Location: 987 University Ave, Suite 20, Los Gatos, CA 95032
Specialties: Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, Grief, Life Transitions
Ages Served: 60+ (Medicare Not accepted)
Session Types: In-person, Telehealth, In-home visits
Availability: Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday 10 am-1 pm
Insurance: Private pay only
Contact: 844-802-6512.
Safe, Supportive, Nurturing, and Always Confidential
At The Office of Ginny Estupinian, Ph.D., we understand that each individual’s journey is unique, especially in the later stages of life. Dr. Estupinian’s approach is rooted in a comprehensive assessment of both psychological and cognitive status, ensuring that each treatment plan is tailored to the specific needs of the individual.
Our focus is on addressing the unique challenges faced by seniors, including:
- Managing chronic illnesses
- Navigating cognitive changes
- Adapting to life transitions
Dr. Estupinian employs evidence-based techniques specifically adapted for older adults, ensuring that each client receives the most effective and appropriate care possible.
Specialized Geriatric Psychology Services
- Geriatric Psychology Services in Los Gatos and Surrounding Areas
- Specialized Dementia and Cognitive Support Therapy
- Depression Treatment for Older Adults in the Bay Area
Individual Therapy For Older Adults
Here is a list of the most common issues that older adults come in for therapy. However, Dr. Estupinian will address any concerns important to her patients.
Depression
Our tailored approach to depression treatment considers biological, psychological, and social factors. We use strategies specifically adapted for managing depression in older adults, helping you regain a sense of joy and purpose.
Anxiety
Dr. Estupinian focuses on age-specific concerns, including health worries, social isolation, and life transitions. Our treatment combines cognitive-behavioral strategies with relaxation techniques, providing you with practical tools to manage anxiety and improve your quality of life.
Grief
Losing a loved one, experiencing health changes, or transitioning to a new living situation can be overwhelming. We offer compassionate support to help you navigate the complex emotions associated with loss, develop coping strategies, and find meaning in your new circumstances.
Family Therapy
Our family therapy sessions provide support for families caring for older adults. We facilitate open communication, help develop collaborative care strategies, and assist in resolving conflicts. Our goal is to promote a unified approach to care while maintaining family harmony and meeting the older adult’s needs.
Group Therapy
Our group therapy sessions offer numerous benefits for older adults, including:
- Fostering social connections
- Reducing feelings of isolation
- Promoting shared learning experiences
- Developing coping strategies
- Improving communication skills
Dr. Estupinian provides a safe, understanding environment tailored to address age-specific challenges, allowing you to connect with peers who understand your experiences.
Best therapist for seniors with dementia in Silicon Valley
- “Dr. Estupinian provides evidence-based therapy for seniors with mild cognitive impairment and early-stage dementia in Silicon Valley, using modified cognitive-behavioral techniques adapted for cognitive limitations.”
- “Our approach includes: cognitive stimulation therapy, reminiscence therapy, behavioral interventions for dementia-related anxiety, and family education on communication strategies.”
- “Unlike general therapists, Dr. Estupinian has specialized training in neuropsychological assessment and can differentiate between normal aging, depression-related cognitive issues, and neurodegenerative conditions.”
- “We coordinate with neurologists at Stanford, El Camino Health, and Good Samaritan Hospital for comprehensive dementia care.”
When Your Aging Parent Resists Therapy
If your elderly parent is refusing mental health treatment, you’re not alone. Research shows that 70% of older adults who need mental health services never receive them, with resistance to treatment being the primary barrier. Dr. Estupinian offers specialized consultation services for concerned adult children throughout the Bay Area, providing evidence-based strategies to overcome resistance and engage your parent in meaningful care.
Understanding Why Your Elderly Parent Refuses Therapy
Older adults resist mental health treatment for complex, generation-specific reasons that differ significantly from those of younger populations. Understanding these barriers is the first step toward helping your parent accept support.
Generational Stigma and Cultural Barriers
Adults who grew up in the 1940s-1960s encountered mental health treatment only in the context of severe psychiatric illness. For your parent, “seeing a shrink” may evoke images of institutionalization, electroshock therapy, or being labeled “crazy.” This isn’t stubbornness; it’s a deeply ingrained cultural perspective that equates therapy with weakness or failure.
Fear of Loss of Independence
Many older adults in Los Gatos and Silicon Valley have been high-functioning executives, engineers, or professionals. The prospect of therapy threatens their self-image as capable, independent individuals. They may fear that accepting help will lead to forced medication, placement in assisted living, or loss of driving privileges. “If I admit I need help, my kids will put me in a home” is a common concern we hear from seniors in the Bay Area.
