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.
Speech and language therapists assess and treat difficulties with language, speech, voice, swallowing and communication in children and adults.
Getting mental health care in the United Kingdom
Public health system · National Health Service (NHS)
Psychological therapy for anxiety and depression is free through NHS Talking Therapies in England, which accepts self-referral or GP referral; more complex needs are referred by a GP to community mental health teams. Waiting times vary by area. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Titles such as practitioner psychologist, registered psychologist, clinical, counselling, educational, forensic, health, occupational and sport and exercise psychologist are protected and require HCPC registration. The bare word psychologist is not protected. Search the official register
- General Medical Council (GMC). Psychiatrists are doctors on the GMC register with a specialist entry in psychiatry. Search the official register
- Accredited Registers programme of the Professional Standards Authority (e.g. BACP, UKCP). Counsellor and psychotherapist are not protected titles; check membership of a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. Search the official register
Urgent help in the United Kingdom
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 116 123 · Samaritans
- Shout
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: hcpc-uk.org, regulated-professions.service.gov.uk
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 speech therapist do?
A speech therapist assesses and treats difficulties with communication, language, speech, voice, fluency and swallowing. Day to day they might help a toddler say their first words, a child with stuttering or reading-related language problems, an adult recovering language after a stroke, a teacher with voice strain, or an older person with swallowing difficulties. They also guide families, teachers and carers.
When to see a speech therapist
Consider a speech therapist if a child’s speech or language seems delayed or hard to understand, if there is stuttering, persistent hoarseness or voice loss, difficulty finding words after a neurological event, or coughing and choking when eating. Sudden loss of speech or swallowing needs urgent medical attention first. For learning difficulties beyond language, an educational psychologist may also help.
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 United Kingdom cover psychological care?
Psychological therapy for anxiety and depression is free through NHS Talking Therapies in England, which accepts self-referral or GP referral; more complex needs are referred by a GP to community mental health teams. Waiting times vary by area.
How do I check that a speech therapist is licensed in the United Kingdom?
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): Titles such as practitioner psychologist, registered psychologist, clinical, counselling, educational, forensic, health, occupational and sport and exercise psychologist are protected and require HCPC registration. The bare word psychologist is not protected.