The article is devoted the actual problem – the satisfaction of elderly citizens with emotional and psychological support from the social service system. The article presents the results of the qualitative research (interview) as part of the research group at the Department of Sociology of Social Work of Saratov State University in Saratov and the region. On the basis of the qualitative methodology, the groups of elderly citizens who need emotional and psychological assistance are studied and the level for the need for specialized psychological assistance for the elderly is identified.