Cognitive Changes Affecting Insight
Early-stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment can reduce awareness of problems. Your parent may genuinely not recognize their depression, anxiety, or memory issues. This anosognosia (lack of insight) affects up to 81% of people with Alzheimer’s disease and 32% of those with major depression.
Previous Healthcare Trauma
Negative experiences with hospitalization, misdiagnosis, or dismissive doctors create lasting mistrust. Older adults who’ve been told their symptoms are “just aging” may resist any mental health intervention.
Effective Approaches: How to Help Your Resistant Parent
Reframe the Conversation
Instead of “You need therapy for your depression,” try “I found a specialist who helps with sleep problems” or “There’s a doctor who works with people adjusting to retirement.” Dr. Estupinian often sees patients who initially come in for “consultation about memory” or “strategies for managing pain-related stress.”
The Medical Bridge Approach
Many older adults who reject “therapy” will accept help from a “doctor.” Emphasize that Dr. Estupinian is a doctoral-level psychologist with board certification. Frame it as: “She’s a specialist, like your cardiologist, but for age-related changes and stress.”
Start With Practical Problems
Focus on specific, concrete issues rather than emotional concerns:
- Help sleeping better without medication.
- Strategies to manage chronic pain.
- Improving memory and concentration.
- Adjusting to retirement from the tech industry.
- Coping with medical procedures.
Leverage Trusted Influencers
Resistance often softens when recommendations come from:
- Primary care physicians (we provide consultation letters for PCPs)
- Respected peers who’ve benefited from therapy
- Clergy or spiritual advisors
- Other medical specialists they trust
Address Practical Barriers
“I don’t want to drive to Los Gatos in traffic” or “I can’t figure out that video call thing” are often cover stories for deeper resistance. Offer solutions:
- Dr. Estupinian can come to your home.
- “I’ll set up the video call and stay with you.”
- The office is right off Highway 17 with easy parking.
The Family Bridge Program: Support for Adult Children
Dr. Estupinian recognizes that helping a resistant parent is emotionally exhausting. Our Family Bridge Program provides structured support for adult children navigating this challenge.
Initial Family Consultation (Without Your Parent) In this 50-minute session, you’ll discuss your specific concerns, receive personalized strategies for your parent’s unique resistance patterns, and develop a step-by-step engagement plan. We’ll help you identify which approach, direct, indirect, or collaborative, will work best for your family dynamic.
Collaborative First Sessions Many resistant older adults agree to “accompany” their adult child to help with “family communication.” This backdoor approach often leads to individual engagement once trust is established. Dr. Estupinian is skilled at making these sessions feel supportive rather than confrontational.
Parallel Support Services While working to engage your parent, you may benefit from your own support to manage caregiver stress, anticipatory grief, and family dynamics. We provide therapy for adult children dealing with:
- Guilt about considering placement options
- Sibling conflicts over parent care
- Balancing career demands with caregiving
- Managing your own anxiety about aging
When Resistance Becomes Dangerous: Emergency Interventions
Some situations require immediate intervention, regardless of your parents’ consent:
Immediate Safety Concerns
- Suicidal statements or behaviors
- Severe self-neglect (not eating, taking medications, or maintaining hygiene)
- Dangerous behaviors due to confusion (leaving the stove on, getting lost)
- Physical aggression or extreme paranoia
Take the First Step: You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone
Watching your parent struggle while refusing help is one of the most challenging aspects of adult caregiving. Dr. Estupinian has helped hundreds of Bay Area families navigate this journey. Whether your parent ultimately engages in therapy or not, we can provide you with strategies, support, and peace of mind that you’re doing everything possible.
Specialized Features
Online Therapy Option
We offer seamless integration of digital technologies with face-to-face therapy, enhancing accessibility and ensuring continuity of care. This option allows you to receive support from the comfort of your own home.
In-Home Sessions
Dr. Estupinian offers in-home therapy sessions for clients who find it challenging to visit our office. This ensures that therapy is accessible to all, regardless of mobility or transportation constraints.
Flexible Sessions
We understand that needs and preferences can change. That’s why we offer flexible “channel switching” between virtual and in-person sessions, so we can adapt to your preferences and circumstances.
Choosing Dr. Ginny Estupinian: A Path to Personalized Care
Dr. Ginny Estupinian, Ph.D., ABPP, is a board-certified clinical psychologist by the American Board of Professional Psychology. She brings over 15 years of experience working with older adults to her practice. Her specialization in geriatric psychology and passion for helping older adults navigate life’s challenges make her uniquely qualified to support you or your loved one.
