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.
Therapist is the everyday word for a professional who offers talking therapy: depending on the country it can be a psychologist, a psychotherapist, a licensed counsellor, a marriage and family therapist or a clinical social worker. Profiles show each therapist’s actual title, training and registration.
Getting mental health care in the Philippines
Public health system · Public health system (Mental Health Act RA 11036, PhilHealth)
The Mental Health Act (RA 11036, 2018) requires mental health services to be provided at community and hospital level in the public system.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Board of Psychology. Under the Psychology Act (RA 10029) psychologists and psychometricians must be licensed by the PRC; check the licence by name or number. Search the official register
- Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Board of Medicine. Psychiatrists are licensed physicians; their PRC licence can be verified online. Search the official register
Urgent help in the Philippines
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 911 · Emergency
- 1553 · NCMH Crisis Hotline
- 0288044673 · HOPELINE
- 0288937603 · In Touch: Crisis Line
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: prc.gov.ph, philstar.com
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 therapist do?
A therapist helps you talk through what is worrying you and find practical ways to feel and cope better. In sessions they listen, ask questions, help you notice patterns in your thoughts, emotions and relationships, and agree goals with you. Depending on their training they may use cognitive-behavioural, humanistic, systemic, psychodynamic or other evidence-based approaches, with individuals, couples, families or groups.
When to see a therapist
It makes sense to look for a therapist when stress, anxiety, low mood, grief, relationship problems, a difficult change or the effects of past experiences start to weigh on your daily life, or when you simply want space to understand yourself better. If symptoms are severe, you may need medication or there are signs of a medical cause, involve your doctor or a psychiatrist as well.
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 Philippines cover psychological care?
The Mental Health Act (RA 11036, 2018) requires mental health services to be provided at community and hospital level in the public system.
How do I check that a therapist is licensed in the Philippines?
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Board of Psychology: Under the Psychology Act (RA 10029) psychologists and psychometricians must be licensed by the PRC; check the licence by name or number.