Provision of psychotherapy services for older people

Abstract

AIMS AND METHODS A postal questionnaire was sent to 100 departments of psychotherapy within the UK in an attempt to gauge the use of psychotherapy services by patients in the third and fourth age. RESULTS Eighty-seven per cent of respondents felt that the needs of this group for psychotherapy were not met as well as those of younger people in their catchment areas. This is most marked in people over 65 years of age who are infrequently referred to psychotherapy departments. Suggestions are made for improving services. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The psychotherapy needs of this group need to be considered in service planning. All professionals need educating about the availability and applicability of the psychotherapies for the older patient. Without additional resources it seems unlikely that the needs of this patient group will be met.