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.
Neuropsychologists assess and rehabilitate memory, attention, language and other cognitive functions after brain injury, stroke or in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Getting mental health care in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Public health system · Indian Ocean Territories Health Service (IOTHS)
The Australian Government funds and runs the Indian Ocean Territories Health Service, which provides primary care, community health, emergency care and telehealth on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Specialist mental health care is generally accessed by telehealth or referral to Western Australia.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Psychology Board of Australia (Ahpra). Australian law applies: psychologists must be registered with Ahpra. Check the national register for registration status and any area of practice endorsement such as clinical psychology. Search the official register
- Medical Board of Australia (Ahpra). Psychiatrists must be registered with Ahpra as medical practitioners with specialist registration in psychiatry. Search the official register
- Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (Ahpra). Occupational therapists must be registered with Ahpra. Search the official register
Online therapy in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Telehealth sessions are provided by practitioners in mainland Australia; they must hold Ahpra registration, which is valid nationally.
Urgent help in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 000 · Emergency
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: ahpra.gov.au
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 neuropsychologist do?
A neuropsychologist studies how the brain relates to thinking and behaviour. Day to day they carry out detailed assessments of memory, attention, language, planning and other cognitive functions using standardised tests, write reports, and design rehabilitation or stimulation programmes. They work with people after a stroke or brain injury, with neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental conditions, and with their families and medical teams.
When to see a neuropsychologist
A neuropsychologist can help when there are noticeable changes in memory, concentration, language or behaviour, after a head injury or stroke, with concerns about cognitive decline, or to clarify learning or attention difficulties. They are also useful to plan rehabilitation and adapt daily life. If the concern is mainly emotional, a psychologist may fit better; medical causes need a neurologist.
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 the Cocos (Keeling) Islands cover psychological care?
The Australian Government funds and runs the Indian Ocean Territories Health Service, which provides primary care, community health, emergency care and telehealth on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Specialist mental health care is generally accessed by telehealth or referral to Western Australia.
How do I check that a neuropsychologist is licensed in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands?
Psychology Board of Australia (Ahpra): Australian law applies: psychologists must be registered with Ahpra. Check the national register for registration status and any area of practice endorsement such as clinical psychology.
Can I have online therapy in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands?
Telehealth sessions are provided by practitioners in mainland Australia; they must hold Ahpra registration, which is valid nationally.