Interpersonal Therapy for Older Adults

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a structured, time-limited form of talk therapy that focuses on improving relationships and coping with life changes that affect emotional well-being. Unlike therapies that center on changing thought patterns, IPT looks at how current relationships, roles, and losses shape mood—and helps people strengthen communication and social support. For older adults, IPT can be especially helpful in addressing grief, loneliness, health-related transitions, and changing family dynamics that often arise later in life.

Key takeaways

• Interpersonal therapy focuses on relationships and life transitions that impact mental health.
• IPT is time-limited, goal-oriented, and well suited to common later-life challenges like grief, retirement, and caregiving changes.
• Research supports IPT may be an effective treatment for depression and related concerns in older adults.

What is interpersonal therapy?

Interpersonal therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy originally developed to treat depression, but is now used for a range of mood-related concerns. For seniors or adult children new to therapy, the most important thing to know is that IPT focuses on present-day relationships rather than the distant past or deeply ingrained personality traits.

IPT centers on how emotional distress is connected to changes in social roles, unresolved grief, interpersonal conflict, or isolation. Therapy sessions help identify specific relationship challenges and develop practical strategies to improve communication, rebuild support systems, and adapt to change.

Treatment is typically short-term, often lasting 12 to 16 weeks, which can feel more manageable than open-ended therapy. IPT is commonly used to treat depression, grief-related distress, and adjustment difficulties. One advantage is its clear structure and focus; a potential limitation is that it may not be the best fit for individuals seeking intensive exploration of long-standing trauma or complex personality issues.

IPT uses specific techniques—such as role clarification, communication analysis, and grief processing—that directly address interpersonal stressors, setting the stage for the key areas it treats.

Key areas interpersonal therapy treats

Complicated grief

IPT can be helpful for older adults needing to process grief that feels prolonged and overwhelming, often after the loss of a spouse, sibling, or close friend. Therapy provides space to mourn while also supporting the gradual rebuilding of routines and social connections.

Changing roles 

Shifting from being the head of the family and lead decisionmaker to potentially having to take a seat and let your children lead is often difficult. Also retiring or giving up your car can be stressful and overwhelming. IPT frames these changes as “role transitions,” holding space for seniors to acknowledge what they’re losing, while helping them to accept their new role or identity.

Family conflict

IPT can help address challenges with adult children, spouses, or caregivers by improving communication and by making expectations clear. This is especially valuable when families butt heads around changing power dynamics or caregiving decisions.

Interpersonal deficits and isolation

Interpersonal deficits are those habits that make forming and maintaining relationships challenging. By identifying these patterns and strengthening social skills, IPT may help manage loneliness and improve emotional resilience.

Why the IPT approach is effective for seniors

Many older adults can appreciate IPT’s structured, short approach and how goals are clearly defined. It focuses on practical tweaks to behaviors without requiring long-term therapy or adding new medications, which may be important for seniors already managing multiple prescriptions.

A 2021 study finds that IPT is effective in treating late-life depression and improving social functioning, particularly when symptoms are linked to loss or life changes. Interpersonal therapy adaptations for seniors may include a slower pace, repetition of key concepts, accommodations for hearing or memory challenges, and inclusion of caregivers when appropriate.

Interpersonal therapy vs. CBT

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. IPT differs by concentrating on relationships and social roles rather than thought patterns.

Someone might choose IPT over CBT if their distress is closely tied to grief, loneliness, family conflict, or major life transitions. CBT may be more helpful for anxiety driven by negative thinking habits, while IPT is often preferred when emotional pain is rooted in relationship changes.

These approaches can be used together, and some therapists integrate elements of both depending on the person’s needs.

Getting started with interpersonal therapy, and how Sailor Health can help

IPT may be a good fit for older adults navigating depression or having difficulty adjusting to various life changes. Adult children may also benefit, since IPT is often covered by Medicare when provided by a qualified therapist.

If you or a loved one are struggling with grief, relationship changes, or the emotional impact of aging, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Sailor Health offers compassionate, evidence-based therapy for older adults, including interpersonal therapy tailored to later-life challenges. Our licensed clinicians accept Medicare and provide treatment that’s accessible, respectful, and focused on helping you feel supported and understood. 

We believe that mental health care should be exceptional yet accessible, so we work with Medicare to cover up to 100% of the cost for most of our patients, so you can focus on feeling your best without worrying about the bill. Getting started is easy, and you could begin therapy in as little as 24 hours after signing up.

FAQ

Reach out to Sailor Health if you have more questions about whether interpersonal therapy is the right next step for you or your family.

Is interpersonal therapy covered by Medicare?

It may be covered by Medicare when therapy is provided by a licensed mental health professional and deemed medically necessary.

How long does interpersonal therapy usually last?

IPT is typically short-term, lasting no more than 16 sessions. This short  timeframe ensures that clients and therapists are focused on specific goals and tracking progress.

Is interpersonal therapy effective for grief and loss in older adults?

Yes. IPT can be a great way to support a senior dealing with losing a spouse or other close loved one. It helps individuals process loss while rebuilding routines and social connections.

Can interpersonal therapy be done virtually or by phone?

Yes. IPT works well for telehealth, which can be helpful for seniors with mobility and other limitations preventing them from attending an in-person session. 

How does Sailor Health support older adults using interpersonal therapy?

Sailor Health provides evidence-based therapy for older adults, including interpersonal therapy tailored to aging-related challenges such as grief and navigating caregiving stress. Licensed clinicians support seniors through their unique emotional needs. 

References

1. Bian, C., Zhao, W.-W., Yan, S.-R., Chen, S.-Y., Cheng, Y., & Zhang, Y.-H. (2023). Effect of interpersonal psychotherapy on social functioning, overall functioning and negative emotions for depression: A meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 320, 230–240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.119  
2. Rajhans, P., Hans, G., Kumar, V., & Chadda, R. K. (2020). Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Patients with Mental Disorders. Indian journal of psychiatry, 62(Suppl 2), S201–S212. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_771_19 
3. Wheeler, K., & Crowe, M. (2022). Interpersonal psychotherapy. In K. Wheeler (Ed.), Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (3rd ed., pp. 419–440). Springer Publishing Company.