Programs that offer therapist-facilitated collective treatment sessions in which unrelated groups of individuals, couples or families discuss their attitudes, feelings and problems and, with input from other members of the group, attempt to achieve greater self and interpersonal understanding and adjustment and explore solutions to their problems.

Programs that provide emotional support, information and guidance in a variety of settings for older adults who are having mental, emotional or social adjustment problems that have arisen as a result of the process of aging. Geriatric counseling services are provided primarily by social services professionals including licensed social workers rather that psychiatrists or other medical personnel.

Programs that are staffed by licensed physicians who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders including anxiety, depression, psychoses, sexual dysfunction, adjustment reactions and substance abuse. Psychiatric treatment involves a full mental and physical health evaluation and an individualized treatment plan which may include psychotherapy, medication and other interventions which help patients and their families cope with their illness. General psychiatry applies broadly to all populations with mental disabilities rather than offering more specialized services to specific target groups.

Individuals who are age 50, 55, 60, 62 or 65 or older depending on the minimum age for qualifying as an older adult which varies by program.

Disorders that are characterized by persistent feelings of apprehension, worry, uneasiness or dread the source of which is frequently nonspecific or unknown to the individual which may be accompanied by restlessness, irritability, lack of concentration, difficulty sleeping, increased heart rate, shortness of breath and other physiological symptoms.

A mental state of depressed mood that is characterized by feelings of sadness, despair and discouragement. Depression ranges from normal feelings of the blues through chronic depression (dysthymia) to major depression. In many ways, it resembles the grief and mourning that follow bereavement including feelings of low self esteem, guilt and self reproach, withdrawal from interpersonal contact and physical symptoms such as eating and sleep disturbances.