Senior Transitions: a senior behavioral health program

LewisGale Regional Health System's Senior Transitions program offers immediate, short-term stabilization for patients 55 years old and older. Caregivers, friends or family members may request a referral to Senior Transitions, so their loved one can receive care in a calming inpatient setting.

If you or a loved one is in crisis, or need more information, call our Access and Response Center at (877) 886-7026 or (540) 776-1100.

Senior mental health conditions we treat

We provide specialized inpatient mental health care for conditions affecting the senior population. Patients travel from all over Virginia and West Virginia for our senior mental health program. We treat:

  • Depression, including patients with suicidal thoughts or feelings of hopelessness
  • Anxiety that results in constant fear, paralyzing worries and/or panic attacks
  • Severe disorientation or memory impairment
  • Inability to care for oneself
  • Inability to maintain adequate nutrition, which may threaten vital bodily functions
  • Threatening thoughts or harmful behaviors toward others
  • Unusual or bizarre behavior with illogical thoughts or beliefs
  • Emotional issues occurring with substance abuse or medical issues
  • Inability to maintain psychiatric stabilization through outpatient treatment
  • Any other behavioral health concerns in patients 55 years old and older

Our senior psychiatry program

The Senior Transitions program, one of our many behavioral health programs, operates out of LewisGale Hospital Alleghany. Our Senior Transitions team includes doctors, nurses, mental health technicians, social workers, recreational therapists and dietitians. Components of our treatment include:

  • Relaxing, calming environment
  • Crisis intervention
  • Psychiatric triage, evaluation and differential diagnosis
  • Medication stabilization
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy and education
  • Educational groups
  • Activity therapy
  • Individual psychotherapy
  • Coping skills training
  • Discharge planning
  • Outpatient follow-up

Family members and loved ones are an important support tool for each individual's recovery. We encourage family involvement throughout the care process. Family members are welcome to stop in during regular visiting hours, attend family sessions and provide input into treatment and discharge planning, with patient consent. We also offer outpatient mental health services.