Older Adult Behavioral Health Resources for Providers
Behavioral health challenges are increasing among older Californians — yet many go without support. Nearly half of Americans will experience a behavioral health disorder by age 75, but fewer than one-third of older adults receive the care they need. In California, gaps in access are especially evident in rural and underserved communities.
As part of California’s statewide behavioral health transformation, new policies and funding — including Proposition 1 — are creating opportunities to improve behavioral health care for older adults at the local level. For the first time, counties are required to include older adults as a priority population in behavioral health planning.
To help providers and aging stakeholders get involved, the California Department of Aging (CDA) has created a series of county-specific toolkits. These toolkits are designed to support engagement with local behavioral health departments, navigate planning processes, and advocate for older adult services.
Key Challenges Older Adults Face
Older adults from Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian Pacific Islander, and LGBTQIA+ communities face higher rates of psychological distress and serious mental illness.
A statewide study of LGBTQIA+ older adults found:
- Nearly 50% experienced a traumatic event
- 25% showed signs of PTSD
- 10% had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year
Social isolation is a major public health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Academies:
- 40% of older Californians reported loneliness or isolation
- 43% reported feeling depressed
- Nearly half were dealing with recent grief or loss
Those most affected include immigrants, LGBTQIA+ older adults, and individuals with limited support networks.
Suicide rates are highest among Californians aged 85 and older. Among men in this age group, the rate is nearly 10 times higher than for women.
In 2023, CDA convened behavioral health roundtables with caregivers, older adults, and community partners across the state. Key issues included:
- A need for programs that promote social inclusion
- Stigma around seeking help for behavioral health
- A shortage of culturally competent providers
- Lack of access to reliable referrals and resources
Key recommendations from CDA’s 2024 research and literature review:
- Promote resilience and coping skills
- Reduce stigma through family- and community-based communication
- Tailor messages to reflect cultural and language needs
- Raise awareness to encourage help-seeking
- Build social support, especially for older adults without family ties
To support California’s Master Plan for Aging, CDA is:
- Elevating opportunities through Proposition 1 and the Behavioral Health Services Transformation
- Supporting workforce development and population health strategies
- Creating tools to help aging networks collaborate with county behavioral health departments