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 El Salvador
Public health system · Ministerio de Salud (MINSAL) – Red Integral e Integrada de Salud (RIIS)
Under the Mental Health Law and the 2018 National Mental Health Policy, MINSAL provides mental health care through the public health network, with a model that strengthens care at primary level. Press reports describe a shortage of psychologists and psychiatrists in public health units.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Junta de Vigilancia de la Profesión en Psicología (JVPP), under the Consejo Superior de Salud Pública (CSSP). Psychologists must be registered with the JVPP and hold a valid professional licence to practise; the Junta keeps the register of professionals and also authorises psychology clinics.
- Junta de Vigilancia de la Profesión Médica (JVPM), under the Consejo Superior de Salud Pública (CSSP). The JVPM is the legal body that oversees the practice of medicine, including psychiatry; doctors must be registered with it.
Urgent help in El Salvador
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 911 · Emergencias (911)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: cssp.gob.sv, local.cssp.gob.sv, cssp.gob.sv, transparencia.gob.sv
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 El Salvador cover psychological care?
Under the Mental Health Law and the 2018 National Mental Health Policy, MINSAL provides mental health care through the public health network, with a model that strengthens care at primary level. Press reports describe a shortage of psychologists and psychiatrists in public health units.
How do I check that a occupational therapist is licensed in El Salvador?
Junta de Vigilancia de la Profesión en Psicología (JVPP), under the Consejo Superior de Salud Pública (CSSP): Psychologists must be registered with the JVPP and hold a valid professional licence to practise; the Junta keeps the register of professionals and also authorises psychology clinics.