Geriatric Psychiatry in Louisville, KY
Mental health doesn't retire. The challenges that come with aging — chronic illness, loss, transitions, changes in independence — can deeply affect mood, cognition, and quality of life. At Smither Psychiatry, Morgan Smither, PMHNP, provides thoughtful psychiatric care for older adults and the aging population, with attention to medical complexity and what matters most to you.
Who Geriatric Psychiatry Is For
Geriatric psychiatry generally refers to psychiatric care for adults age 65 and older, but the work begins whenever the realities of aging start shaping someone's mental health — for the patient themselves, or for the family supporting them.
Smither Psychiatry serves adults ages 18-85, and Morgan especially enjoys allying with the elderly and aging population. According to the CDC, depression is one of the most common mental health concerns among older adults — and importantly, it is not a normal part of aging. With the right care, most older adults respond well to treatment.
Common Concerns We Address
Depression in Later Life
Depression in older adults often looks different than depression earlier in life. Instead of overt sadness, it may appear as fatigue, sleep changes, loss of interest, increased physical complaints, or cognitive slowing. It is highly treatable.
Anxiety
Generalized anxiety, health anxiety, and anxiety related to changes in independence or living situation are common and often respond well to treatment. See our Anxiety page for more.
Grief and Loss
Loss of a partner, friends, role, health, or independence is a profound and often unspoken weight. Care includes space to talk about it and, when appropriate, treatment when grief becomes complicated or persistent.
Sleep Disturbance
Sleep changes with age, but persistent insomnia or fragmented sleep is treatable and worth addressing — both for quality of life and because untreated sleep issues can worsen mood, cognition, and physical health.
Caregiver Stress
If you're caring for an aging parent or partner, your own mental health matters, too. Caregiver stress, depression, and burnout are common and treatable.
Mood and Behavioral Symptoms in Cognitive Decline
For patients with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia, psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety, agitation, sleep disruption) often have a significant impact on daily life. Morgan can help manage these symptoms thoughtfully and coordinate with other providers.
Our Approach
Geriatric psychiatry calls for extra care, not less. Older adults are more sensitive to medication effects and side effects, often take multiple medications, and live with more medical conditions. Morgan's approach reflects that:
- "Start low, go slow" medication management with careful attention to interactions and side-effect burden
- Comprehensive review of current medications, supplements, and medical conditions at every visit
- Coordination with primary care and any specialists you see
- Family involvement when you want it, with your consent and on your terms
- Honest, plain-language conversations about what treatment can and can't do
Telehealth Available
For patients in Northern Kentucky, Lexington, Owensboro, or surrounding areas — or anyone who has trouble getting to in-person appointments — telehealth can be an excellent fit when clinically appropriate.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
- A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation tailored to the realities of aging
- Careful review of current medications, medical conditions, and any cognitive concerns
- Time to talk about your history, your current life, and your goals
- An initial treatment plan you help shape, with room to adjust
- Coordination with family or other providers as you want and consent to
Related Conditions
Psychiatric concerns in later life often overlap with the conditions we treat: