According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the impact of mental health issues like depression can have a severe impact on senior adults’ mental health. Research has reported that depression is associated with health issues in people with conditions like heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Depression can complicate the treatment of these conditions, making it more difficult for someone to care for themselves and to seek help and depression treatment when needed.

In older adults, depression may be disregarded as frailty, or it may be viewed as an inevitable result of life changes, chronic illness and disability. Recognizing the signs of a mental health issue in senior adults is crucial. Seeing a behavioral health practitioner to discuss treatment options is the first step to getting help.

Warning signs include:

• Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge
• Increased worry or feeling stressed
• Anger, irritability or aggressiveness
• Ongoing headaches, digestive issues, or pain
• A need for alcohol or drugs
• Sadness, hopelessness or major depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Feeling flat, having trouble feeling positive emotions or expressing other symptoms of depression
• Engaging in high-risk activities
• Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior
• Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family or social life
• Unusual thinking or behaviors that concern other people

The Senior Adult Program at Austin Lakes Hospital is geared toward diagnosing, stabilizing and treating the complex issues faced by aging adults. Treatment in this senior program focuses on addressing the physical, social and mental changes that may occur during the aging process. We provide inpatient care for depression, anxiety, grief and other issues associated with aging. Individualized treatment plans mix individual therapy, group therapy, elements of cognitive behavioral therapy and more to instill hope, confidence and independence in our patients. 

• Austin Lakes Hospital is the only psychiatric facility in Austin, Texas, that provides senior adults inpatient crisis services.
• Treatment includes diagnostics, stabilization and treatment of complex senior adult-related issues.
• Our supportive care services are designed for adults age 55 and older who are experiencing severe emotional, cognitive or behavioral symptoms. Many older adult mental health services start at age 65 and older. We recognized that mental illness as a result of aging can start much sooner. 
• Symptoms may include memory loss, mood disturbance, anxiety, difficulty coping with losses and transitions or behavioral symptoms.
• This program may support individuals who have developed issues with substance and/or medication abuse.

Our program’s goal is to provide older adults with improved long term mental health outcomes that support healthy aging. A no-cost, confidential assessment can help determine whether this program is appropriate for you or a loved one. Please contact us at 512-544-5253 to learn more.

Insurance Coverage

Medicare and other private insurers may provide reimbursement for our services. Austin Lakes Hospital is contracted for services with most major insurance companies. To speak with a financial counselor, please contact our admissions line at 512-544-5253. Visit our Admissions page for additional information.

*Information provided by The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Talking with one of the mental health professionals at our treatment center could help answer your questions. Our team wants to identify how we may be able to help you or your loved one improve daily life with our mental health services. We offer no-cost, confidential assessments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 512-544-5253.

Our inpatient and outpatient programs can help individuals deal with mental illness or behavioral health issues whether they’re suffering from depression, anxiety or other disorders. If you are currently experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.