Many older adults struggle with mental health issues, and that’s not unusual. But getting the right diagnosis and treatment can make a major difference.
If you or a loved one are age 65 or older and have depression, dementia, or other mental health problems, it’s important to get expert care to treat and manage your problems.
UPMC is nationally recognized as a pioneer in innovative geriatric behavioral health care. UPMC Western Behavioral Health’s geriatric experts are trained in caring for the mental health needs of older adults. We offer older adults thorough evaluations and treatment plans attuned to their specific physical and emotional needs.
We offer our evidence-based, best-practice care in hospitals, outpatient settings, homes, and at many senior living communities. Telehealth options also are available
In all we do, we emphasize compassionate care, respect, and support for their older adults and their families.
We are proud to be part of UPMC Senior Care’s highly regarded Benedum Geriatric Center. UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital provides psychiatric services for older adults with complex problems. The center also brings together experts from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Division of Geriatric Medicine and Department of Neurology. UPMC Western also supports geriatric patient care at many UPMC hospitals.
Some people think it’s normal for a person's behavior or attitude to negatively change as they age. But that’s not an inevitable part of aging. Significant changes in an older person’s personality, behavior, or attitude can be a sign of depression or other mental health issues.
Mental health problems in older adults are often missed or underdiagnosed. They can be masked by other illnesses, like Parkinson’s disease, that have some of the same symptoms as depression.
Our professional behavioral health staff are specially trained and certified in geriatric care. They recognize and know how to treat the unique challenges faced by older adults.
We offer outpatient care for older people with complex problems. This includes frail older adults who have more than one mental health diagnoses and other health care problems.
Western Behavioral Health offers a broad range of outpatient services. Outpatient means you go to a clinic or medical office but don’t stay overnight.
Our outpatient services include:
You can find geriatric outpatient services at:
UPMC Senior Care - Oakland
Benedum Geriatric Center
UPMC Montefiore, 4 East
3459 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3236
412-692-4200
UPMC Senior Care - Shadyside
Senior Care Institute
5200 Centre Ave., Suite 405
Pittsburgh, PA 15232-1311
412-623-2700
UPMC St. Margaret
Geriatric Care Center
815 Freeport Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
412-784-4234
There is a behavioral health unit just for people age 65 and older at Western.
There you’ll get help from our specialized geriatric mental health care teams, who will:
If you can’t travel, Western Behavioral Health partners with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services to provide in-home services for homebound older adults.
This home-based support program:
Western Behavioral Health works with older adults at assisted living, long-term care, and other community-based senior living residences. These include UPMC Senior Communities’ many locations and private facilities in the greater Pittsburgh area.
We work with the staff at these locations to provide diagnoses, medicine management, and behavioral health planning for the seniors who live there.
Telehealth visits are virtual appointments with your medical provider — by video appointment on your computer, tablet, or smart phone or by phone call. Your first mental health appointment will be in person. After that you can choose virtual appointments for follow-up visits. These visits may be by phone or video.
You will still need to have a yearly check-up in person.
For a mental health emergency, call 988.
For an appointment near you, call Western Behavioral Health’s main phone number at 1-877-624-4100 or 412-624-1000.
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
3811 O’Hara St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Call 412-624-1000 or toll free 1-877-624-4100.
Call our resolve Crisis Services at 1-888-796-8226. It’s free and open 24/7.
Or go to the resolve Crisis Services walk-in clinic:
333 North Braddock Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15208
If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide or self-harm:
Text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or call 800-273-8255.
