Psychotherapy with older adults

The scope of need and possible benefit of psychosocial interventions in lat e life far exceeds the scientific evidence of efficacy. Most studies have b een conducted in academic settings with self-selected, relatively independe nt older adults for whom measures of benefit were narrowly defined In revie wing the existing literature concerning individual group, and couples thera pies in the geriatric population, we find that with appropriate adaptations for medical comorbidity, cognitive and sensory impairment, caregiver inclu sion, and realistic modification of treatment goals, psychotherapeutic ende avors with the senior patient can prove to be highly successful.