Individuals face unique emotional and psychological challenges that impact their overall well-being as they age. Senior Behavioral Health at Summit Healthcare focuses on addressing the mental health needs of older adults through compassionate, specialized care tailored to their life experiences. Whether coping with depression, anxiety, memory concerns, or the effects of grief and loss, seniors benefit from professional support that promotes dignity, independence, and quality of life.
Senior Behavioral Health services aim to enhance emotional resilience and support seniors and their families through every aging stage with a multidisciplinary approach that often includes counseling, medication management, and therapeutic activities.
Our Program
Our program is designed to provide stabilization and individualized care in a safe, supportive environment and includes:
- Comprehensive evaluation
- Diagnosis and symptom stabilization
- Daily psychiatric assessment
- Medical management of secondary medical conditions
- 24-hour nursing care
- Family education and support
- Individual, group, and activity therapies
- Discharge planning and coordination of follow up care
An individualized treatment plan is developed for each patient upon admission. Prior to discharge, our team will explore and recommend appropriate settings and resources to assist the patient based on his or her level of functioning
Your Care Team
Summit Healthcare’s staff recognizing the specialized needs of older adults whose behavioral and/or emotional issues are often complicated by co-existing medical, social, and economic factors. Our highly skilled staff provides focused and compassionate care.Your care team includes:
- Psychiatrist
- Medical physicians
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- Social workers
- Nursing staff
- Activity therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Available upon individual treatment plan need:
- Physical therapists
- Dietitian
Senior Adults Experience Many Life Changes
Often these changes are due to the loss of loved ones, declining physical health and loss of independence. Acute and chronic illnesses may complicate and contribute to major life changes that can be overwhelming. These events can trigger depression, anxiety and other severe psychiatric symptoms that may require treatment by specially trained psychiatric physicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners, nurses and therapists.The Senior Behavioral Health Unit at Summit Healthcare is designed as a 12 bed short-term inpatient treatment program for adults 55 and over who are experiencing severe behavioral and/or emotional symptoms.
The following are common life changes that can trigger symptoms and need for specialized psychiatric intervention:
- Physical disability – long-term illness
- Dementia-causing illness
- Physical illnesses that can affect thought, memory, and emotion
- Change of environment like moving out of a family home
- Illness or loss of a loved one
- Medication interactions
- Alcohol or substance abuse
- Poor diet or malnutrition
Symptoms that may indicate the need for treatment:
- Sad or depressed mood lasting longer than two weeks
- Social withdrawal; loss of interest in things that used to be enjoyable
- Onset of confusion, disorientation, problems with concentration or decision-making
- Increase or decrease in appetite; changes in weight
- Memory loss, especially abrupt recent or short-term memory problems
- Feelings of worthlessness or thoughts of suicide
- Agitation, aggression, threats/attempts to hard others
- Hallucinations or delusional thoughts
- Loss of interest in personal appearance/hygiene
- Refusing to take prescribed medications.
Why Choose Summit Healthcare
At Summit Healthcare, we deliver exceptional, compassionate care close to home—essential for those seeking senior behavioral health services. Located in the heart of Arizona's White Mountains, our not-for-profit regional medical center has proudly served over 90,000 residents across a 3,000-square-mile area for over 50 years.
What sets us apart is our dedication to quality, safety, and ethical care guided by our core values: accountability, respect, teamwork, and communication. Our senior behavioral health program is tailored to meet the unique emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of older adults, often complicated by co-existing conditions. Patients benefit from a multidisciplinary team including psychiatrists, medical physicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners, social workers, nurses, and therapists—all working together to support well-being and recovery with dignity and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is mental health important for seniors?
Mental health is essential for seniors as it affects quality of life, physical health, and independence. Addressing issues like depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline can improve overall well-being and help seniors stay engaged and connected.
How long do seniors stay in behavioral health treatment?
The time of stay depends on individual needs and the treatment setting. Inpatient care typically lasts one to three weeks, while outpatient or ongoing therapy may continue for months, depending on the condition and progress.
How is safety ensured in inpatient behavioral health units?
Inpatient units are designed for safety with secure environments, 24/7 staff supervision, medication management, and protocols to minimize risk. Staff are trained in geriatric care and crisis intervention to support patients compassionately and safely.
Are family members involved in treatment planning?
Yes, family involvement is encouraged and often vital to treatment success. Families may participate in education sessions, care planning, and discharge coordination to support the senior's recovery and continuity of care.
How can I talk to a senior loved one about seeking help?
Approach the conversation with empathy and respect. Express concern without judgment, highlight specific changes you've noticed and emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength. Offer to assist in attending an appointment together.
Are there any specialized programs for veterans, minorities, or those with advanced dementia?
Yes, many programs offer tailored services that address the needs of specific populations, including veterans, cultural or ethnic minorities, and individuals with advanced dementia. These may include trauma-informed care, culturally competent therapy, and memory care support.
How does a senior transition from inpatient to outpatient care, or vice versa?
A multidisciplinary team coordinates transitions to ensure continuity. After stabilization, a senior may move to outpatient care or inpatient care if symptoms worsen. Discharge planning includes referrals, medication management, and follow-up appointments.
How can we help?
Patients are referred to Summit Healthcare’s Senior Care Unit from skilled nursing centers, senior housing, primary care providers, other healthcare professionals, family members and patient self-referral. Referrals for admission are accepted 24 hours/7 days a week. Call 928-537-6890
