Geriatric Behavioral Medicine Center

For more information or to inquire about admission: please call (626) 300-7300. Our specially trained and licensed mental health professionals are available 24 hours a day.
The Geriatric Behavioral Medicine Center of SGVMC provides short-term inpatient mental health care for older adults who are experiencing a crisis. We offer individualized care in a warm, supportive atmosphere.

Our goal is to provide the best possible evaluation, care, and education to help stabilize each patient's behavioral and mental condition so that he or she can return home or to the safest and most appropriate alternative setting.

The 42-bed Geriatric Behavioral Medicine Center is a calm and safe treatment environment, featuring:

Comfortable, up-to-date furnishings
Beautifully landscaped garden patio areas
State-of-the-art monitoring and security

Care, treatment, and education are provided by a care team that includes physicians, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and other clinicians who have been trained in working with older adult patients. Psychiatrists with specialized geriatric training lead our team in developing and carrying out each patient's individualized treatment, which includes:

Psychiatric assessment and diagnosis
Medical management of secondary medical conditions
24-hour nursing care
Family education and support
Individual, group, music, exercise, and art therapies
Follow-up care planning

For more detailed information, please review our FAQs. If you have questions, please contact us using the contact form at the bottom of this page, or by calling 626.300.7300.

What to Expect

The first thing our team will do is a thorough evaluation to determine what is causing the behavioral and mental changes. We also check for any underlying medical or biochemical origins. We will then work with the patient, family, and other health professionals to develop a course of treatment.

Treatment includes individual meetings with psychiatrists, group therapy with other seniors struggling with similar problems, and educational programs. Our nurses, psychiatrists, trained counselors, and social workers can help with all aspects of a person's life.



You are not alone in caring for your elderly parent or loved one. We help you understand what is happening and determine the best course of care.

Depression and other emotional illnesses are a significant challenge for older adults. As people age, they experience the loss of loved ones and the stresses that go with losing physical and mental abilities. Changing lifestyles and increased physical challenges can lead to sadness and withdrawal. However, persistent personality changes or unusual behavior may indicate your loved one is suffering from a mental illness such as depression.

Signs and symptoms that a loved one may be experiencing an emotional illness include:

Insomnia or too much sleep
Crying spells
Poor appetite or overeating
Disregard for personal appearance
Sad or blank look on face
Thoughts of suicide
Forgetfulness or confusion
Social isolation

These symptoms are not normal at any age and should be considered an illness in the elderly.

Most depression and other emotional illnesses in older people are treatable, especially if dealt with early. In addition to improving a senior's outlook on life, therapy also helps individuals to better care for themselves and follow their primary care provider's directions, particularly about taking medicines.

The Geriatric Behavioral Medicine Center is specially designed to help individuals age 60 and over. Our center provides short-term inpatient mental health care for patients who may be having difficulties with:

Depression, including thoughts of suicide or actual suicide attempts
Behavior that is harmful or threatening to themselves and others
Confused thinking, disorientation, bizarre thoughts, or sudden memory impairment

Admission

Admissions are accepted 24 hours a day. Physicians, psychologists, social workers, mental health professionals, social service agencies, family members, or friends may make referrals. A psychiatrist makes the decision regarding admissions.

Going Home

The patient and family work with the treatment team to develop an appropriate aftercare plan. Aftercare may include a community-based program or outpatient therapy. Our goal is to help maintain the progress that has already been made while in the hospital.

Family Plays an Important Role

When one person in the family suffers from a mental or emotional illness, everyone else in the family is affected. Admission to a psychiatric treatment center is understandably traumatic and can be especially so for an elderly person. Stresses and strains in relationships are intensified. We understand this and encourage family members to express their feelings and learn new ways to cope with the frustrations. We encourage them to participate in their loved one's treatment process. Our family support groups help to re-establish healthy communication channels that will lead to stronger family ties and happier lives.

Additional resources:
Geriatric Behavioral Medicine Center Brochures
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