Geriatric Psychiatry

Insomnia, depression, and anxiety are among the mental health conditions that affect older adults and may benefit from specialized geriatric psychiatry. At Elevate Medical, Yung Park, MD, Kevin Lemaire, DO, Sima Paul, MD, Lesley Cano, PMHNP-BC, and the diverse team provide online geriatric psychiatry services from their office in Midtown Manhattan. The compassionate team personalizes your care, benefitting your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Call the New York City office today or request an appointment online to learn more about geriatric psychiatry at the online practice.

What is geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized area of medicine that diagnoses and treats emotional and mental health conditions that affect older adults. Geriatric psychiatrists understand how aging and age-related illnesses affect psychological well-being. 

They aim to prevent, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders in older adults to improve their quality of life.

Elevate Medical is a psychiatry practice with a diverse team that includes geriatric psychiatrists. They provide all services virtually, making care more accessible and convenient for older adults and their caregivers.

Who can benefit from geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry manages many conditions that affect the mental and emotional well-being of older adults.

Some of the conditions Elevate Medical treats include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Memory loss
• Dementia
• Insomnia
• Psychosis

Some of these conditions may occur from a change in physical health that affects independence. Or, they may develop from unknown causes.

When should I schedule a geriatric psychiatry consultation?

If you’re an older adult or caring for an older adult who’s struggling with their mental or emotional well-being, then it’s time to schedule a geriatric psychiatry consultation at Elevate Medical. 

Signs and symptoms of mental health disorders in older adults include:

• Low mood or energy
• Change in appetite
• Difficulty feeling positive
• Restlessness 
• Anxiety
• Anger or irritability
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there

Elevate Medical also treats memory loss, which may occur from any number of causes, such as medications, a vitamin deficiency, or head injury. Memory loss is also a sign of dementia, which is more common in older adults.

What treatments can I expect with geriatric psychiatry?

Elevate Medical takes an integrative approach to geriatric psychiatry, creating personalized plans that can best meet needs and circumstances. 

Geriatric psychiatry treatments may include:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy utilizes various therapeutic techniques that improve mental wellness. The team customizes therapy based on your diagnosis, symptoms, and needs.

Medication management

Medication management is the use of psychiatric medications to improve symptoms. Elevate Medical only prescribes medications when absolutely necessary.

Support for family and caregivers

Taking care of an older adult with mental health challenges is stressful for families and caregivers. Elevate Medical can provide therapy and outside resources to help you cope.

For compassionate geriatric psychiatry care from a skilled team, call Elevate Medical or request an appointment online.