Psychiatrist for Older Adults | East Texas Psychiatry & Counseling
Psychiatric care for adults 65 and older — by secure telepsychiatry across Texas or in person at our Tyler clinic. Medicare-enrolled.
Board-certified PMHNPs. Most patients seen within a week. 90-minute first appointment. Same provider every visit. Statewide telepsychiatry from our Tyler clinic.
Why This Matters for Seniors
Late-life psychiatric care requires attention to differential diagnosis (depression versus cognitive decline versus medication side effects versus thyroid disease), medication interactions (older adults are often on multiple medications), and the medical complexity that accompanies aging. We are Medicare-enrolled and coordinate with primary care, neurology, and other specialists involved in your care.
Common Concerns We See
Older adults typically come to us for:
Late-life depression
Depression in older adults is common, treatable, and frequently missed because symptoms can be attributed to aging, medical illness, or grief. Effective treatment significantly improves quality of life and physical function.
Anxiety that's increased with aging
Generalized anxiety, health anxiety, and panic disorder can intensify with age — sometimes related to medical illness, sometimes to medication effects, sometimes independently. Treatment is similar to younger adults but with attention to medication choice and interactions.
Cognitive evaluation
Memory complaints, slower thinking, or difficulty with familiar tasks warrant careful evaluation. We screen for treatable contributors (depression, sleep, thyroid, B12, medication side effects) and coordinate with neurology for the cognitive workup.
Adjustment to medical illness or loss
Cancer diagnoses, surgery, mobility changes, loss of spouse or friends — major life events at this stage often require psychiatric support. We treat the clinical conditions and coordinate with hospice or palliative care when applicable.
How We Work with Seniors
Our approach is structured around what older adults actually need: confidential, evidence-based care; appointment availability that fits real schedules; and treatment that addresses the specific stressors and presentations common in your context.
Clinical Perspective
A common scenario in our practice: an adult in their 70s referred by their primary care doctor after months of fatigue, low mood, and 'memory problems' that worry their family. On evaluation, the picture fits late-life depression more than dementia — sleep is disrupted, appetite has dropped, energy has fallen, and the cognitive complaints improve with mood treatment. We coordinate with primary care to manage medications, screen for medical contributors, and adjust treatment as the picture clarifies. Many patients return to baseline function.
Conditions We Treat for Seniors
Our psychiatric services cover the full range of adult mental health conditions, with particular relevance for older adults:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept Medicare?
Yes. We are Medicare-enrolled and accept Medicare Part B assignment. We also accept most Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare covers 80% of psychiatric services after your annual Part B deductible; Medigap or Medicare Advantage often covers the remaining 20%.
Can you see me by telepsychiatry?
Yes. Medicare covers telepsychiatry at the same rate as in-person visits. You need a private space and a stable video connection — most older adults can use a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Family members can help with the technology if needed.
What if my memory is the main problem?
Memory complaints in older adults can come from many sources — depression, sleep problems, thyroid issues, medication side effects, vitamin deficiencies, or cognitive decline. We screen for the treatable causes first and coordinate with neurology for the formal cognitive workup when indicated.
I'm on multiple medications. Can you coordinate?
Yes. Medication review and coordination with your primary care doctor is part of routine psychiatric care for older adults. We pay specific attention to interactions and to medications that can themselves contribute to depression or cognitive symptoms.
My spouse passed away. Is what I'm feeling normal grief or depression?
Both grief and depression can occur after loss; the distinction matters for treatment. Grief is expected and resolves with time and support. Depression that develops or persists after loss is treatable and benefits from clinical care. A careful evaluation distinguishes them.
Can family members be involved in my visits?
With your written consent, yes. Family involvement is often helpful for older adults — both for accurate history and for treatment coordination. The level of family involvement is your decision.
Authoritative Resources
The following resources are maintained by U.S. government agencies and clinical organizations, independent of our practice:
This page provides general information about psychiatric care for older adults at East Texas Psychiatry and Counseling. Care details, costs, and coverage can change. Confirm specifics with our intake team before your first visit.
Psychiatric care that fits your context
Confidential care. Most patients seen within one business week. Same provider every visit.
100 Independence Pl, Suite 307, Tyler, TX 75703
Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM · Statewide telepsychiatry available
