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Author Health can help you

Yes. Family members and caregivers often reach out first, and we expect that. We're happy to answer questions, talk through what's available, and help you figure out how to bring it up with your loved one if that feels hard.

While some plans HMO plans do require a referral, most do not. Go ahead and call us and we'll walk you through the right process for your plan.

Just call us. No referral or paperwork is needed before your first conversation. We'll ask a few questions, check your coverage, and talk through what kind of support might be a good fit for you. Want to know what that first call looks like?

There's no perfect time. If you've been feeling more stressed, tired, or overwhelmed than usual, or if someone you love seems more withdrawn, low on energy, or unlike themselves, it may help to talk with someone. Not sure what to look for?

Give us a call, and we can get the process started today. We’ll get to know you, check your coverage, and typically set up your first appointment within the next two weeks, possibly sooner depending on your schedule, language needs, and the kind of support you are looking for.

If you call, we'll talk with you right away. If you submit a form online, someone from our team with call or email you back. From there, we work to connect you with a care team as quickly as possible.

We work with many Medicare Advantage and Special Needs Plans, and coverage varies by state and plan. The easiest way to check is to call us, and we'll look it up on the spot. You can also see the plans we work with to get a sense of what's available in your area.

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Depending on your plan and location, Author Health may be available to you at no cost or with a copay. Our team will check your plan for copays or out-of-pocket costs and let you know an estimate before your first appointment.

Medicare plans change, sometimes every year, and we know that can feel complicated. If your coverage changes, give us a call.

Author Health does not directly provide housing or cash assistance. We can help connect you with the right programs, services, and benefits. We want to help you feel supported and safe so you can best prioritize your mental wellbeing.

While it isn’t our main focus, we can help connect you to helpful resources and services in your community. That can include transportation support, follow-up care, food resources, and other kinds of practical help. Our role is to guide and connect you, so you are not left trying to figure everything out on your own.

Not at all. Some clients begin with therapy. Others start with psychiatry, medication support, or broader social service support. We will help you find the right starting point based on what feels most helpful and most comfortable.

Yes. Author Health follows the same privacy and confidentiality requirements as any other healthcare provider. Your information is protected under HIPAA, just as it would be with your primary care doctor or any other member of your care team.

Author Health provides mental health and behavioral health care for older adults. Our team includes therapists, psychiatrists, and care coordinators who work closely with your established providers. Your care appointments are held virtually, with hands-on local support available when needed. Learn more about how care works or learn about our care team.

Author Health can provide care in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, with a third of our clinicians being bilingual or trilingual. Translation support is also available for other languages, including American Sign Language, to help make care more accessible.

We serve individuals struggling with grief, anxiety, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as well as people living with depression, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder. We also support clients with dementia-related behavioral health needs and serve GUIDE-eligible traditional Medicare clients.

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No. We work alongside your care team, not instead of them. Your primary care doctor stays your primary care doctor. We keep your existing providers informed and coordinate with them throughout your care.

Yes, care is delivered virtually. That means your appointments happen by phone or video from wherever you are: your home, a family member's place, or even a doctor's office. You don't need special equipment, and you don't need to go anywhere. Learn more about how virtual care works.

That concern comes up a lot, and we understand it. We'll always start with whatever feels most comfortable, including a regular phone call if you prefer. If you'd like to try a video call at some point, we can walk you through it step by step and in many locations we can even come to your home to help with set up. Many of our clients find that talking from a familiar place actually makes it easier to feel more comfortable and open up. Learn more about how virtual care works and what to expect.

Yes, caregivers and family members are often a key part of helping someone get connected and stay connected to care. We work closely with families throughout the process. Learn more about how we support caregivers.

Yes. Author Health can support older adults living with dementia with mental and behavioral health care. Learn more about dementia care and memory support through our AuthorCare™ Plans. There is also the GUIDE program for eligible people with traditional Medicare that may include added caregiver support and respite-related benefits.

Author Health provides caregiver support, education, and guidance as part of the care journey. If formal counseling for the caregiver is needed, our team can help talk through what support may be available and how to find the right fit.
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A good way to think about it is this: we are here to support both your loved one and the people helping care for them.

