Therapy for Seniors

Many seniors face unique challenges that impact their mental and emotional well-being, such as coping with loss, managing chronic health conditions, navigating major life changes, or feeling isolated and lonely. Dr. Anna Cariello offers compassionate therapy tailored specifically for older adults, providing a supportive space to address these concerns and improve quality of life at every stage. Her approach focuses on understanding the distinct needs of seniors to help them find resilience, purpose, and peace.

Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology

Being a PSYPACT-approved psychologist means I can legally practice and provide therapy in nearly all states nationwide. This organization ensures I meet the highest standards, so you can trust that you'll receive high-quality mental health care from me, no matter where you are in the country.

(*Please note the following states/jurisdictions have not enacted PSYPACT legislation nor do they have active PSYPACT legislation: Alaska, California, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oregon, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands. Montana has enacted PSYPACT but is not effective. Massachusetts and New York are in active legislation. I am currently NOT authorized to practice in ANY of these states.)

Mental Health Therapy Is
Essential for Many Older Adults

Mental health therapy is essential for many older adults because it provides vital support during a time of significant life transitions and challenges. As people age, they often face unique stressors, such as the loss of loved ones, health concerns, and changes in their social roles, which can contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation. Therapy offers a safe and understanding environment where seniors can express their emotions, develop coping strategies, and regain a sense of control and purpose. By addressing mental health needs early and effectively, therapy helps improve overall well-being, enhances relationships, and supports seniors in living more fulfilling and balanced lives.

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Our Therapy Helps Alleviate Many Problems

Depression, Anxiety, and Other Mental Health Disorders
Mental health issues can significantly affect quality of life. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder may emerge or worsen in later years, making it essential to address these challenges with professional support. Therapy helps older adults manage symptoms, develop healthy coping strategies, and improve their overall emotional well-being, enabling them to enjoy life more fully despite mental health struggles.
Grief and loss of loved ones are common experiences among seniors that deeply impact emotional regulation and coping skills. Losing family members can leave lasting wounds, and therapy provides a safe space to process these feelings, build resilience, and find healthy ways to adjust to life without those close connections. Support through this journey helps seniors regain balance and emotional strength.
Dealing with chronic illnesses, such as severe heart disease, cancer, and dementia, often affects both physical health and mental well-being. Therapy supports seniors in managing the emotional challenges that come with ongoing health issues, helping them maintain a positive outlook, reduce stress, and improve their quality of life despite physical limitations.
Adjusting to major life transitions, such as retirement or moving to an assisted living facility, can be overwhelming for many older adults. These changes often bring uncertainty and stress, but therapy guides seniors through the adjustment process by fostering acceptance, building new routines, and encouraging a positive mindset during these pivotal moments.
Feelings of loneliness and social isolation can severely impact emotional health among seniors, increasing the risk of depression and other concerns. Therapy addresses these feelings by helping older adults build meaningful connections, improve social skills, and find fulfilling ways to engage with their communities, promoting a greater sense of belonging.
Seniors often experience memory loss or changes in cognitive functioning. Therapy offers strategies to cope with these challenges, supports mental stimulation, and helps maintain dignity and independence while managing the effects of aging on the brain.
Caregiver stress, often faced by adult children, can have a significant impact on seniors. Therapy provides tools to manage these complex relationships, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care, reducing stress and promoting healthier interactions with loved ones.
Managing trauma or past unresolved issues is essential for seniors who may carry emotional burdens from earlier in life. Therapy provides a compassionate environment for confronting and healing from these experiences, fostering emotional freedom and enhancing overall mental health.
Sleep disturbances, including insomnia, are common issues among older adults that impact energy, mood, and physical health. Therapy can address the underlying causes of sleep problems, teach relaxation techniques, and promote better sleep hygiene to restore restful and restorative sleep.
Declining self-esteem or loss of independence can significantly impact seniors dealing with dementia or other challenges. Therapy, often in collaboration with social workers and support networks, helps seniors maintain their confidence, find meaningful roles, and navigate changes with dignity and hope.
Difficulty coping with physical limitations or disability related to various physical conditions common among the elderly can cause frustration and emotional distress. Therapy helps seniors adapt to these changes, fostering acceptance and encouraging an active and fulfilling lifestyle despite physical limitations.
Substance abuse affects many seniors, and this problem is often hidden or misunderstood. Therapy addresses this sensitive issue by exploring underlying causes, providing tailored treatment, and supporting lasting recovery to improve overall health and well-being.
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What to Expect From Our
Therapy for Seniors

