Older Adult Psychological Services

Many older adults face barriers to mental health care, even though emotional well-being is vital at every age. Our program helps close that gap by offering free and low-cost, culturally responsive, evidence-based services for older adults in our community. We believe everyone deserves thoughtful, respectful care—and the chance to feel heard and grow.

Our Mission

We aim to support the emotional well-being of older adults through accessible, affirming, and culturally responsive mental health care. Our services honor the unique challenges and strengths of later life and are guided by compassion, respect, and a commitment to equity.

What We Offer

Individual Therapy - One-on-one support to help you navigate life’s challenges with a compassionate therapist trained to work with older adults.

Group Therapy

• Cultivating Calm - A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) group tailored for older adults seeking tools to manage stress, anxiety, and the challenges of aging while noticing and celebrating strengths. This 8-week group introduces meditation, gentle movement, and mindful awareness practices to help participants respond to life’s ups and downs with greater calm, clarity, and compassion. No prior experience with mindfulness is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to slow down and turn inward.
• Exploring Aging - A supportive and reflective group for older adults navigating the emotional, relational, and existential changes of later life. Through honest conversation and guided discussion, participants explore topics such as identity, loss, purpose, and resilience. A central focus of the group is building community and recognizing that others are facing similar experiences. Together, members share wisdom, normalize the challenges of aging, celebrate the gifts of aging, and discover strength in connection.
• Guided Autobiography - Tell your story. In this structured and supportive group, participants reflect on their life experiences through writing and sharing on different themes. Weekly prompts—such as family, turning points, or life’s challenges—help participants explore their histories and make meaning from their journeys. No writing experience necessary—just a desire to reflect and connect. Participants write 1–2 pages on the week’s topic between sessions and share their writing during the group. This is not a writing class—it’s a therapy group rooted in storytelling, reflection, and connection.
• Expressive Arts - A gentle, nonjudgmental space to explore creativity as a tool for self-discovery, healing, and connection. Participants engage in simple art-making processes such as drawing, collage, or poetry to express emotions, spark imagination, and connect with others. No artistic experience is needed—just an open heart and the freedom to get a little messy.

Information & Referral

We can help connect you with other trusted community resources—whether you're looking for practical support, health services, or social connection.

Workshops

Educational offerings on topics related to aging, mental health, and well-being—open to older adults, caregivers, and community members.

Common Concerns We Can Help With:

• Adapting to life transitions
• Healing from depression
• Understanding and reducing anxiety
• Addressing the effects of racialized stress and violence and nurturing a sense of safety, strength, and belonging
• Navigating aging with pride and authenticity as an LGBTQ+ person
• Recovering from grief and bereavement
• Managing stress
• Building community and reducing loneliness
• Navigating relationship and family concerns
• Sleeping better
• Processing and healing from trauma

Our Therapists

Our therapists are psychology doctoral trainees with an interest in working with older adults. They receive weekly training and close supervision from licensed psychologists who specialize in aging and mental health. This model ensures your care is compassionate, thoughtful, and grounded in up-to-date best practices. You benefit from the energy and insight of a new clinician along with the support of an experienced supervisory team.

Cost and Accessibility

Our services are free for Berkeley residents 55+ and sliding scale for non-Berkeley older adults depending on your needs. No one is turned away due to inability to pay. We are located in downtown Berkeley, easily accessible by public transportation and fully ADA-compliant. Telehealth options are available for those who meet specific eligibility requirements.

What to Expect

When you reach out to us, we’ll schedule a brief phone call to learn about your needs and schedule a 2-hour intake appointment. The intake appointment will help us understand if our clinic is a good match for your needs or if referral to other services would better meet your needs. Some groups require an intake and others do not. If we feel our services can support your needs, we will match you with an individual therapist or invite you to join a group. Most services are offered weekly. All therapy is confidential, respectful, and tailored to you.

Centering the Need of Older Adults

Mental health needs don’t disappear with age. In fact, older adults often face unique stressors—from caregiving and chronic illness to grief, isolation, and ageism. Yet older adults are less likely to receive support. Our clinic is dedicated to changing that, ensuring that older adults have access to care that honors their experiences, values, and strengths.

Get in Touch

If you’d like to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, please call us at 510-239-2017 or fill out our secure, HIPAA-compliant contact form. We look forward to connecting with you.

Susan Ryan, PsyD PSY 34476
Associate Director
Wright Institute Older Adult Counseling and Psychological Services
Pronouns: she/hers