Geriatric and Seniors Psychiatrists in Dunedin, FL
![Photo of Zachary Zimko, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b5a8829-5ca4-4a5d-b359-1e49f6afae1f/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Zachary Zimko is a Licensed Osteopathic Physician in the state of Florida. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of Delaware in 2012 with a B.S. in Neuroscience and Minors in Medical Humanities, Medical Diagnostics, and Biology. He graduated from Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine in 2016 with a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine. He graduated his Psychiatry Residency at Largo Medical Center in 2020 and was Chief Resident in his final year. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry through the AOA. He serves as Medical Director of PEMHS and is an Assistant Professor at USF Health, Morsani College of Medicine’s GME program.
Dr. Zachary Zimko is a Licensed Osteopathic Physician in the state of Florida. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of Delaware in 2012 with a B.S. in Neuroscience and Minors in Medical Humanities, Medical Diagnostics, and Biology. He graduated from Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine in 2016 with a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine. He graduated his Psychiatry Residency at Largo Medical Center in 2020 and was Chief Resident in his final year. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry through the AOA. He serves as Medical Director of PEMHS and is an Assistant Professor at USF Health, Morsani College of Medicine’s GME program.
![Photo of Adil Mohammed - Harmony United Psychiatric Care, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd71409a-9853-42ff-b31c-b7a82ec8c499/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
![Photo of Julie Angileri, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b0430dbb-6cff-4826-b0a3-fd11e27a09cb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Julie Angileri
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Dunedin, FL 34698 (Online Only)
Now ADHD and Autism Certified! I know you're looking for a better life, I know you don't like how things are going right now. I'm here. I'm here to help you. It takes tremendous courage to take the first steps toward wellness. I know that together, we can get you to your goals quickly. I am a double board certified NP with over 20 years of experience in family medicine, psychiatry, and I have additional training in integrative medicine. I treat any age for depression, anxiety, mood, autism, ADHD and PTSD. Today is your day, now it the time, give me a chance to help you.
Now ADHD and Autism Certified! I know you're looking for a better life, I know you don't like how things are going right now. I'm here. I'm here to help you. It takes tremendous courage to take the first steps toward wellness. I know that together, we can get you to your goals quickly. I am a double board certified NP with over 20 years of experience in family medicine, psychiatry, and I have additional training in integrative medicine. I treat any age for depression, anxiety, mood, autism, ADHD and PTSD. Today is your day, now it the time, give me a chance to help you.
![Photo of George Dekeles, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b9f9f13a-5e94-4dfc-81ff-f39bbb62bd20/2/320x400.jpeg)
George Dekeles
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dunedin, FL 34698
My name is George Dekeles and I am Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Practitioner whom successfully earned my Master’s in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of South Florida. I specialize in treating children, adolescents, and adults. I am an understanding clinician who provides medication management and psychotherapeutic interventions, while creating a goal targeted and individuated treatment plan. My approach is extremely thorough, charged by compassion, and grounded by evidence based science.
My name is George Dekeles and I am Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Practitioner whom successfully earned my Master’s in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of South Florida. I specialize in treating children, adolescents, and adults. I am an understanding clinician who provides medication management and psychotherapeutic interventions, while creating a goal targeted and individuated treatment plan. My approach is extremely thorough, charged by compassion, and grounded by evidence based science.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Dinar Sajan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d4f4bba-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
We specialize in treating these conditions: • ADHD • Alcohol Abuse • Anxiety • Bipolar Disorder • Depression • Dementia • Eating Disorder • OCD • Panic Disorders • Personality Disorders • PTSD • Schizophrenia • Schizoaffective Disorders • Substance Abuse.
Our mission is to restore hope, promote well-being, and cultivate harmony in the lives of our patients. In the dynamic landscape of today's society, characterized by daily stress and constant challenges, we recognize the crucial demand for a tranquil and stable environment.
We specialize in treating these conditions: • ADHD • Alcohol Abuse • Anxiety • Bipolar Disorder • Depression • Dementia • Eating Disorder • OCD • Panic Disorders • Personality Disorders • PTSD • Schizophrenia • Schizoaffective Disorders • Substance Abuse.
