Content provided by Northwest Colorado Health.

It’s common to feel sad, lonely, or “off” from time to time — and those feelings can sometimes linger longer than we’d like. As we get older, changes in health, losing loved ones, or navigating big life transitions can all affect our mood and outlook. For older adults, these feelings are often more complex — and more frequently overlooked.

The American Psychological Association estimates that up to 20% of adults aged 65 and older experience mental health concerns, yet this population remains the least likely to seek mental health specialists or be referred to therapy. SAMHSA reports that older adults account for higher rates of suicide than most other age groups, particularly men over age 75.  Stigma, generational beliefs and the tendency for symptoms to present physically rather than emotionally all contribute to a pattern of mental health conditions going unrecognized and untreated. For this reason, behavioral health providers at Northwest Colorado Health work side by side with Primary Care and Dental providers to deliver integrated, whole-person care.

Additionally, Lilia Luna, Psy.D., behavioral health director for Northwest Colorado Health, points to bias as a contributing barrier to older adults accessing care.  “When we think about aging, we have to look at the whole picture — how someone’s body, mind and social life are all connected,” she notes. “Research shows that providers too often chalk up older adults’ struggles to ‘just getting older,’ which means many people don’t get the mental health care they need. Our team is dedicated to offering accurate assessment, evidence-based treatment and ethical, person-centered care for all, including older adults.”

Universal screenings to identify depression, anxiety disorder and suicidal ideation are used throughout Northwest Colorado Health’s clinics, as well as in programs such as The Haven Assisted Living, and Home Health and Hospice, to help refer patients to the integrated care they need.

Dr. Luna also shared that her team is trained to recognize and address the layered barriers older adults often navigate silently.

• Some patients may have difficulty reading or understanding health information, so providers use simple language and check that instructions make sense.
• Sensory and cognitive changes — including hearing loss and mild cognitive impairment — mean providers must slow down, use large-print materials, and break information into manageable steps.
• Not everyone can access care online, especially in rural areas, so phone and in-person visits are available based on patient needs
• Transportation and geographic barriers mean that irregular attendance may reflect access challenges rather than disengagement, prompting flexible scheduling and coordination with community resources.
• Our billing team can openly about cost and work with patients to find affordable options.
• Language and cultural differences are met with professional interpreters and care approaches that honor each patient’s worldview.

Finally, when an older adult seeks their medical, dental and behavioral health care at Northwest Colorado Health, their care becomes more streamlined and effective. Often, managing complex medical conditions forces older adults to navigate across fragmented medical systems. While specialty providers may still be needed, a patient who seeks their general healthcare support in one location will benefit from a care team who support that patient’s individual needs from one location and one team.

“Everyone struggles emotionally at one point or another and we all can benefit from support from a therapist who specializes in helping people work through these struggles,” says Luna. “Talking to someone can make a real difference. Behavioral Health support isn’t just for a crisis. It’s for anyone who wants to feel better and live more fully.”

Northwest Colorado Health’s Behavioral Health team offers compassionate, confidential care for older adults right here in our community. And we serve all patients, regardless of ability to pay. Whether you’re feeling anxious, down, or just not quite yourself, reaching out is a sign of strength. Learn more at NorthwestColoradoHealth.org/behavioralhealth or call 970-824-8233 in Craig or 970-879-1632 in Steamboat Springs.