Last Updated on February 20, 2025 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
Older adults often face challenges such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, cognitive decline, and the psychological impact of chronic illnesses.
Unfortunately, these issues are frequently overlooked or misunderstood due to stigma or the misconception that mental health struggles are a “normal” part of aging.
Thankfully, San Diego is home to a robust network of programs designed to address senior behavioral health with compassion, expertise, and innovation.
Below, we explore key resources available to seniors and their families.
Alvarado Parkway Institute’s Center on Aging provides person-centered care dedicated to promoting healthy aging.
The program features a range of services, including individual and group therapy, medication management, and specialized treatments for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and age-related cognitive changes.
Emphasizing dignity and independence, the center integrates medical, psychological, and social support to resolve the holistic needs of seniors.
Their team of geriatric specialists collaborates closely with caregivers and families to ensure continuity of care and alignment with personal goals.
Learn more about the program here.
Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital offers a dedicated Senior Behavioral Health Program for adults aged 65 and older.
This inpatient program focuses on acute mental health conditions such as severe depression, anxiety, psychosis, and mood disorders exacerbated by medical issues.
A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals creates personalized treatment plans that may include medication management, group therapy, and family counseling.
The program also emphasizes reintegration into the community post-discharge, with referrals to outpatient services.
UC San Diego Health’s Geriatric Psychiatry Services provide outpatient care for seniors experiencing mental health challenges, including memory loss, late-life schizophrenia, and treatment-resistant depression.
Specialists use evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy, while considering interactions with existing medications.
The program also collaborates with neurologists and primary care providers to address co-occurring medical conditions.
St. Paul’s PACE program supports low-income seniors aged 55+ who qualify for nursing home care but wish to remain at home.
This holistic program includes behavioral health services such as counseling, psychiatric evaluations, and stress management alongside medical and social care.
Participants attend a day center where they engage in therapeutic activities, fostering social connection and mental stimulation.
The County’s AIS division provides free or low-cost behavioral health counseling for seniors through its Older Adult Mental Health Services.
Licensed clinicians offer in-home or virtual sessions to address grief, adjustment disorders, and caregiver stress.
AIS also connects seniors to support groups and case management services, ensuring access to housing, transportation, and nutrition resources.
Alzheimer’s San Diego specializes in supporting individuals with dementia and their families.
Their services include caregiver workshops, memory screenings, and counseling to address emotional and behavioral changes associated with dementia.
The organization also hosts social clubs for seniors with early-stage cognitive decline, promoting mental engagement through art, music, and exercise.
Silverado offers residential memory care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive impairments.
Their Nexus program focuses on reducing agitation and improving quality of life through sensory therapies, pet interactions, and personalized care plans.
The facility includes 24/7 nursing and secure outdoor spaces to ensure safety while encouraging independence.
Scripps Health provides inpatient senior behavioral health services at their Encinitas and La Jolla locations.
The program addresses acute mental health crises, including suicidal ideation and severe anxiety, through structured group therapy, medication management, and family education.
Their interdisciplinary team also assists with transition planning for long-term outpatient care.
The VA San Diego Healthcare System offers specialized mental health care for veterans aged 65+. Services include PTSD treatment, depression and anxiety management, and substance use counseling.
The clinic also provides telehealth options and collaborates with the VA’s geriatric primary care team to address co-occurring health issues.
San Diego Senior Community Services offers a Mental Health and Wellness Program designed to support seniors in maintaining emotional and psychological well-being.
This program provides individual and group counseling, stress reduction workshops, and educational sessions on topics like coping with life transitions and managing chronic conditions.
The program also partners with local organizations to offer recreational and social activities that promote mental health and reduce isolation.
Their goal is to empower seniors to lead fulfilling lives by addressing mental health challenges in a supportive and community-oriented environment.
Choosing the right mental health or medical care program is a critical decision.
With options ranging from intensive inpatient care to flexible outpatient services, the process can feel daunting.
Below, we break down each consideration to help you make an informed decision.
The intensity of your symptoms is the primary factor in determining the right program.
Programs are broadly categorized into inpatient (residential) and outpatient (non-residential) care, each suited to different stages of recovery.
