Older women's perceptions of female counselors: the influence of therapist age and problem intimacy.

Elderly women (N = 96, Mn age = 69.6) who served as pseudoclients in an analogue study were more positive toward all counselors when vignettes dealt with less intimate rather than more intimate problems. Older counselors were preferred when less intimate concerns were discussed whereas younger counselors were preferred for more intimate problems. Perceived differences in helper expertness, attractiveness, and trustworthiness were also influenced by perceptions of the individuality of counselors. These findings have significance for the delivery of mental health services to older persons.