Promoting Recovery among Older Adults with Serious Mental Illness

In 2020, approximately 4 million adults 50 and older had a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia spectrum, bipolar, or major depressive disorder with marked impairment in functioning in areas such as work, social relationships, or activities of daily living (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2021a). Despite an increase in research on psychosocial interventions to support the well-being and functioning of older adults with serious mental illness (OASMI), evidence for their implementation in community settings is limited (Zechner et al., 2019). In addition, this population may face double stigmatization related to both older age and mental illness, which can disrupt help-seeking behaviors (Bodner et al., 2018). The purpose of this practice update is to summarize the recent systematic review evidence on psychosocial interventions for OASMI. We also discuss the development of older adult–specific psychiatric rehabilitation services in one mental health center to highlight the role that social workers can have in providing services to this underserved population.