into treatment plans. Continuing education is of paramount importance in selecting the best options for clients. Although specializing in psychopharmacology, Susan believes in incorporating a mind, body approach. Her background includes years of experience in a trauma level ER which gives her a unique perspective to her client’s needs.
![Photo of Olivia Carter - Liv Well Behavioral Health Services (LWBHS), DNP, , APRN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fba6672e-675f-4147-9d87-5a7fd49ec455/3/320x400.jpeg)
Liv Well Behavioral Health Services (LWBHS)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, , APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
New Britain, CT 06052 (Online Only)
Serving individuals throughout the life span: childhood, adolescents, young adult, mature adults, and geriatric population.
Doctorate Degree studies the impact of trauma-informed therapies throughout the life span. Chief Researcher: Building Resilience Among Veterans: TRM, CRM, EMDR to reduce PTSD, depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. Principal Research Investigator of EMDR Therapy for inner-city adolescents to enhance resiliency. Licensed, Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Yale-New Haven Psych & Medical Attending for Adult & Geriatrics Inpatient units, and Adjunct Professor at FFU Fairfield University in Psychiatry/Mental Health. Expertise in Psychopathology, Psychopharmacology, Psychotherapy, and Cultural Diversity.
Serving individuals throughout the life span: childhood, adolescents, young adult, mature adults, and geriatric population.
Doctorate Degree studies the impact of trauma-informed therapies throughout the life span. Chief Researcher: Building Resilience Among Veterans: TRM, CRM, EMDR to reduce PTSD, depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. Principal Research Investigator of EMDR Therapy for inner-city adolescents to enhance resiliency. Licensed, Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Yale-New Haven Psych & Medical Attending for Adult & Geriatrics Inpatient units, and Adjunct Professor at FFU Fairfield University in Psychiatry/Mental Health. Expertise in Psychopathology, Psychopharmacology, Psychotherapy, and Cultural Diversity.
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![Photo of Patrick Tigenoah - Tri-Star Behavioral Health Inc, FPMHNP, MSN, APRN, ANCC-BC, BSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45403236-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Tri-Star Behavioral Health Inc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FPMHNP, MSN, APRN, ANCC-BC, BSN
Verified Verified
Westport, CT 06880
I am a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is Board Certified. I have expertise in providing Psychiatric Assessments, Medication Management, Individual and Family Psychotherapy. I specialize in Child/Adolescent, Young Adults, Adults and the Geriatric Population. Majority of my training and clinical experience has been at Bellevue Hospital, VA Hospitals and the Prison System.
I am a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is Board Certified. I have expertise in providing Psychiatric Assessments, Medication Management, Individual and Family Psychotherapy. I specialize in Child/Adolescent, Young Adults, Adults and the Geriatric Population. Majority of my training and clinical experience has been at Bellevue Hospital, VA Hospitals and the Prison System.
![Photo of Jeremy R Mack, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d2b00ef-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Medication can provide wonderful relief for acute matters but only psychotherapy offers the possibility of fundamental change of life-long destructive patterns. With a combination of medication and therapy I have helped many patients to achieve a better life. Board certified in child as well as adult psychiatry, I am experienced in the treatment of conditions affecting children and adolescents, adults, and the geriatric population.
Medication can provide wonderful relief for acute matters but only psychotherapy offers the possibility of fundamental change of life-long destructive patterns. With a combination of medication and therapy I have helped many patients to achieve a better life. Board certified in child as well as adult psychiatry, I am experienced in the treatment of conditions affecting children and adolescents, adults, and the geriatric population.
![Photo of Sumit Naig, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba308639-ec2e-4d63-8e85-34042dabc41e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Medication Management Comprehensive and Evidence Based treatments for Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Eating disorders, Inattention and focus symptoms, Schizophrenia, late life depression, dementia, treatment of psychiatric conditions in patients with cancer, auto immune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, post COVID 19 related sequelae.
I believe in collaborating with my patients to understand their mental health needs using a four-part model:- the life story: where the patient is in her/his life, family history and upbringing- the personality: who she/he is as a person- the behavior: what coping methods does she/he employ to manage stressors and psychologic- the illness: the symptoms that brought her/him to seek help.