Our mission is to restore hope, promote well-being, and cultivate harmony in the lives of our patients. In the dynamic landscape of today's society, characterized by daily stress and constant challenges, we recognize the crucial demand for a tranquil and stable environment.
![Photo of Dinar Sajan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60f78d17-0abb-430f-8ad0-860e30d7e38c/1/320x400.jpeg)
We specialize in treating these conditions: • ADHD • Alcohol Abuse • Anxiety • Bipolar Disorder • Depression • Dementia • Eating Disorder • OCD • Panic Disorder • Personality Disorder • PTSD • Schizophrenia • Schizoaffective Disorder • Substance Abuse.
Our mission is to restore hope, promote well-being, and cultivate harmony in the lives of our patients. In the dynamic landscape of today's society, characterized by daily stress and constant challenges, we recognize the crucial demand for a tranquil and stable environment.
We specialize in treating these conditions: • ADHD • Alcohol Abuse • Anxiety • Bipolar Disorder • Depression • Dementia • Eating Disorder • OCD • Panic Disorder • Personality Disorder • PTSD • Schizophrenia • Schizoaffective Disorder • Substance Abuse.
Our mission is to restore hope, promote well-being, and cultivate harmony in the lives of our patients. In the dynamic landscape of today's society, characterized by daily stress and constant challenges, we recognize the crucial demand for a tranquil and stable environment.
![Photo of Joseph E Haas, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c265595-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
I treat all psychiatric conditions for patients of all ages (2-99), specializing in mood and anxiety disorders, substance abuse, sexual problems and sleep disorders as well as emotional, behavioral, and Neuro-Psychiatric problems from ADHD to dementia. I have expertise in most sub-types of addiction treatment including(but not limited to): treatment for alcohol or drug dependence, sexual addictions, and gambling addictions. I am licensed to prescribe Suboxone (a tremendous advancement in the treatment of addiction to opiates).
I treat all psychiatric conditions for patients of all ages (2-99), specializing in mood and anxiety disorders, substance abuse, sexual problems and sleep disorders as well as emotional, behavioral, and Neuro-Psychiatric problems from ADHD to dementia. I have expertise in most sub-types of addiction treatment including(but not limited to): treatment for alcohol or drug dependence, sexual addictions, and gambling addictions. I am licensed to prescribe Suboxone (a tremendous advancement in the treatment of addiction to opiates).
![Photo of Adil Mohammed - Harmony United Psychiatric Care, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f552caa-e6f1-4c3e-b74a-084c273d8202/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing in our network of clinics and online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing in our network of clinics and online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
![Photo of Susan Wilson, ARNP, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/390568fd-5cc3-4966-bcf3-49428ed222af/3/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Wilson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Welcome. You are here for a reason. You are stronger than you realize, and capable of amazing things, but if a traumatic past or current dilemma is holding your thoughts hostage, then relationships, work, and having fun will be difficult. You may feel you are going in circles, or in a maze with no way out and nothing lighting the way. You wonder, is this really my life? This mental state is a result of chronic stress, little self care, lifestyle, chemicals, hormones, ilness, or expectations about life and others that we learned as a child. If you're open to change, it is treatable. Imagine feeling calm, resilient, and secure.
Welcome. You are here for a reason. You are stronger than you realize, and capable of amazing things, but if a traumatic past or current dilemma is holding your thoughts hostage, then relationships, work, and having fun will be difficult. You may feel you are going in circles, or in a maze with no way out and nothing lighting the way. You wonder, is this really my life? This mental state is a result of chronic stress, little self care, lifestyle, chemicals, hormones, ilness, or expectations about life and others that we learned as a child. If you're open to change, it is treatable. Imagine feeling calm, resilient, and secure.