Dr. Estupinian’s approach is tailored specifically for older adults, using evidence-based techniques adapted to each individual’s needs and cognitive abilities. She is committed to improving the overall well-being and quality of life for her clients.
What sets Dr. Estupinian apart:
- Regular outcome measurements to track progress in anxiety, depression, and other relevant metrics
- A deep understanding of age-specific challenges
- A commitment to personalized, compassionate care
Therapy Services For Older Adults
Ready to begin your journey towards improved well-being?
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What age is considered an older adult for therapy services?
Generally, adults aged 65 and older are considered older adults or seniors for mental health services. However, Dr. Estupinian provides specialized geriatric psychology services for adults age 60 and older, particularly those experiencing age-related challenges such as retirement adjustment, caregiving stress, or early cognitive changes.
How is therapy different for seniors compared to younger adults?
Therapy for older adults requires specialized adaptations, including shorter sessions to accommodate fatigue, integration of medical conditions and medications into treatment planning, modified cognitive-behavioral techniques for age-related cognitive changes, focus on life review and meaning-making, and coordination with medical providers and family caregivers. Dr. Estupinian’s board certification in geropsychology ensures these evidence-based modifications are properly implemented.
What are the signs an elderly parent needs therapy?
Key indicators include withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed, sleeping too much or too little, expressing hopelessness or saying “I’m a burden,” increased confusion or memory problems beyond normal aging, unexplained physical complaints, resistance to medical care, increased alcohol use, giving away possessions, or saying “everyone would be better off without me.” If you notice these signs, contact Dr. Estupinian at 844-802-6512 for guidance.
How do I convince my aging parent to try therapy?
Start by reframing therapy as “consultation” or “strategies for specific problems” rather than mental health treatment. Focus on concrete issues like sleep or pain management rather than emotional concerns. Consider having their primary care doctor make the recommendation. Offer to attend the first session together, or suggest Dr. Estupinian’s in-home services if transportation is a barrier. Our Family Bridge Program provides personalized strategies for your parents’ specific type of resistance.
Does Dr. Estupinian accept Medicare for therapy services?
Dr. Estupinian does not accept Medicare and operates as a private-pay practice. This allows for longer sessions, more personalized treatment approaches, and immediate availability without insurance pre-authorization delays. Many clients use HSA/FSA funds or find the investment worthwhile given the specialized doctoral-level expertise. Medicare typically limits mental health coverage to brief sessions with providers who may lack geriatric specialization. We provide detailed receipts for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
How much does geriatric therapy cost in Los Gatos?
Individual therapy sessions with Dr. Estupinian are $300 per 50-minute session, reflecting doctoral-level board certification in geropsychology and 15+ years of specialized experience. In-home sessions include a travel fee based on distance from Los Gatos. Family sessions and neuropsychological assessments have different fee structures. Compare this to typical Bay Area rates of $200-300 for master’s-level therapists without geriatric specialization. The expertise difference is particularly important for complex cases involving cognitive decline, multiple medical conditions, or treatment-resistant depression.
Can I use my FSA or HSA to pay for therapy for seniors?
Yes, mental health services for older adults qualify as eligible medical expenses for both Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA). We provide detailed receipts with appropriate diagnostic and procedure codes for account reimbursement. Many Silicon Valley executives and retirees from tech companies use their HSA funds for therapy, viewing it as a tax-advantaged investment in cognitive health and emotional well-being during retirement.
Where does Dr. Estupinian provide geriatric therapy services
Dr. Estupinian’s primary office is located at 987 University Ave, Suite 20, Los Gatos, CA 95032, easily accessible from Highway 17 with ample parking. We serve seniors throughout Silicon Valley, including Saratoga, Campbell, Monte Sereno, San Jose (95124, 95125), Cupertino, and Los Altos. In-home therapy services extend to a 15-mile radius of Los Gatos, including select areas of Santa Cruz County for established clients.
Does Dr. Estupinian offer in-home therapy for seniors who can't drive?
Yes, Dr. Estupinian provides in-home therapy services for older adults with transportation barriers, mobility limitations, or those who feel more comfortable in familiar surroundings. This service is particularly valuable for clients with mild cognitive impairment, anxiety about leaving home, or physical disabilities. In-home sessions allow for real-environment behavioral interventions and family involvement when appropriate. Additional travel fees apply based on distance from our Los Gatos office.
How does online therapy work for older adults who aren't comfortable with technology?