Initial Consultation

Your therapy journey with Dr. Cariello begins with a free 15-minute consultation to determine if her counseling approach fits your unique needs. If you decide to move forward, the first full session is a 60-minute assessment where you will discuss your history, current symptoms, and therapy goals. This session is a powerful tool for establishing a trusting relationship and creating a personalized plan that addresses your concerns.
Therapy is a safe, collaborative process where you and Dr. Cariello work together to explore emotional, psychological, or behavioral challenges. Through evidence-based counseling techniques tailored to seniors, you’ll gain insight into the root causes of your symptoms and learn practical strategies to improve your emotional health.
Dr. Cariello understands that each senior’s experience is unique, so therapy is tailored to meet your individual needs. Whether you’re dealing with grief, anxiety, or significant life transitions, your sessions are designed to support your journey and foster resilience.
Education is a crucial component of therapy. You’ll receive information about your mental health and how your symptoms affect your overall well-being. This knowledge empowers individuals to develop effective coping strategies and make informed decisions that improve their overall quality of life.
The length of therapy varies depending on your goals and the complexity of your concerns. Some seniors benefit from short-term counseling focused on specific issues, while others engage in longer-term work for deeper healing. Therapy progresses at your pace—no topic is discussed until you feel ready.
Your privacy is a priority. Everything shared in counseling is confidential. Dr. Cariello ensures a respectful and comfortable environment where you feel safe to express yourself without judgment.

Benefits of Geriatric Therapy

Geriatric therapy offers valuable support for seniors facing a variety of mental health concerns and cognitive issues. Through specialized treatment tailored to the needs of older adults, therapy helps improve overall well-being and fosters a stronger sense of purpose and connection in daily life.

  • Provides effective treatment for mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, and mood disorders
  • Addresses cognitive issues by offering strategies to manage memory loss and maintain mental functioning
  • Enhances a sense of independence and confidence despite age-related challenges
  • Helps develop coping skills to navigate life transitions and emotional changes
  • Supports improved communication and relationships with family members and caregivers
  • Encourages proactive management of both physical and emotional health to promote overall quality of life
  • Offers a safe, confidential space to explore feelings and concerns without judgment

Cost of Therapy for Seniors in Salt Lake City and Other Cities in Utah

The cost of therapy for seniors in Utah ranges from $100 to $300 per session, depending on the therapist’s experience and the type of counseling provided. Many seniors in Utah County and surrounding areas discover that investing in therapy provides significant benefits for their mental and emotional well-being. While treatment is typically self-pay, some patients use flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs) to help manage expenses.

Dr. Cariello’s practice provides clear information upfront, helping patients understand the costs involved as they begin their therapy journey.

What Makes Dr.
Cariello Different From
Others?

As a professional counselor with over 15 years of experience, Dr. Cariello provides compassionate care that distinguishes her from others. She prioritizes building a strong therapeutic relationship, ensuring that each new patient feels heard, valued, and understood. Her integrative approach tailors services to meet the unique needs of every individual, addressing mind, body, and emotions for holistic healing. Patients benefit from a supportive team environment where collaboration and trust are central to the therapy process.
Choosing Dr. Cariello as your therapist means partnering with someone deeply committed to guiding you through your journey toward emotional well-being and personal growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does therapy for seniors improve well-being and quality of life?
Yes, therapy can significantly enhance well-being and quality of life for seniors. It provides a supportive environment to address mental health concerns, cope with life transitions, and develop strategies to manage symptoms. Many seniors find that counseling helps them regain a sense of purpose, improve relationships, and navigate challenges with greater resilience.
If you or your loved one is experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, loneliness, or difficulty adjusting to major life changes, therapy may be beneficial. Signs such as trouble managing daily stress, changes in mood, or cognitive concerns can also indicate that professional support would be helpful.
Dr. Cariello utilizes evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), tailored to the unique needs of older adults. Her holistic and integrative approach ensures that treatment addresses both the emotional and physical aspects of health.
Yes, therapy sessions are confidential. Dr. Cariello follows strict privacy guidelines to protect your information. Confidentiality is only broken in rare cases, such as when there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or in situations required by law.
Absolutely. Therapy can complement medical treatments by addressing the emotional and psychological effects of chronic illnesses. Dr. Cariello collaborates with healthcare providers when appropriate to offer comprehensive care that supports both mental and physical health.
You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Cariello to discuss your concerns and see if her approach is right for you. Therapy is self-pay only, with payments accepted via credit cards, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Documentation for out-of-network insurance claims is also provided.