Aging adds a layer of complexity to behavioral health care, as new or pre-existing conditions interact with medical conditions and age-related stressors. Culturally competent, integrated care can support older adults in living as independently as possible.
If you are an older adult or caretaker looking for:
- Immediate emotional support, call 988
- Supportive services, including housing for older adults with behavioral health needs, see our Resource and Support Guide for Older Adults in Baltimore.
- A safe place to be, harm reduction services, peer support and connection to treatment, employment resources and other social services, see Baltimore Wellness and Recovery Centers.
Older Adult Outreach
BHSB funds two teams of two licensed psychiatric practitioners who provide in-home behavioral health care. The programs are designed to prevent or reduce hospitalization for psychiatric conditions by improving access to mental health services for older adults, as well as adults with disabilities who cannot access services within traditional treatment settings. One program, based at Johns Hopkins Hospital, focuses on seniors living in public housing programs. The other, based at the University of Maryland, focuses more broadly on isolated seniors who are not well-connected to care.
Older Adult Specialist
Baltimore City receives state funding to employ a specialist to help ensure that older adults who are placed in nursing facilities have access to appropriate behavioral health services during and after their placement. The specialist also helps bridge knowledge gaps among long-term care providers about behavioral health in older adults and can help behavioral care providers find appropriate long-term care placements for their older adult consumers. Contact OlderAdultTA@bhsbaltimore.org to learn more.
Behavioral Health Assisted Living Pilot Program
Older adults in the community who are diagnosed with a severe mental illness and require some assistance managing their daily living activities often struggle to receive services to help them stay healthy. BHSB launched the Behavioral Health Assisted Living pilot program to work with assisted living facilities to develop wraparound behavioral health services to prevent unnecessary institutionalization and to avoid health crises in the community. The project now partners with two homes in Baltimore City.
To be considered for placement in the Behavioral Health Assisted Living Pilot Program, please submit the referral and intake forms below: