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.
Occupational therapists help people gain or recover independence in daily activities after an illness, injury or developmental difficulty: self-care, school, work and leisure. They often work with children with autism or sensory needs and with older adults.
Getting mental health care in Iran
Public health system · Ministry of Health and Medical Education primary health care network
Mental health services have been integrated into the primary health care network since 1988, with referral between levels of care. Shortages of mental health staff and limited insurance coverage of mental health services remain problems.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Psychology and Counseling Organization of Iran (PCO). Psychologists and counsellors need a work licence (parvaneh-ye eshteghal) and membership number issued by the PCO to practise. Ask for the PCO licence number.
- Medical Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRIMC). The Medical Council licenses and registers doctors. Check the psychiatrist's Medical Council (nezam pezeshki) number and specialty.
Urgent help in Iran
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: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, en.wikipedia.org, jamp.sums.ac.ir
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 occupational therapist do?
An occupational therapist helps people take part in the everyday activities that matter to them, from washing and dressing to studying, working, socialising or managing a home. Day to day they assess how a physical, mental health, developmental or cognitive condition affects daily life, then work on skills, routines, adaptations and equipment. They see children, adults and older people, often within multidisciplinary teams.
When to see a occupational therapist
Consider an occupational therapist when daily tasks have become difficult after an illness, injury or stroke, when a mental health condition makes routines and work hard to sustain, when a child has sensory, motor or self-care difficulties, or when an older person needs support to stay independent at home. For emotional therapy itself, a psychologist is usually the main professional.
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 Iran cover psychological care?
Mental health services have been integrated into the primary health care network since 1988, with referral between levels of care. Shortages of mental health staff and limited insurance coverage of mental health services remain problems.
How do I check that a occupational therapist is licensed in Iran?
Psychology and Counseling Organization of Iran (PCO): Psychologists and counsellors need a work licence (parvaneh-ye eshteghal) and membership number issued by the PCO to practise. Ask for the PCO licence number.