Although therapy has become far more mainstream in recent years, many older adults still face significant barriers when accessing mental health treatment. Despite increased awareness and reduced stigma around seeking therapy, people in their later stages of life don’t always receive the support they deserve.
The reasons for this are complex, rooted in personal beliefs and systemic issues that make receiving care difficult. As a therapist specializing in working with older adults, I often see the many challenges associated with considering therapy.
While younger generations have grown up in an era where it’s been largely encouraged to speak out, the landscape likely felt much different when you were younger. Cultural norms, financial implications, and logistical variables can make therapy seem out of reach or even unnecessary. However, your mental health is important, and it deeply matters during this season of life.
If you or a loved one have been struggling with the idea of seeking mental health care, please know that you’re not alone. Your concerns are valid, and it’s important to understand the barriers to treatment that may be impacting you.
Barriers to Therapy
At any age, seeking therapy is a personal decision. If you’re on the fence about getting support, the good news is that research shows that older adults may respond better to therapy than working-age adults.
There’s no “right” time to pursue treatment, but many people often wait until things feel “bad enough” before reaching out for help. This isn’t inherently wrong. However, it may result in you emotionally struggling for many months or years.
Unfortunately, seeking mental health services isn’t always a straightforward process, and many factors can make initiating this process feel daunting. For instance, it’s normal to be worried to be worried about the cost or commitment. The complexity of certain mental health disorders can also make it challenging to know where to even begin.
With that, here are some of the main barriers to mental health care and some solutions for each of them:
Internalized Stigma or Shame
Chances are, discussing mental health issues was not the norm when you were growing up. Older adults can often recall early memories of being shamed for crying or told that children should be seen and not heard or reminders that family matters should not be shared outside the home.
Early messaging can form strong beliefs that seeking therapy is synonymous with weakness or that you should be able to tolerate your emotions alone. You may also believe it’s important to “push through” certain challenges or “keep your problems to yourself” and avoid burdening others.
If any of these beliefs resonate with you, it may feel strange to perceive therapy as a beneficial option. However, just as seeking medical care for physical health concerns is important, your mental health also deserves attention and care. It’s a sign of courage to reach out when we’re struggling. Therapy offers a compassionate space to explore your thoughts and emotions.
My goal in our treatment is not always about changing the way you feel or think. Instead, when dealing with internalized stigma or shame, we might focus on:
- how your upbringing may be affecting your current beliefs or behaviors
- identifying and exploring internalized negative attitudes about mental health
- developing more self-compassion
- exploring new ways to express emotions and seek emotional support
- unpacking themes around age shame and difficulties connected to the aging process
Accessibility Concerns
There is no doubt that finding the right therapist can be difficult, and this can be especially true for older adults. You may live in an area where mental health services are limited- or the available programs or clinicians lack availability. You might also struggle with logistical concerns around in-person therapy sessions, including restricted mobility or transportation issues.
Virtual therapy offers tremendous access to mental health treatment directly from the comfort of your home. I offer this option to all clients- in addition to providing in-person services in my Austin office. If navigating technology feels daunting, I’m happy to help guide you through this process by:
- assisting with ensuring you have the necessary technology to meet for sessions
- providing step-by-step instructions for accessing our appointments
- helping with basic troubleshooting for common technical issues
- ensuring that you have a safe and confidential therapeutic environment
Financial Constraints
The cost of therapy can be a significant concern, particularly for older adults on fixed incomes. Private therapy sessions can be expensive, and while insurance or Medicare may cover some services, navigating the system can be confusing. You may be unsure of what your coverage includes, whether you can see an out-of-network provider, or what options exist for reduced-cost care.
As a preliminary step, it is important to check your insurance or Medicare plan to see what mental health services are covered. In my practice, I accept Medicare and can also work with out-of-network benefits.
Some mental health professionals offer sliding scale fees based on income, and community-based mental health organizations may provide low-cost or even free counseling services. If cost has been a primary concern preventing you from seeking therapy, I encourage you to explore these options. Your mental well-being is worth investing in, and there are resources available to make therapy more accessible.
Health and Cognitive Barriers
Chronic illness, chronic pain, mobility challenges, and changes in your cognitive ability, including dementia or memory issues, can all affect the therapeutic process. It’s important to acknowledge that these concerns can be difficult to manage, but they do not mean you’re not a good fit for therapy. However, they may require specialized care and support.
Therapy can and should be adapted to fit your unique needs. This includes collaborating on what works best for you, including flexibility with session times and cancellations. My goal is to tailor sessions that meet you exactly where you are. With that, my approach may entail:
- adjusting the pace and timing of our sessions to best match your comfort level
- sending reminders of our appointment dates and times
- providing flexible scheduling options
- creating a supportive and compassionate environment intended to help you feel heard and understood
Complex Mental Health Problems
Some mental health concerns may feel incredibly difficult to manage. For example, you might be experiencing depression, chronic illness, complex grief, and parenting stress- all at the same time. This doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you, but you might feel anxious about knowing where to start or what to focus on in therapy.
If this is the case, my approach toward therapy entails:
- helping you identify certain triggers that may be exacerbating specific mental health issues
- exploring new ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression
- learning how to make meaning in life regardless of your current circumstances
- enhancing your outside support system
- reconciling existential dread and managing fears around death
- strengthening your self-esteem and fostering a greater sense of empowerment
- offering you support as you navigate grief or other major life changes, including getting divorced, children leaving home, or entering retirement.
Therapy for Older Adults in Austin, TX
Accessing mental health care can be challenging, but seeking treatment is also one of the best steps you can take toward looking after your emotional well-being. I offer compassionate, supportive therapy to help my older clients navigate grief and bereavement overload, loss, trauma, and numerous mental health conditions.
If you’d like to learn more about my approach to therapy, please reach out to schedule a complimentary consultation.