Telebehavioral health
Explore these resources on using telehealth for behavioral health services for older patients.
On this page:
Why use telehealth for behavioral health care for older patients?
As people age, life changes may impact their behavioral health. This may include coping with a serious illness or losing a loved one. These experiences can lead to depression, anxiety, or other disorders. Telebehavioral health may help older adults more easily connect with a provider.
Common behavioral health needs for older patients
An estimated 15-25% of older adults (PDF) suffer from a behavioral health disorder. Nearly 60% of older adults with these conditions may go without any form of treatment. Symptoms may include:
- Changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Increased worry or feeling stressed
- Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness
- Ongoing headaches, digestive issues, or pain
- Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts
- Engaging in behavior that is concerning to others
- Seeing, hearing, and feeling things that others do not
Telehealth provides a safe and convenient option for older patients. Patients can receive behavioral health care from the comfort of their homes. Older patients may benefit from the telebehavioral health services for:
- Medication monitoring
- Group therapy to help cope with difficult life stages
- One on one therapy to address feelings of loneliness
Patient resources
How do I use telehealth for behavioral health care? — Health Resources and Services Administration
Tips for using telehealth for behavioral health (PDF) — Health Resources and Services Administration
Emergency plan for telebehavioral health
You need to have a plan in case of a potential crisis when using telehealth for behavioral health care. Discuss the following:
- Confirm patient location and contact information at the start of every visit
- Obtain contact information for support person(s) and other providers who are seeing the patient
- Establish plan with the patient if disconnected or an emergency occurs or is suspected
More information
Creating an emergency plan — Health Resources and Services Administration
Licensure for behavioral health — Health Resources and Services Administration
Prescribing controlled substances via telehealth — Health Resources and Services Administration
Telehealth for behavioral health care best practice guide — Health Resources and Services Administration
Older adults and mental health – National Institute of Mental Health
Planning for older adults — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Technology transfer center resources for older adults — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Healthy aging — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services