![Photo of Patrick Desir - Connection Behavioral Health, MSN, PMHNPB, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c8ed7b9c-34ed-4eda-9bb8-8d6ad461f66f/3/320x400.jpeg)
Connection Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPB
Verified Verified
Clearwater, FL 33760
Many people suffering from mental illness find it difficult to get an appointment with a provider because of their limited resources or the limitation imposed by their health insurance. Among those are clients suffering from Clinical Depression, Anxiety Disorders, OCD, ADHD, Panic Disorder, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, ASD, Alcohol Abuse and Schizophrenia Disorder. Those individuals are in need of an integrative mental health care and want to live a purpose driven life. Regardless of your preferences for either in-person or video-conferencing visit, your voice can be heard and your needs can be met by qualified mental health providers.
Many people suffering from mental illness find it difficult to get an appointment with a provider because of their limited resources or the limitation imposed by their health insurance. Among those are clients suffering from Clinical Depression, Anxiety Disorders, OCD, ADHD, Panic Disorder, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, ASD, Alcohol Abuse and Schizophrenia Disorder. Those individuals are in need of an integrative mental health care and want to live a purpose driven life. Regardless of your preferences for either in-person or video-conferencing visit, your voice can be heard and your needs can be met by qualified mental health providers.
![Photo of Sharon Krieger, APRN, PMHCNS, BC, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c5204b3-aab4-43a8-8c5a-8ff23b486fba/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sharon Krieger
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHCNS, BC, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
Come in and "Build New Horizons" by "Creating a Better Brain" in person, or by a Virtual Visit now! My hope for all patients I see , is that I help you to “build new horizons” and at some point, no longer need my services, or need them minimally. So I approach an Individual broadly to examine any and all causes for symptoms, including looking at Medical Causes for Psychiatric Symptoms. If a Brainmap is indicated, that can be part of the Assessment along with DNA Testing. Then I use a wide array of Treatment Modalities such as Biofeedback, Medications, and Psychotherapy. Be sure to visit us at www.sharonkreiger.com as well.
Come in and "Build New Horizons" by "Creating a Better Brain" in person, or by a Virtual Visit now! My hope for all patients I see , is that I help you to “build new horizons” and at some point, no longer need my services, or need them minimally. So I approach an Individual broadly to examine any and all causes for symptoms, including looking at Medical Causes for Psychiatric Symptoms. If a Brainmap is indicated, that can be part of the Assessment along with DNA Testing. Then I use a wide array of Treatment Modalities such as Biofeedback, Medications, and Psychotherapy. Be sure to visit us at www.sharonkreiger.com as well.
![Photo of Adil Mohammed - Harmony United Psychiatric Care, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f95c5497-ace2-4508-a55b-3095f87549f2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing in our network of clinics and online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing in our network of clinics and online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
![Photo of Linh Phuong (Trish) Thi Dinh - Beacon Psychiatry, LLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/14130879-8732-4180-9347-9d9fe865758d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Living with mental illness is just as, if not more, challenging than living with a physical illness. We understand that just because an illness can’t be seen, that doesn’t mean it’s not there. We are empathetic to the suffering and struggles that patients with mental illness experience as even we have multiple family members who have ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD and/or PTSD. Advocating for the proper mental health treatment of our family members and patients is a priority for us as we have witnessed the profound effect successful psychiatric treatment can have on improving one’s quality of life.
Living with mental illness is just as, if not more, challenging than living with a physical illness. We understand that just because an illness can’t be seen, that doesn’t mean it’s not there. We are empathetic to the suffering and struggles that patients with mental illness experience as even we have multiple family members who have ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD and/or PTSD. Advocating for the proper mental health treatment of our family members and patients is a priority for us as we have witnessed the profound effect successful psychiatric treatment can have on improving one’s quality of life.
Brave Health is a virtual mental health provider dedicated to helping people thrive by engaging them in high-quality, affordable, and easily accessible mental health care. Our diverse clinical staff includes licensed psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and therapists with expertise in treating mental health and substance use disorders. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to your health. We’ll work together to create a customized treatment plan for your needs. Our programs are evidence-based, drawing on approaches to treatment that are clinically proven to be effective.