Inpatient programs are ideal for individuals in crisis or those with severe, life-disrupting symptoms, such as suicidal ideation, psychosis, or addiction.
These programs offer 24/7 care, including detox, group therapy, and medication management, providing immediate intervention and a foundation for long-term recovery.
Outpatient programs, on the other hand, are better suited for managing chronic conditions or transitioning from inpatient care.
They allow patients to live at home while attending therapy sessions or medical appointments.
Outpatient care is effective for mild to moderate symptoms, such as ongoing depression or anxiety, and is often more cost-effective. However, it requires self-discipline and a stable home environment.
Treatment duration varies. Inpatient stays typically last 7–30 days, while outpatient programs can span several months.
Transitional options, like partial hospitalization, bridge the gap between the two. Consulting a healthcare provider ensures you choose the appropriate level of care.
A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works in healthcare. Specific populations—such as veterans, dementia patients, or low-income seniors—benefit from programs tailored to their unique challenges.
For example, veterans often face PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, or substance use issues.
Programs like those offered by the VA San Diego Healthcare System provide trauma-informed therapy, peer support, and resources tailored to military culture.
Dementia patients, meanwhile, require specialized memory care and daily support.
Low-income seniors can access affordable care through county-funded programs or sliding-scale clinics.
Tailored care improves outcomes and fosters trust in the treatment process.
Financial constraints often dictate treatment options, making insurance verification a critical step.
For those with public insurance like Medicare or Medicaid, confirm whether the program accepts your coverage and if it includes medications or specialized therapies.
Medicare typically covers adults over 65 or those with disabilities, while Medicaid offers income-based coverage that varies by state.
For private insurance, contact your insurer to verify in-network providers, copays, and session limits.
For example, a plan might cover 20 outpatient therapy sessions per year but require prior authorization for inpatient stays.
If uninsured, explore options like county programs or nonprofits offering sliding-scale fees based on income.
Being proactive about these details prevents financial surprises and ensures access to care.
Geographic proximity has traditionally been important for consistent care, but telehealth has reshaped accessibility.
Local programs remain valuable, especially for regular outpatient visits or when family involvement is required, such as for dementia caregivers.
Urban areas often have dense networks of clinics, while rural regions may face shortages.
Telehealth offers virtual therapy and remote monitoring. It eliminates travel barriers, making it ideal for remote areas, those with busy schedules, or individuals with mobility issues.
Choosing the right program requires balancing practicality and personalization.
Start by assessing symptom severity, then match your needs to specialized services.
Verify insurance coverage to avoid financial strain, and weigh location against the convenience of telehealth.
Low-income seniors can access affordable care through programs like St. Paul’s Senior Services’ Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and the County of San Diego Aging & Independence Services (AIS).
These programs offer behavioral health services, counseling, and support groups, often on a sliding-scale fee basis.
When choosing a program, consider the severity of symptoms, specialized needs (such as dementia care or veteran-specific services), insurance coverage, and location.
It’s also important to verify staff expertise, availability of holistic services, and cultural competence.
Yes, many programs, including UC San Diego Health’s Geriatric Psychiatry Services and the VA San Diego Healthcare System, offer telehealth options.
These virtual services provide therapy and remote monitoring, making care accessible for those with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.
Organizations like Alzheimer’s San Diego and Silverado San Diego Memory Care Community offer specialized support for individuals with dementia and their families.
Services include caregiver workshops, memory screenings, counseling, and residential memory care with personalized care plans.
Financial assistance is available through various programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and county-funded services.
Nonprofits and sliding-scale clinics also offer affordable care options based on income. It’s important to verify insurance coverage and explore all available financial resources.
To get started, contact the program directly to inquire about services, eligibility, and intake procedures.
Many programs offer initial consultations or assessments to determine the best course of action.
San Diego’s senior behavioral health programs provide diverse, compassionate care to help older adults thrive.
Whether facing a mental health crisis, navigating dementia, or seeking routine counseling, seniors have access to inpatient, outpatient, and community-based resources.
Early intervention significantly improves quality of life, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
