Q. My father lost his second wife last year and his behavior has really changed. I’ve suggested grief counseling, but he refuses. Lately even watching the news seems to make him agitated and he acts out in anger to his kids and grandkids. I’m worried he is having some sort of mental breakdown or has dementia.
A. It is quite possible that his recent loss of a spouse has impacted his mental health. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) older adults coping with serious illness or loss of loved ones can experience stronger grief, social isolation, or loneliness. When these feelings persist, they can lead to mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety.
Some symptoms to watch for that the NIMH notes are:
- Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
- Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge
- Increased worry or feeling stressed
- Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness
- Ongoing headaches, digestive issues, or pain
- Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior
- Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life
- Engaging in thinking or behavior concerning to others
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Seeing, hearing, and feeling things that other people do not see, hear, or feel
According to a September 2025 article by Psychreg.org, one in five older adults experience mental health issues, yet many suffer in silence. This silence is often due to societal perceptions and the overwhelming mental health stigma affecting seniors. The article states that supporting the mental health of seniors involves both emotional and practical considerations. These include creating a safe space without judgement, being present with them by just taking time to do ordinary activities and being patient with the process as they gradually open up to you. It remains important, though, to continue to encourage them to seek professional assistance. With your father you could try starting with a close friend, a pastor, or with his primary care physician.
For more tips and information, you can check out NIMH’s website at www.nimh.nih.gov, www.psychreg.org and www.mentalhealthandaging.com.
May is Mental Health Awareness month. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Q. My mother is turning 65 and we are looking at Medicare coverage for her monthly counseling sessions and group sessions. What will Medicare cover?
A: Medicare covers certain screenings, services, and programs that aid in the treatment and recovery of mental health and substance use disorders. Original Medicare Part B covers counseling, or psychotherapy done individually, in group therapy or family settings, and in crisis situations. This
coverage is under Behavioral Health Care Services which encompasses both mental health illnesses such as depression and anxiety, and addiction-related issues such as alcoholism or substance abuse disorder.
For Original Medicare to cover these services, it is important to see a provider who is Medicare-certified and takes assignment (accepts Medicare’s approved amount as payment in full for services you receive.) If you have Original Medicare, you will pay a 20% coinsurance after meeting your Part B deductible. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, contact your plan to find in-network providers and learn about costs. If you have a Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) policy you could have coverage for any coinsurance or copays, as well.
Within preventive or wellness services, Medicare covers one depression screening per year. The screening must be done in a primary care setting that can provide follow-up treatment or referrals. You pay nothing for this screening if your doctor accepts assignment.
Medicare-covered mental health care includes:
- Partial hospitalization services given by a Community Mental Health Center or by a hospital to outpatients. This structured day program provides intensive psychiatric care in an outpatient setting, typically ranging from 4-8 hours a day, for patients who don’t require hospitalization.
- Intensive outpatient program services you get at a hospital, community mental health center, Federally Qualified Heath Center, or Rural Health Clinic, and Opioid Treatment Programs (when services are for the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder.) Intensive outpatient programs offer a level of mental health care between traditional once-weekly therapy or counseling, and inpatient psychiatric care. The services are more rigorous than care you’d get in a doctor’s or therapist’s office and may include group and individual therapy sessions.
You pay a percentage of the Medicare-approved amount for each service you get if your doctor or certain other qualified mental health professional accepts assignment. Again, after you meet the Part B deductible, you also pay coinsurance for each day of intensive outpatient program services you get in a hospital outpatient setting or community mental health center. You don’t need to qualify for inpatient treatment to get intensive outpatient program services, but you must participate in at least 9 hours of services per week to keep getting such services.
Medicare Part A covers care received in psychiatric care inpatient facilities. Part A deductible and benefit periods apply the same as in acute care hospitals. Questions about Medicare coverage can be directed to 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or by searching topics at www.Medicare.gov.
For any questions around aging and disability, please contact our Info Line at 800-654-2810
Sara Duris is the Professional Referral Specialist on the Information & Access Team at Region IV Area Agency on Aging. The Generations column appears each weekend in The Herald-Palladium.