Skip to Content

Senior mental health

Mental health disorders continue to greatly influence our senior population, as Alzheimer's, dementia and mood disorders remain widespread in the senior community. Counselors and physicians are here to help seniors suffering from mental health problems that may include, memory loss, confusion or depression.

HCAH_Specialty_MentalHealthAndWellness_SeniorMentalHealth

Senior mental health services in Pensacola

We believe you deserve behavioral health treatments and care that are designed around your needs, including what stage of life you're in.

HCA Florida West Hospital's Reflections program provides the only inpatient senior mental health program in the area. We offer 18 beds for adults 65 years old and older. Our program includes a variety of therapies, such as group therapy and music therapy, that can be personalized just for you. We work to empower you to manage your behavioral health conditions and take control of your life again.

Related Specialities

This is the lead-in copy that can provide a reinforcing statement.

About our inpatient senior behavioral health unit

Reflections is located within its own discreet wing of our behavioral health care unit to assure privacy, confidentiality and comfort.

The evaluation process

We perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the most efficient treatment for each patient. We are available 24/7 and can take emergency evaluations upon request. Our assessment process includes:

  • Activities assessment
  • Medical history and physical
  • Neuropsychological evaluation (when ordered by psychiatrist)
  • Nursing assessment
  • Psychiatric evaluation
  • Psychosocial evaluation

Inpatient admission process

We are always here and available to help. The senior admission process is as follows:

  • The referral source calls the intake department.
  • Our intake staff reviews the case with the psychiatrist.
  • The psychiatrist decides whether to admit the patient based on the following requirements:
    • They are clinically appropriate for placement in the Reflections program
    • The behavioral health condition must be the primary concern, not medical
    • They must be unable to care for themselves
    • The must be motivated for treatment and able to benefit from our services
  • The patient and referral source are informed of the psychiatrist’s decision.
  • Admission is coordinated by our intake staff.

Medical clearance may also be necessary through our dedicated geriatric track in the emergency room (ER).

Our treatment services

Our treatment team includes a variety of specialists such as psychiatrists, nurses, counselors, case managers, expressive therapists and dietitians. These specialists will assist in the following treatments:

  • Educational groups
  • Group psychotherapy
  • Individual psychotherapy
  • Medication management
  • Pet therapy

Senior mental health conditions are treatable and manageable, and patients are most successful with a team approach. For this reason, some of our group activities include:

  • Family support/education group
  • Music, dance, reminiscence and crafts
  • Pastoral services, including counseling

Inpatient discharge

After being discharged from Reflections, patients often return to where they lived before, such as their own home or an assisted living facility. However, the therapist will sometimes need to arrange for placement in a more restrictive setting, like a nursing home, for safety reasons.

We will involve patients and their families in the discharge process as much as possible.

Memory Disorder Clinic

Our Memory Disorder Clinic is the only clinic designated by the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs to serve the northwest Florida area.

About the clinic

The clinic provides a comprehensive evaluation in an accessible, convenient manner for patients concerned about memory disorders, Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

The clinic can help people with one or more of the following conditions:

  • Change in thinking ability, judgment or concentration
  • Difficulty with speech, reading, writing or other skills
  • Memory loss
  • Personality changes

Patients may contact the clinic directly or arrange a referral through a personal physician.

Memory disorder support groups

Community support groups take place in Community Rooms A and B at the West Florida Rehabilitation Institute.

The Parkinson's support group meets the second Friday of every month from 1:00pm to 2:00pm.

The Alzheimer's support group meets the fourth Monday of every month from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.

Thrive Blog

Read our blogs to learn about preventive care and ways you can take charge of your health and well-being.

Common causes of stress and how to manage them 

March 27, 2023
Tayla Holman
Some of the most common causes of stress are money, health and work. Learn how to manage them.

Common causes of stress and how to manage them 

March 27, 2023
Tayla Holman
Some of the most common causes of stress are money, health and work. Learn how to manage them.

How to support someone with an eating disorder 

February 06, 2023
Emily Paulsen
Nearly 1 in 10 Americans will have an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime.

The link between heart failure and social isolation 

January 25, 2023
Learn more about the link between heart failure and social isolation, including how heart disease can affect a person’s daily life and healthy heart tips.