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Why so few older Americans get counseling – and how it could help
National data show just 7.5% of adults ages 65 to 74 and 5% of those 75 and older received counseling in 2024.
- According to national data from 2024, only 5% of adults 75 and older receive counseling or therapy from a mental health professional, compared with 20.2% of adults ages 18 to 29.
- Stigma, negative beliefs about therapy, and cost frequently prevent older adults from accessing mental health services, as research suggests many prefer informal sources of help over professional providers.
- Later life brings significant transitions—retirement, disability, and changing independence—which counseling can help navigate beyond just addressing mental health diagnoses, illness, or loss.
- Updated 2024 guidelines from the American Psychological Association emphasize individual circumstances and social realities of aging, addressing concerns that some counselors may hold age-related biases.
- With an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide expected to be age 60 or older by the late 2060s, finding a counselor with experience in aging issues remains critical.
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16 Articles
16 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left3Leaning Right4Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 21%
C 50%
R 29%
Factuality
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