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This paper presents a review of the most documented currently used psychotherapeutic methods in clinical work with the elderly. Psychological interventions in the elderly are used in addition to psychotropic drugs or as a substitute for the use of drugs when the elderly reject them or when drugs cause potentially harmful side effects. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been empirically tested and validated as the most effective form of psychotherapeutic treatment. It is therefore the method of treatment most often used. Hence, cognitive-behavioral therapy has been adopted as the clinical standard of supportive therapy to psychotropic drugs in the treatment of the elderly, and in cases involving emotional adaptation to physical illness, cognitive-behavioral therapy may be used as the only form of therapy. Interpersonal and/or systemic therapeutic approaches are used when changes in relations hips and/or individual rules within a family or in the broader social environment are needed. In addi tion, generic approaches can be individually adapted according to the problems presented by older patients. Generic approaches are especially appropriate for use in institutions, since these are primarily aimed at improving the therapeutic milieu, as well as the patient’s overall well-being and quality of life. Irrespective of the therapeutic approach used, one should be aware that successful work with the elderly requires mutual respect, understanding of their experiences and providing a psychosocial environment that fosters their well-being. Due to the increasing number of the elderly in our society, effective therapeutic approaches are becoming not only desirable, but essential.