Medication Management Comprehensive and Evidence Based treatments for Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Eating disorders, Inattention and focus symptoms, Schizophrenia, late life depression, dementia, treatment of psychiatric conditions in patients with cancer, auto immune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, post COVID 19 related sequelae.
I believe in collaborating with my patients to understand their mental health needs using a four-part model:- the life story: where the patient is in her/his life, family history and upbringing- the personality: who she/he is as a person- the behavior: what coping methods does she/he employ to manage stressors and psychologic- the illness: the symptoms that brought her/him to seek help.
![Photo of Dr. H. Ho, MD, MPH, DABPN, DABOM, DABPM, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40b31f4d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Johns-Hopkins trained, award-winning Harvard psychiatrist, affiliated with McLean and Mass General Brigham, quadruple board certified in Addiction Medicine, Obesity Medicine, Adult Psychiatry, and Child Psychiatry. Do you feel no one understands your unspeakable sorrow, helplessness, insecurity, or regret? You don't have to endure alone. I have helped a diverse group: abuse survivors, addiction recoverees, children with anxiety, elders with dementia, missionaries, LGBTQ individuals, physicians, attorneys, administrators, etc. I advocate for using the least amount of medications and non-medication approach whenever possible.
I am a Johns-Hopkins trained, award-winning Harvard psychiatrist, affiliated with McLean and Mass General Brigham, quadruple board certified in Addiction Medicine, Obesity Medicine, Adult Psychiatry, and Child Psychiatry. Do you feel no one understands your unspeakable sorrow, helplessness, insecurity, or regret? You don't have to endure alone. I have helped a diverse group: abuse survivors, addiction recoverees, children with anxiety, elders with dementia, missionaries, LGBTQ individuals, physicians, attorneys, administrators, etc. I advocate for using the least amount of medications and non-medication approach whenever possible.
As a Boarded psychiatrist based in Westchester Co, NY, specializes in adult and geriatric psychiatry, I also bring into my practice a background in Neurology and Medicine that enables me to address complex diagnostic and behavioral issues. Working with patients and their families, I have used a wide variety of treatments from individual psychotherapy, lifestyle change, different psychopharmacological tools and ketamine therapy to help patients. My practice includes patients 18 yo onward, including elderly patients with dementia and other neuropsychiatric syndromes and end-of-life care. I only work on a fee for service basis.
As a Boarded psychiatrist based in Westchester Co, NY, specializes in adult and geriatric psychiatry, I also bring into my practice a background in Neurology and Medicine that enables me to address complex diagnostic and behavioral issues. Working with patients and their families, I have used a wide variety of treatments from individual psychotherapy, lifestyle change, different psychopharmacological tools and ketamine therapy to help patients. My practice includes patients 18 yo onward, including elderly patients with dementia and other neuropsychiatric syndromes and end-of-life care. I only work on a fee for service basis.
![Photo of Zenna E Bell - Zen Wellness Care LLC, AGNP-BC, RN, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f416646-f39d-4e87-af09-6ff8d2934608/1/320x400.jpeg)
Zen Wellness Care LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, AGNP-BC, RN, MSN
Verified Verified
Bloomfield, CT 06002
I am a dedicated and compassionate Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner serving the Greater Hartford. My profound passion for holistic health and well-being began during my childhood in Jamaica and has continued to flourish throughout my career. With a focus on a conservative and holistic approach, my mission is to empower individuals to recognize their complete selves, addressing physical, mental, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual aspects. I Emphasize preventive measures, symptom management, problem-solving, and medication management to achieve and maintain well-being. Ensuring that clients are heard and understood.
I am a dedicated and compassionate Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner serving the Greater Hartford. My profound passion for holistic health and well-being began during my childhood in Jamaica and has continued to flourish throughout my career. With a focus on a conservative and holistic approach, my mission is to empower individuals to recognize their complete selves, addressing physical, mental, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual aspects. I Emphasize preventive measures, symptom management, problem-solving, and medication management to achieve and maintain well-being. Ensuring that clients are heard and understood.
