Senior Behavioral Health Services at Temple Health—Chestnut Hill Hospital

Serving Philadelphia and the Surrounding Areas

Struggling with mental health challenges as you or a loved one ages? You're not alone, and both help and hope are available to you.

The Senior Behavioral Health Unit at Temple Health—Chestnut Hill Hospital offers specialized support for older adults. Our Philadelphia-based program focuses on treating the whole person—addressing both psychological and physical needs—so you or your loved one can experience renewed stability, find relief from distressing symptoms, and discover emotional wellness through our compassionate, evidence-based therapies.

What We Provide for Older Adults

Offering short-term psychiatric inpatient stays for seniors with behavioral challenges, we treat a host of conditions, such as depression in seniors, anxiety and memory impairment, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and various other older adult mental health challenges.

Our inpatient senior mental health services comprise a comprehensive range of therapeutic approaches, including:

Group and activity therapy
Exercises to develop coping skills
Family and medication education
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Memory care strategies
Crisis intervention and stabilization
Transition planning and aftercare coordination
Support for caregivers and family members
Geriatric psychiatry services

When to Seek Inpatient Care

The decision to seek geriatric behavioral health care may feel daunting, but it can be a turning point that transforms a person’s quality of life. But how do you know when it’s truly time to enter short-term inpatient psychiatric care?

While the answer is different for each person and their unique situation, inpatient care is generally warranted when outpatient treatment isn't enough or when immediate intervention is required. Warning signs that can help families make informed decisions about higher levels of care include:

Escalation or worsening of ongoing symptoms
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Severe depression or withdrawal
Significant changes in behavior or personality
Inability to care for oneself
Extreme anxiety or agitation
Psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions
Medication complications requiring supervision

The Senior Behavioral Health Unit (SBHU)

The Senior Behavioral Health Unit at Chestnut Hill Hospital is a specialized 20-bed inpatient facility dedicated exclusively to addressing the mental health needs of older adults. Our secure environment provides intensive treatment for conditions including depression, psychosis, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. As Philadelphia's premier provider of behavioral and psychiatric care for older adults, we offer structured therapeutic programming and 24-hour nursing supervision to ensure safety and promote recovery.

Our Multidisciplinary Team

Our comprehensive approach brings together a diverse team of specialists working in concert. Our psychiatrists collaborate seamlessly with nurse practitioners, medical doctors, and social workers to ensure both psychiatric and medical needs are met. Meanwhile, our highly trained nurses provide 24/7 care, while dedicated therapists design and implement therapeutic interventions tailored to each individual.

Offering everything from specialized inpatient treatment for seniors with depression or anxiety to geriatric psychiatric care for managing mood and memory issues, our multidisciplinary team develops personalized treatment plans, delivering truly holistic care that recognizes the unique connection between mind and body.

How to Schedule an Appointment

If you or a loved one is experiencing mental health challenges, don't wait to seek help. Senior behavioral health care is readily accessible to residents throughout the Philadelphia area and eastern Montgomery County.

Call 215-248-8117 for information or an admission evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Senior Behavioral Health Treatment

How do I know if a senior needs inpatient psychiatric care?

Although each person is unique, inpatient psychiatric care is often recommended when an older adult’s mental health symptoms—such as depression, anxiety, or agitation—become severe, pose a safety risk, or significantly impact daily life. If you notice worsening symptoms, changes in sleep habits, aggression, or withdrawal, contact our Senior Behavioral Health Unit at Temple Health—Chestnut Hill Hospital for an assessment. Simply call 215-248-8117.

How long is a typical stay in the Senior Behavioral Health Unit?

The duration of care varies depending on each patient’s condition and treatment goals. On average, an inpatient stay can range from several days to a few weeks. Our team develops a personalized care plan to help older adults stabilize and successfully manage their mental health before returning home or transitioning to another level of care.

What does inpatient mental health treatment look like for seniors?

Thanks to our personalized care plans, our senior behavioral health program for older adults in Philadelphia looks a little bit different for everyone. However, across the board it offers a structured, supportive environment with daily group therapy, individual counseling, medication management, and therapeutic activities like art or music therapy. Each patient also receives regular visits from psychiatrists, medical doctors, and social workers to address any physical or emotional needs.

Are family visits allowed during inpatient treatment?

Yes. We encourage family involvement, as support is vital to recovery. Visitation guidelines may vary based on individual care plans and safety protocols, so please reach out to our care team to learn the most up-to-date visiting hours and policies.

What happens after discharge from the Senior Behavioral Health Unit?

Discharge planning begins at admission to Chestnut Hill Hospital Behavioral Health. That is, long-term care and management are part of our process from admission to discharge. Our social workers and care coordinators help arrange follow-up appointments, outpatient therapy, or home health services as needed. This ensures a smooth transition to ongoing support and helps maintain improvements in mental health after leaving our inpatient setting.

Do I need a referral for admission to the Senior Behavioral Health Unit?

Referrals are helpful, but not always required. Our team can guide you through the process, whether you’re seeking care for yourself or a loved one. For more information or an admission evaluation, call 215-248-8117.

Does the Senior Behavioral Health Unit treat conditions like psychosis or bipolar disorder?

Yes. We provide specialized, short-term inpatient care for a wide range of mental health conditions in seniors, including psychosis, bipolar disorder, major depression, and generalized anxiety disorders. Our multidisciplinary team tailors each treatment plan to address individual needs and diagnoses.

Call 215-248-8117 for information or an admission evaluation.