Brave Health is a virtual mental health provider dedicated to helping people thrive by engaging them in high-quality, affordable, and easily accessible mental health care. Our diverse clinical staff includes licensed psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and therapists with expertise in treating mental health and substance use disorders. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to your health. We’ll work together to create a customized treatment plan for your needs. Our programs are evidence-based, drawing on approaches to treatment that are clinically proven to be effective.
![Photo of Adil Mohammed - Harmony United Psychiatric Care, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/77b0dfe5-e14e-4dfb-8b73-a37a1ba1fe77/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing in our network of clinics and online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing in our network of clinics and online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
![Photo of Adil Mohammed - Harmony United Psychiatric Care, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/432d1ae0-f668-4b03-a77d-7ee967aff2d1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
![Photo of Dr. Sandra Risoldi - Risoldi Wellness Group/Just Psych, LLC, DNP, A-APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf0dedef-fdf7-41bf-a2c9-347e65fdceaa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Risoldi Wellness Group/Just Psych, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, A-APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
The 1st Psychiatric Spa in Palm Harbor, Florida. We do telehealth throughout Florida and in-person visits specializing in psychiatry, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and talk therapy with spa features. In a world of so much uncertainty, it is important to have someone to talk to, gain insight, guidance or just to talk. Memberships available or ala carte for Salt Floats and Spa, Psychiatry, TMS, and Therapy. Taking new patients!
The 1st Psychiatric Spa in Palm Harbor, Florida. We do telehealth throughout Florida and in-person visits specializing in psychiatry, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and talk therapy with spa features. In a world of so much uncertainty, it is important to have someone to talk to, gain insight, guidance or just to talk. Memberships available or ala carte for Salt Floats and Spa, Psychiatry, TMS, and Therapy. Taking new patients!
![Photo of Destiny Refuse, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b9d6266-a982-4599-9d00-f58477f4bda7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Destiny Refuse
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Safety Harbor, FL 34695 (Online Only)
I am ready to help you! As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), my journey in healthcare has been guided by an unwavering commitment to providing compassionate and patient-centered mental health care. The driving force behind my professional endeavors lies in my deep-seated desire to assist individuals facing mental health challenges, fostering a healing environment where each patient can thrive.
I am ready to help you! As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), my journey in healthcare has been guided by an unwavering commitment to providing compassionate and patient-centered mental health care. The driving force behind my professional endeavors lies in my deep-seated desire to assist individuals facing mental health challenges, fostering a healing environment where each patient can thrive.
![Photo of Adil Mohammed - Harmony United Psychiatric Care, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8386a6c1-cfa2-4c3a-975c-c75569cda55f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
![Photo of Syed K. Zaidi - Addiction and Psychiatric Care, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50470b39-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Zaidi is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with additional qualifications in Addiction Psychiatry. He completed his Psychiatric Training at MHC - New York Medical College and Training in Addiction Psychiatry at NSUH - New York University School of Medicine. He provides Psychiatric and Addiction Treatment at Operation PAR Detox Facility and Windmoor Hospital. He provided his psychiatric services as a Medical Director at Bay Pines VA Hospital, Boley Centers, Palms of Pasadena Hospital, St. Pete General Hospital and North Side Hospital. Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Tammy Kurecki, ARNP is a new addition to our team.
Dr. Zaidi is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with additional qualifications in Addiction Psychiatry. He completed his Psychiatric Training at MHC - New York Medical College and Training in Addiction Psychiatry at NSUH - New York University School of Medicine. He provides Psychiatric and Addiction Treatment at Operation PAR Detox Facility and Windmoor Hospital. He provided his psychiatric services as a Medical Director at Bay Pines VA Hospital, Boley Centers, Palms of Pasadena Hospital, St. Pete General Hospital and North Side Hospital. Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Tammy Kurecki, ARNP is a new addition to our team.
See more therapy options for Dunedin
Nearby Geriatric and Seniors Psychiatrists Searches for Dunedin
- Bradenton
- Brandon
- Clearwater
- Lutz
- New Port Richey
- Palm Harbor
- Pinellas Park
- Plant City
- Saint Petersburg
- Tampa
- Wesley Chapel
- Zephyrhills
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.