Psychological Therapy Sessions for Older Adults

Who We Are

We are the only not-for-profit organisation that provides subsidised, online clinical psychology sessions specifically tailored for older adults.

Why Is This Important?

Mental health challenges affect about a quarter of older adults. However, only one in six older adults receives the support they need. When seeking help, older adults are often prescribed medication by their GPs rather than being offered talking therapy. We want to address this because untreated mental health issues in later life is linked to an increased risk of dementia and a diminished quality of life. Furthermore, older adults generally benefit more from talking therapies compared to younger individuals.

Benefits of working with Clinical Psychologists in training

Up to Date and Prepared

Trainee clinical psychologists have undergone extensive preparation, through study and clinical work experience, to gain a place on the doctorate of clinical psychology. They are studying the most current, evidence-based approaches to mental health care, which means that you receive support that is timely and evidence-based.

Small Caseloads and Flexibility

Compared to qualified clinicians, trainee clinical psychologists have small caseloads, enabling them to have plenty of time to plan and reflect on sessions, as well as offering scheduling flexibility for clients.

Supervised Training

All trainee clinical psychologists receive regular supervision from experienced psychologists who are specialists in older adult mental health care. This allows them to reflect on their client work and collaborate to problem-solve or devise treatment plans.

Typically, we will offer you a block of 4, 8, 12 or 16 sessions, depending on the difficulties you would like to address. These will be delivered online via Zoom. You will be able to book a one-off assessment session to find out more and discuss your needs.

As a not-for-profit organisation, we aim to keep our sessions as accessible as possible by offering them at low cost. The charge for a 50-minute session will be £50.

 Further Information

  • As you age, you might face more physical health challenges such as hearing loss, vision problems, pain, mobility issues (like osteoarthritis or back pain), respiratory issues (such as COPD), diabetes, cognitive impairment, depression, and dementia.

    It's common for older adults to experience multiple health issues simultaneously. Additionally, feelings of lost purpose and facing age-related discrimination are prevalent.

    We understand that the needs of someone aged 65 may differ significantly from someone aged 80, so we tailor our approach to each individual.

  • Our Clinical Psychologists are skilled in assisting with emotional adjustments to changes in physical health, including recovery from strokes and other conditions. They help you adapt to new limitations and revise coping strategies that may no longer be effective.

    For instance, coping mechanisms like physical exercise, overworking, or alcohol use may not be viable now. Our psychologists help you develop new strategies to manage present challenges and enrich your life despite health limitations.

  • Yes, if you or someone you are caring for is struggling with a dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis, a Clinical Psychologist can help you emotionally adjust.

    Clinical Psychologists offer specialized support through psychosocial interventions, cognitive strategies and family meetings, providing a deeper understanding than general counseling can.

    Working with a Clinical Psychologist allows you to process your diagnosis and develop strategies to move forward effectively.