No. Some people start with therapy. Others begin with psychiatry or care coordination. There's no single path, and flexibility is built into the way we work. That can make it easier to take the first step to getting help.

Yes. A big part of what we do is helping families understand the process — what to expect, what's available, and how care fits alongside other doctors and services your loved one is already seeing.

The GUIDE program provides funding for respite services for eligible clients with traditional Medicare. For families who do not qualify for the GUIDE program, we can help connect you to respite resources, which, depending on your insurance plan, may be covered or possibly have out-of-pocket costs. Call us, and we can talk over your options.

Family members and caregivers are often the ones who reach out first. Just give us a call, we're happy to answer your questions, explain what's available to not just the person you care for but for you too. Read more about support for caregivers.

That concern is very common. Author Health can help with setup, and in some cases can send support into the home for technology help. Learn more about how virtual care works and what to expect.

It may also help to talk about what matters to them. This may be staying at home, driving safely, sleeping better, or having more energy. Ensuring that getting support helps them with the areas of their lives that they value can help.

Knowing that they do not have to use all of our services can also help. Often the convenience of our helpful appointment scheduling or other care helps open the door to other services. 

That's very common. Some older adults feel unsure about mental health care or uncomfortable with the idea of therapy or our other services. We try to meet people where they are. Sometimes starting with a single conversation, not a commitment, makes it easier to say yes. See how we approach care for older adults who feel hesitant.

They can be, but older adults often need lower starting doses and close monitoring for side effects and interactions. Due to an increase in overall medication use, it’s important to work with a team that involves your primary provider so that everything you’re taking works well together and supports your total health.

Yes. Anxiety and depression can affect focus, sleep, energy, motivation, and memory. Even if someone has never struggled with anxiety or depression before, the changes in roles and responsibilities, more frequent losses and grieving, and other challenges of aging can lead to a new mental health diagnosis. That does not mean that ongoing foggy thinking should be ignored or that you’re stuck in a rut for the rest of your life. A clinician can help look at the full picture and recommend care that gets you back on track.

Yes. Anxiety and depression can affect focus, sleep, energy, motivation, and memory. Even if someone has never struggled with anxiety or depression before, the changes in roles and responsibilities, more frequent losses and grieving, and other challenges of aging can lead to a new mental health diagnosis. That does not mean that ongoing foggy thinking should be ignored or that you’re stuck in a rut for the rest of your life. A provider can help you look at the full picture and recommend care to get you back on track.

Yes, bipolar disorder can affect thinking, focus, and memory—especially during severe mood episodes. This can lead to confusion or disorganization, sometimes resembling cognitive decline or changes in memory or thinking <link to MCI>, which is why a careful evaluation is key.

Yes, bipolar disorder can start later in life, though it often begins earlier and can be untreated or undiagnosed for a long period of time. If new symptoms appear, a thorough medical check is important—because other conditions <link to conditions hub page> or certain medications can sometimes mimic bipolar symptoms. It’s important to get a full evaluation so you can receive the right kind of care.

Yes—MCI can sometimes get better, especially if it's linked to treatable issues like poor sleep, medication side effects, depression, or vitamin deficiencies. Some people stay stable for years, while others see improvement; a few may progress to dementia. Even if symptoms improve, the risk of future decline can persist, so ongoing check-ins are important. For example, addressing sleep or nutrition issues may lead to clearer thinking and noticeable improvement. Getting support that allows you to work through anxieties, depression, or other mental health challenges can help your mind.

Yes—MCI can sometimes improve or even resolve, especially if it's linked to treatable issues like poor sleep, medication side effects, depression, or vitamin deficiencies. Some people stay stable for years, while others see improvement; a few may progress to dementia. Even if symptoms improve, the risk of future decline can persist, so ongoing check-ins are important. For example, addressing sleep or nutrition issues may lead to clearer thinking and noticeable improvement. Getting support that allows you to work through anxieties, depression, or other mental health challenges can help your mind.

No, dementia doesn’t always start with memory loss. Some types, like frontotemporal dementia, often begin with changes in language, behavior, or judgment instead.

Mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, is not the same as dementia. With MCI, changes in memory or thinking are noticeable, but the person can still do many daily tasks.