![Photo of Verona Gordon - Gordon Health Services, LLC, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6a2487b-c2b2-4669-96e9-724aea25d315/2/320x400.jpeg)
Gordon Health Services, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Welcome! I’m Verona, a dual board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). I specialize in teens, adults, and geriatrics who are struggling with anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorder, and PTSD. I believe in a holistic approach to treatment. I provide medication management and individual therapy to teens, adults, and geriatrics. During our initial sessions, you can expect a nonjudgmental and confidential environment where you are heard and respected. I believe healing is a holistic journey encompassing the mind, body, and soul. Through compassionate listening and collaborative exploration
Welcome! I’m Verona, a dual board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). I specialize in teens, adults, and geriatrics who are struggling with anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorder, and PTSD. I believe in a holistic approach to treatment. I provide medication management and individual therapy to teens, adults, and geriatrics. During our initial sessions, you can expect a nonjudgmental and confidential environment where you are heard and respected. I believe healing is a holistic journey encompassing the mind, body, and soul. Through compassionate listening and collaborative exploration
![Photo of Kelli Bernier - North Star Wellness, NP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0905b08e-35a6-4dba-9540-6e6354f561d5/1/320x400.jpeg)
North Star Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southington, CT 06489
At North Star Wellness, we are dedicated to guiding you on your journey to mental wellness. We understand the challenges that individuals and families face when dealing with mental health concerns, and we are here to provide you with the highest level of care and support throughout your healing process.
At North Star Wellness, we are dedicated to guiding you on your journey to mental wellness. We understand the challenges that individuals and families face when dealing with mental health concerns, and we are here to provide you with the highest level of care and support throughout your healing process.
![Photo of Paul Furino, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6685fee1-1ada-4e8d-8e0e-16a964e574fa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Now Accepting New Clients! My ideal client is one who is ready for a change in treating their mental health concerns. I am open, nonjudgemental, and bring to you many years' experience in treating various mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc. Many clients struggle with the stigma of receiving mental health treatment, I would like to offer a breath of fresh air in our approach to treating your mental health concerns, and dispel any doubts you may have about improving your mental health.
Now Accepting New Clients! My ideal client is one who is ready for a change in treating their mental health concerns. I am open, nonjudgemental, and bring to you many years' experience in treating various mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc. Many clients struggle with the stigma of receiving mental health treatment, I would like to offer a breath of fresh air in our approach to treating your mental health concerns, and dispel any doubts you may have about improving your mental health.
See more therapy options for Connecticut
Geriatric and Seniors Psychiatrists
Is one ever too old for mental health therapy?
Individuals of all ages can benefit from mental health therapy. Indeed, older adults in particular may benefit from the social and psychological support a therapist can provide; the topics that older adults address in therapy may simply differ from those of younger clients. Seniors should seek out a therapist who has experience working with older individuals and who is well-versed in addressing common concerns among elderly individuals, such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, dementia, and physical mobility challenges.
How can geriatric therapy improve the quality of life of aging individuals?
Therapy for aging adults can greatly improve quality of life by providing an opportunity for them to process difficult emotions related to end-of-life, navigate relational or caregiver challenges, and develop coping skills for common mental health conditions, like anxiety or depression. Subsequent reductions in negative emotions and mental health disorder symptoms can make day-to-day living much more manageable for aging adults and those that care for them. The ongoing relationship with a trusted therapist can also help seniors combat loneliness and provide a sense of structure for their routine.
How is counseling for elderly different from counseling for other age groups?
Many aspects of geriatric counseling are similar to counseling in younger age groups; in general, counseling offers an opportunity for clients to process difficult life events and develop coping skills they can use outside of the therapy session. However, therapists who specialize in working with elderly clients may place a special emphasis on specific topics, such as caregiver relationships and reducing loneliness. They may be specially equipped to deal with certain physical conditions or facilitate discussion surrounding end-of-life topics. Counseling for the elderly may also place a greater emphasis on social work-type topics to ensure that geriatric clients have access to necessary resources, such as food, a safe home environment, and healthcare.
Can geriatric counseling help people who suffer from dementia?
Counseling can be highly effective for aging adults with dementia. While some therapists specializing in dementia may work with clients solely on topics surrounding memory loss, they can also assist clients with conditions that may co-occur at old age, such as anxiety or depression. Counselors specializing in working with older adults can also offer an objective assessment of a client’s functioning or disease progression to caregivers, and they may be particularly knowledgeable about community resources that may benefit dementia clients and their families. Therapists specializing in dementia may also be trained in specialized forms of therapy for memory-loss|memory loss, such as Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)—which can help mentally stimulate dementia clients to preserve cognitive functioning.