Irving is a licensed Geropsychologist in private practice in Sacramento, where he has worked since 1985. He earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University and completed his doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of California, Davis. During his pre- and postdoctoral internships, he focused on the neuropsychology of aging and trained in the Department of Community Health Geriatric Clinic, which later evolved into the UC Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Center.

Hellman began his career as a Geropsychologist in 1982 with Sacramento Jewish Family Service, providing executive coaching to Les Fink, the Director of AERC, and consulting for Jewish residents and their families. He later served as a board member of AERC for six years and chaired the Long Range Planning Committee of Jewish Family Service.

Professionally, he is an active member of the Section of Geropsychology in the Division of Clinical Psychology of the American Psychological Association and of Psychologists in Long Term Care. Since 2000, he has operated ElderCareAdviser, a consulting, training, and advising service for eldercare professionals, elders, and their families. Advocacy for the best interests of older adults has been a central focus of his career, including consulting and training multiple County Adult Protective Services and Public Guardian professionals throughout California’s Central Valley, and advising elders and their families in navigating complex eldercare needs.

A very active and engaged older adult, Hellman and his wife recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary and the birth of their first grandchild. They are involved grandparents, providing weekly childcare for their daughter, who lives with her husband in the East Bay. The couple enjoys domestic and international travel, as well as outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, skiing, and backpacking. They prioritize the benefits of a healthy diet, lifelong learning, an active social life, and community involvement.