About older adults
Psychological support for older adults addresses loneliness, grief, adapting to retirement or illness, memory concerns and caring for a partner. Many professionals also offer sessions at home or online.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specialised in mental health. They diagnose, prescribe and monitor medication and may also provide psychotherapy. They are usually the first choice when medication may be needed or symptoms are severe.
Getting mental health care in Argentina
Public health system · Public health system (hospitals and health centres), under the National Mental Health Law 26.657
Law 26.657 (2010, regulated by Decree 603/2013) protects the rights of people with mental health problems and provides for care by interdisciplinary teams including psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers. Public hospitals and health centres provide care without charge; availability varies by province. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Provincial health ministries or professional colleges (matrícula), reported to the national REFEPS network (Ministerio de Salud). Health professionals need a licence (matrícula) issued by the province or the professional college where they practise. Ask for the matrícula number; licences reported to REFEPS appear in the Federal Health Licence and the Matrícula Digital. Search the official register
Urgent help in Argentina
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: argentina.gob.ar, argentina.gob.ar
Signs to look out for
Ageing brings changes, but persistent sadness, loss of interest, anxiety, withdrawal or irritability are not an inevitable part of getting older. It may be worth seeking help after losses such as bereavement, retirement or loss of independence, when loneliness is weighing heavily, or when there are noticeable changes in memory, orientation or behaviour that worry the person or their family.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Psychological therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, problem-solving therapy and reminiscence or life-review therapy are effective for older adults with depression or anxiety. Neuropsychologists assess memory concerns and design cognitive stimulation. Psychologists, psychiatrists with experience in older people, occupational therapists and social workers often work together, and family carers can also receive support and guidance.
When to seek urgent help
Sudden confusion, drowsiness, difficulty speaking, weakness on one side or a fall with injury need immediate medical attention: contact your local emergency services. Seek urgent help too if an older person expresses thoughts of suicide, stops eating or drinking, or if you suspect abuse or neglect. Reviewing medication with a doctor is important when behaviour changes.
What you can do in the meantime
Staying connected matters: regular contact with family, friends, neighbours or community groups helps protect mood. Keep routines with daily activity, walks, meals and sleep, and continue hobbies or learn new ones. Check hearing and vision, since difficulties can increase isolation. Carers should also look after themselves and ask for help, as caring can be exhausting.
What does a psychiatrist do?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who assesses mental health problems from a medical point of view. Day to day they carry out diagnostic interviews, rule out physical causes, decide whether medication could help, prescribe it and monitor its effects and side effects. Many also offer psychotherapy or work alongside psychologists. They see adults, older people and, if specialised, children and adolescents.
When to see a psychiatrist
Consider a psychiatrist when symptoms are intense or long-lasting, when therapy alone has not been enough, when you are already taking psychiatric medication, or when there are experiences such as severe mood swings, hearing or seeing things others do not, or very disturbed sleep. If what you mainly need is talking therapy for everyday difficulties, a psychologist or psychotherapist may fit better.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Argentina cover psychological care?
Law 26.657 (2010, regulated by Decree 603/2013) protects the rights of people with mental health problems and provides for care by interdisciplinary teams including psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers. Public hospitals and health centres provide care without charge; availability varies by province.
How do I check that a psychiatrist is licensed in Argentina?
Provincial health ministries or professional colleges (matrícula), reported to the national REFEPS network (Ministerio de Salud): Health professionals need a licence (matrícula) issued by the province or the professional college where they practise. Ask for the matrícula number; licences reported to REFEPS appear in the Federal Health Licence and the Matrícula Digital.