Research & Evidence

A practice built on Evidence. Designed for Real-World Care.

Cerebro’s model is grounded in established research demonstrating both the high prevalence of behavioral health conditions in long-term care and the effectiveness of on-site, evidence-based psychotherapy.

We were founded to address a persistent and critical gap in care: Up to 36% of newly admitted long-term care residents experience depression or anxiety, yet only 0.9%–2.0% receive psychotherapy (Ulbricht et al., 2021 and Seitz et al., 2010).

This disconnect leads to unmanaged symptoms, reduced quality of life, and increased strain on care teams.

Cerebro exists to close that gap—by embedding evidence-based behavioral health services directly into care environments.

The Need for Behavioral Health in Long-Term Care

Behavioral health conditions are highly prevalent among long-term care residents:

• Up to 36% of newly admitted residents experience depression or anxiety

• Nearly 1 in 3 residents show clinically significant depressive symptoms

• Despite this, only 0.9%–2.0% receive psychotherapy

These gaps highlight a critical need for accessible, embedded behavioral health services within care settings.

What the Evidence Shows

• Psychotherapy Improves Outcomes

• Research consistently supports psychotherapy for older adults in long-term care:

• Reduces depressive symptoms

• Improves quality of life

• Enhances emotional regulation and coping

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and related approaches show strong engagement and effectiveness in residential care settings.

On-Site & Integrated Care Works

Embedding behavioral health within care teams leads to:

• Better coordination of care

• Increased treatment engagement

• Improved behavioral health outcomes

• Reduces administrative costs and burden

• Regulatory Compliance & Improved Care

Long-term care populations are increasingly complex:

• Behavioral symptoms are present in the majority of these cases

• Severe mental illness is rising significantly in assisted living and nursing settings

• Specialized behavioral health services are essential to meet these needs effectively.

• Culturally Responsive Care Improves Engagement

Research shows that:

Culturally adapted interventions are significantly more effective

Language-concordant care improves engagement and outcomes

Minority populations face persistent barriers to accessing mental health services

Cerebro integrates bilingual and culturally responsive care to address these disparities.

Why This Matters when Partnering Together:

• For long-term care communities and healthcare partners, Cerebro’s model supports:

• Improved access to behavioral health services

• Enhanced resident outcomes and quality of life

• Better alignment with person-centered care standards

• Stronger interdisciplinary collaboration

• Increased readiness for behavioral health expectations and compliance

References:

Seitz, D., Purandare, N., & Conn, D. (2010). Prevalence of psychiatric disorders among older adults in long-term care homes: A systematic review. International Psychogeriatrics, 22(7), 1025–1039. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610210000608

Ulbricht, C. M., Rothschild, S. K., Hunnicutt, J. N., & Lapane, K. L. (2021). Depression, anxiety, and pain among newly admitted nursing home residents. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 22(3), 598–604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2020.10.031

Grabowski, D. C., Aschbrenner, K. A., Rome, V. F., & Bartels, S. J. (2014). Quality of mental health care for nursing home residents: A literature review. Medical Care Research and Review, 71(6), 589–616. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558714544775

Chan, P., Brennan, J., Tsiros, M., Mortazavi, R., O’Connor, D., & Kurrle, S. (2021). Characteristics and effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for older adults living in residential care: A systematic review. Aging & Mental Health, 25(6), 985–993. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2019.1686457