Dementia causes bigger changes. It can make everyday life harder and affect independence.

Alzheimer’s disease is one type of dementia. MCI can sometimes be an early sign of Alzheimer’s or another brain condition. But MCI can also be caused by things that may be treated, like low vitamins, poor sleep, depression, or medication side effects.

Get help if symptoms worsen, affect independence, raise safety concerns, or noticeably change mood or behavior. If you’re not sure if help is needed, please call us, and we can talk over your concerns and determine if Author Health is a good fit for your loved one.

Grief often comes in waves. It may feel stronger when something reminds you of the person who died. There may still be moments of comfort, love, or connection.

Depression often feels more constant. A person may feel hopeless, lose interest in most things, and have a hard time getting through the day. If you are not sure, it is worth reaching out for support.

There is no set timeline. Grief changes over time. It does not end on a certain date. For some, intense emotions can peak in the first two weeks or even 6 months later, with gradual healing over 1–2 years. It can also be normal for certain reminders to bring back moments of grief later down the road. What matters most is how much grief is affecting daily life, health, and safety.

No. While it's common to worry now and then, persistent anxiety that disrupts sleep, daily life, or relationships isn’t a normal part of getting older. With the right care, older adults can feel significantly better.

Sometimes. A family history can increase risk, but having a relative with dementia doesn’t mean you’ll develop it. If you’re caring for someone with dementia, it’s important to get support to decrease your stress and help you care for your own mental health too.

Even though depression risk can increase with age, normal and common are two different things. While aging can bring stress, loss, and changes, depression is not just a part of getting older [link to normal vs not page]. It’s a medical condition that can be treated, and help is available.

No—some forgetfulness can be normal with aging <link to normal not normal aging>. Alzheimer’s involves more serious, worsening memory issues that interfere with daily activities.

No, memory problems aren’t always a sign of dementia. Occasional forgetfulness can be part of normal aging, especially when daily independence is still intact. It becomes more concerning when memory changes are frequent, worsening, or affecting safety, responsibilities, or relationships. Struggling with memory could also be a sign of something else, such as medication side effects, anxiety, depression, etc.

Some forgetfulness is normal but persistent confusion, mood shifts, or trouble with daily tasks may signal a condition that needs care.

Yes. Therapies such as CBT, supportive counseling, and problem-solving approaches can help with anxiety, depression, and adjustment to cognitive decline at any age. Even if you’ve never experienced therapy before, having someone who is dedicated to listening to you and specializes in senior wellbeing can drastically improve your quality of life.

No, unfortunately, there are no current medicines that cure MCI or dementia; treatments usually aim to slow symptoms and improve function rather than reverse the disease. While there are no medications specifically approved for MCI, identifying reversible causes, reviewing current medications, and using non-drug approaches like exercise and cognitive engagement can help alleviate MCI.
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Anxiety or depression can also present in similar ways to MCI, both of which have numerous medication treatment options, which, when needed, can help resolve MCI-like symptoms when mental health is the root cause.

There is no single cure, but treating underlying causes such as vitamin deficiency, stress, exercising, and staying cognitively and physically active may help.

It never hurts to reach out. If you have concerns, talk to your primary provider or call us any time. If the changes you’re experiencing are new, persistent, worsening, or getting in the way of daily life, please seek support sooner rather than later.

Yes, if possible, and you’re comfortable with their involvement. Their insights can help clarify symptoms, especially if mood, memory, or awareness has been affected.

Common signs include forgetting things, trouble finding words, losing the thread of a conversation, and difficulty with judgment or planning that is greater than expected for age, but does not disrupt daily independence.

Sadness, crying, numbness, irritability, trouble sleeping, low appetite, fatigue, or pulling back from others are common and can come and go.

Many things can play a role, like significant or subsequent losses, health problems, long-term pain, loneliness, retirement, poor sleep, side effects from medicines, drinking too much alcohol [link to SUD], stress from caregiving, or big life changes.

We support individuals living with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance use, dementia, and mild cognitive impairment. If the person you’re caring for does not have a diagnosis, please still call us; we may be able to help with other services.