Dr. Estupinian’s virtual therapy platform is specifically designed for seniors, with simplified interfaces and step-by-step support. Many clients have adult children set up devices initially. We use HIPAA-compliant platforms with large-button interfaces and clear audio optimized for hearing aids. Sessions can seamlessly switch between virtual and in-person as needed. Research shows telehealth effectiveness equals in-person therapy for depression and anxiety in older adults when properly implemented.
What happens during the first therapy session for an older adult
The initial session includes detailed history-taking covering medical, psychiatric, and cognitive concerns; brief cognitive screening to establish baseline functioning; discussion of current medications and their psychological effects; identification of specific treatment goals; and collaborative treatment planning. Unlike general therapists, Dr. Estupinian evaluates how physical health, medications, and age-related changes interact with psychological symptoms. Family members may participate in part of the session with the client’s consent.
How long are therapy sessions for elderly clients?
Standard sessions are 50 minutes. She will adjust these sessions for clients with fatigue or attention limitations to provide optimal therapeutic benefit without overwhelming older clients.
Can family members attend therapy sessions with elderly parents?
Family involvement is encouraged when clinically appropriate and with the client’s consent. Options include periodic family sessions to address communication and caregiving strategies, initial or final session portions for updates and education, and separate family consultation sessions. Dr. Estupinian maintains strict confidentiality while facilitating healthy family dynamics. This differs from general therapy, where family involvement is often discouraged or poorly structured.
Can therapy help seniors with chronic pain and medical conditions?
Evidence-based psychological interventions significantly improve the quality of life for older adults with chronic pain, cardiac conditions, diabetes, and other medical issues. Dr. Estupinian uses specialized protocols including pain-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavioral activation for medical depression, and acceptance-based approaches for chronic conditions. Unlike general therapists, she understands the complex interplay between physical and psychological symptoms in older adults and coordinates with medical providers for integrated care.
Is therapy effective for older adults with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia?
Psychological interventions remain highly effective in early-stage cognitive decline. Dr. Estupinian provides cognitive stimulation therapy to maintain functioning, behavioral interventions for anxiety and agitation, reminiscence therapy for mood and identity, compensatory strategies for memory difficulties, and family education on communication techniques. Research shows that these interventions can slow functional decline and reduce behavioral symptoms more effectively than medication alone.
How does therapy address sleep problems in seniors?
Dr. Estupinian is trained in Behavioral Sleep Medicine and uses evidence-based protocols specifically adapted for older adults. Treatment addresses age-related changes in sleep architecture, medication interactions affecting sleep, anxiety and rumination patterns, and circadian rhythm disruptions. Unlike sleep medications, which increase fall risk and cognitive impairment in seniors, behavioral interventions provide lasting improvement without side effects. Success rates exceed 70% for insomnia in older adults.
Can therapy help with retirement adjustment and identity changes?
Retirement, particularly from high-achievement Silicon Valley careers, triggers significant psychological challenges, including identity loss, purpose questioning, relationship strain, and existential concerns. Dr. Estupinian specializes in helping executives and professionals navigate this transition using meaning-centered therapy, values clarification, and structured life review. This goes beyond generic “adjustment disorder” treatment to address the unique challenges faced by high-functioning retirees.
Why choose a board-certified geropsychologist over a regular therapist?
Board certification in geropsychology (ABPP) requires 4,000+ hours of specialized training, rigorous competency examination, and peer review of actual cases. Geropsychologists understand how aging affects treatment response, medication interactions with therapy, cognitive changes requiring technique modification, and complex family dynamics in later life. General therapists often misattribute symptoms to “normal aging” or use inappropriate interventions designed for younger adults. The expertise difference is comparable to seeing a cardiologist versus a general practitioner for heart conditions.
What's the difference between geriatric therapy and regular counseling?
Geriatric therapy adapts evidence-based treatments to age-specific factors, including slower processing speed that requires paced interventions, increased medical complexity that affects mood, cohort-specific values and communication styles, sensory changes that require environmental modifications, and different therapeutic goals focused on adaptation rather than change. Dr. Estupinian’s specialized training ensures these adaptations are properly implemented, unlike general counselors who may use one-size-fits-all approaches.
How quickly can my elderly parent start therapy
Dr. Estupinian typically offers initial consultations within 5-7 business days, with same-week availability for urgent situations. This contrasts with 4-8 week waitlists at most geriatric mental health providers in Silicon Valley. Private-pay practice allows immediate scheduling without insurance authorization delays. For crisis situations involving suicide risk, severe depression, or rapid cognitive decline, we provide same-day phone consultations and expedited in-person assessments.
Ready to take the next step?
Have questions or want to get started, we’re here for you!
Call us at 844-802-6512.
Our team is ready to assist you and ensure you get the help you need.