Department of Psychology
Program Overview
The Institute on Aging Department of Psychology is the largest and most established program in San Francisco providing comprehensive mental health services tailored to the specific needs of older adults. Our full-time, experienced clinicians specialize in understanding the effects of aging on the body and the mind, and deliver caring and culturally sensitive support where it is most convenient for the client—at home, residential communities, day programs, or in our offices. Services are provided in San Francisco, San Mateo, and the South Bay.
IOA is committed to professional education. Each month we host continuing education opportunities for professionals in the field of aging, presenting cutting edge research and case studies related to meeting the mental health needs of older adults. IOA also has the largest pre- and post-graduate training program in the Bay Area, providing specialist training in gero-psychology to 20 psychotherapists and psychologists each year.
What We Offer
- Individual counseling for older adults or family caregivers (short and long-term)
- Group counseling and support groups for chronic illness, memory loss, grief and loss, or victims of elder abuse
- Memory evaluations
- Psychological testing and assessment
- Friendship Line: 24-hour telephone support services, providing counseling, well-being checks, medication reminders, and crisis support
- "In-house clinicians" – For residential facilities, IOA can help make psychological services accessible by placing a clinician on-site to consult with staff, arrange groups for residents, provide educational programs, evaluate clients, and offer counseling
- Anonymous online mental health screenings
- Educational lectures for professional and community groups
- Clinical training opportunities for pre- and post-graduate psychologists and psychotherapists
Our mental health specialties include:
- Major life transitions (e.g., retirement, relocation)
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Memory problems
- Family stress
- Elder abuse
- Coping with a serious medical condition
- Death and dying
- Bereavement
- Suicide prevention and traumatic loss support
Eligibility & Fees
There are no eligibility requirements for psychological services. Private payment is accepted for clinical services, fees are on a sliding scale based on ability to pay. We are able to bill Medicare for services in some limited instances. Services of the Friendship Line and many of our support groups are free of charge; donations are gratefully accepted.
Contact Information
Please give us a call for more information or to schedule a tour.
Institute on Aging Department of Psychology
3330 Geary Blvd., 2E
San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone: (415) 750-4111
Toll Free: (877) 750-4111
Email: psychology@ioaging.org
Tom Cicciarelli, Psy.D., Director, Department of Psychology
Liya Bachakashvili, Intake Coordinator