MCI evaluation starts with a detailed history and input from loved ones, checking when changes began and how they affect daily life. It includes cognitive tests, a physical and neurological exam, and blood work to rule out treatable causes such as thyroid or vitamin deficiencies. Brain imaging (MRI or CT) helps exclude stroke or tumors, and follow-up visits track changes over time. The goal is to identify reversible factors, clarify the cause, and create a baseline for future care.

Substance use disorder, or SUD, is a treatable medical condition where someone continues using alcohol, medications, or other drugs despite harmful consequences, strong cravings, or a loss of control. It can range from mild to severe and may involve substances like alcohol, opioids, sedatives, stimulants, cannabis, or nicotine. With support, counseling, and sometimes medication, recovery is absolutely possible.

Start with a medical evaluation to look for reversible causes and get a clearer picture of what is going on.

If you or a loved one may be experiencing MCI, Author Health can help connect the pieces of care. Our personalized support, care coordination, medication expertise, psychotherapy, and support for families and caregivers can make MCI less overwhelming so you can truly focus on getting better. Your Author Health team can help navigate appointments, records, paperwork, and ongoing care so nothing gets missed. Our services are designed for Medicare, Medicare-Medicaid, and many Medicare Advantage members in select states. Check your coverage here.

When the pain doesn’t ease up, daily tasks feel impossible, your feelings lead to isolation, or you’re experiencing hopelessness or thoughts of not wanting to live, seek help immediately.

Misuse or dependence on alcohol and prescription medicines can be common in seniors, especially pain medicines, sleep medicines, and anxiety medicines.

Social connection, routines, grief counseling, faith or community support, and practical help with meals, transportation, or household tasks can all help work through ‘healthy’ grief. When grief is all-consuming, these types of support, coupled with talk therapy, medication when needed, or support with scheduling and connecting with wellbeing appointments, can help someone grieving start to experience hope and moments of joy.

Effective treatments usually combine medical evaluation, therapy, lifestyle support, and sometimes medication, depending on the condition and severity.

You can start with your primary care provider—they can screen and refer to geriatricians, psychiatrists, or neurologists if needed. Author Health can also conduct a full evaluation at the start of our services.

Depression can look different in later life. It might show up as tiredness, pain, trouble sleeping, irritability, memory issues, or pulling away from daily activities. These signs are sometimes mistaken for normal aging or other health problems, which can delay getting help.

Yes. We can join a three-way call and, in some cases, arrange an urgent or same-day appointment while your patient is still with you. Contact us here or by calling.

Yes. You can submit a secure referral through our website, and it goes directly to our team for review.

Yes, for our patients in treatment we do have after-hours coverage. An on-call clinician is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Current patients can call us anytime at 1-800-423-4400 to be connected.

Yes. Author Health provides behavioral health support for clients living with dementia. Additionally, we are a GUIDE provider for those eligible. Learn more about dementia care or the GUIDE program.

Yes. If a patient is with you and in crisis, we may be able to get a clinician on the line quickly to help stabilize the situation and often avoid an emergency department visit. Call us directly at  1-800-423-4400.

The goal is to offer an intake appointment within 7 to 10 days, depending on their availability, preferences, and care needs. Submit a referral to get started.

Providers can expect consult notes, engagement updates, and direct coordination back to the referring team. We're set up to keep you informed so a referral doesn't disappear. Learn more about the referral process.

Our team can support telehealth setup and, in some cases, send community health workers to the home to help with devices and connectivity. See how we handle technology support for patients.

Services include psychiatry, therapy, and care coordination through a model designed for older adults with complex needs. We work closely with providers and other members of the patient's existing care team to support treatment plans and coordinate efforts. Learn more about how care works.

Author Health is built for older adults with mental and behavioral health needs, especially those enrolled in Medicare Advantage or Special Needs Plans. We serve individuals with a history or new onset of depression, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, or who are struggling with grief, anxiety, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We also support clients with dementia-related behavioral health needs and serve GUIDE-eligible traditional Medicare clients. Ready to refer? See how the referral process works.

No. Coordination with the existing care team is central to our approach. We provide consulting notes and engagement updates and look for opportunities to close the loop rather than create a gap.