Psychotherapies and Non-pharmacological Interventions

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of therapeutic modalities that may be useful for geriatric patients within inpatient settings including, but not limited to, medical units, skilled nursing facilities, and acute psychiatric units. Despite the time and resource limitations inherent in each of these settings, there are psychotherapeutic approaches that may be adapted to the environmental and staffing resources while also being individualized for the patient. Several approaches discussed here may be also used in groups. Inpatient settings also offer the opportunity for team members to make direct interventions throughout the day, which can facilitate early readjustments based on each patient’s needs, potentially accelerating improvement. Team members of various experience levels can undergo training in specific therapeutic modalities and coordinate appropriate interventions with the primary or consulting psychiatrist. Despite the logistical and environmental challenges to implementation, the targeted use of a thoughtfully chosen psychotherapeutic approach has the potential to not only improve the patient’s mental health but also enable him/her to participate more fully in medical care, with better treatment outcomes and quality of life.