Geriatric Psychiatry
Geriatric Psychiatry Services at UVM Health
If you or a loved one is experiencing depression, anxiety or memory loss, seeking care may feel overwhelming. At University of Vermont Health, we give our aging patients the attention, expertise and dignity they deserve.
Older adults and their families from across Vermont and northern New York come to us for compassionate, specialized patient-centered care. Our geriatric mental health specialists are experts in identifying and treating mental health conditions in older adults. We collaborate with primary care providers and specialists to treat physical illnesses that may contribute to mental health disorders.
Why Choose UVM Health?
As one of the region's only geriatric psychiatric programs, we offer:
- Comprehensive evaluations and assessments: Our board-certified geriatric psychiatrists and other providers are skilled in clinical assessments, screening and interview techniques to better understand your concerns and develop a customized treatment plan.
- Expert providers: Our psychiatrists, psychologists and other professionals have specialized training in evidence-based treatments for mental health disorders affecting older adults. As a health system anchored by an academic medical center, many of our clinicians are also researchers and educators participating in leading-edge research to advance medical technology and training the next generation of providers.
- Support beyond mental health: We work closely with your primary care provider and other specialists to integrate mental health treatment into your general medical care. We can also help coordinate assistance from community services.
Conditions We Treat With Geriatric Psychiatry
Our caring team evaluates and treats older adults experiencing mental health disorders, such as:
- Anxiety disorders: Including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Neurocognitive disorders: Including Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Parkinson's disease
- Mood disorders: Such as bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder
- Late-onset psychotic disorders
Geriatric Mental Health Treatment
We take time to make sure you understand the results of your assessment and treatment options. We want our patients and their loved ones to feel comfortable as they make the most informed care decision possible.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Medication suggestions
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
- Specialized education for you, your family and your caregivers about your mental health treatment
Patient Resources
- American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry: News, education, support and advocacy for aging adults.
- American Geriatrics Society: A nationwide, not-for-profit society of geriatrics healthcare professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence and quality of life of older people.
- Alzheimer’s Association: The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection and maximizing quality care and support.
- Lewy Body Dementia Association: Research, education, support and resources for patients and families experiencing Lewy Body Dementia.
- The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration: AFTD’s mission is to improve the quality of life of people affected by FTD and drive research to a cure. We work every day to advance research, awareness, support, education and advocacy.
Advancing Medicine & Quality of Care
Better care, advanced procedures and cutting-edge treatments for you and your loved ones.
Improving the quality of your care now and into the future by training the next generation of health care professionals.
Immediate access to new treatments before they are widely available.
