A Lifetime of Healing: The Story of Dr. Elgan Baker, Indianapolis Psychologist

Bram Epstein
Sep 5
3 min read

40FI Creations teamed up with Modern60 to share the voices of people in the 55+ community, capturing the moments and experiences that define their lives. Among them is Dr. Elgan Baker, a longtime psychologist whose work has touched countless individuals navigating the challenges of aging, from loneliness to anxiety.

We met Dr. Baker at Lambda Chi Alpha’s new fraternity house on Butler University’s campus, a place that still carries his influence and leadership. Surrounded by the bonds of brotherhood, his story became more than just a conversation about mental health—it was a reflection of the connections and purpose that continue to shape his life.

For more than five decades, Dr. Elgan Baker has devoted his career to understanding the human mind and helping people heal. As a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst in Indianapolis, he has guided patients, mentored students, and shaped the field of psychotherapy.

Roots in Relationships

Dr. Baker grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, surrounded by a large and supportive family. That early experience instilled a lasting belief: relationships are the foundation of development and resilience.

At DePauw University, he joined Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, drawn to the bonds of brotherhood. The sense of connection he found there shaped not only his college years but also his lifelong interest in how relationships help people adapt and grow.

From Medicine to Psychology

Initially on a pre-med track, Dr. Baker planned to become a physician. But one psychology class and a professor who encouraged him to read Freud shifted everything. He became fascinated by the unconscious and the motivations behind human behavior.

That curiosity carried him into psychiatry and psychology, leading to decades of teaching at the Indiana University School of Medicine while also maintaining a private practice.

Forensic Psychology: Facing the Unthinkable

Dr. Baker later specialized in forensic psychology, evaluating individuals in high-profile criminal cases, including serial offenders.

"What struck me," he reflects, "is that many of these individuals came across as surprisingly normal and polite in person, despite their crimes."

Through this work, he found consistent patterns: many had difficult childhoods, histories of abuse, and broken relationships. These insights deepened his understanding of how trauma shapes lives.

The Emotional Demands of Counseling

Psychotherapy requires more than listening — it requires resilience. Dr. Baker has spent his career reminding younger clinicians that they must care for themselves to care for others.

His advice:

Build strong personal relationships.
Stay physically active.
Make time for rest and escape.
Protect space for joy and curiosity.

This balance allowed him to stay present with patients without being overwhelmed by the weight of their pain.

Happiness in the Later Years

Contrary to popular belief, research shows and Dr. Baker agrees that many people find their happiest years in their 60s and 70s. By that stage, the pressures of career-building and financial stress have eased, leaving room for contentment and self-expression.

Einstein once said the most critical lesson in life is to "never stop asking questions." Dr. Baker shares that philosophy, believing intellectual curiosity is the secret to staying vibrant at any age.

What Drives Him Forward

Looking back, Dr. Baker says the force behind his career isn't ambition or competition, it's love.

Love for his work and patients.
Love for the relationships that enrich his life.
Love for a world he believes needs more compassion.

"I want people to feel valued, understood, and cared for," he explains. "That's what makes life worth living."

Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health

In addition to his personal practice, Dr. Baker actively advocates for destigmatizing mental illness. He encourages anyone who is struggling to seek therapy, describing it as one of the most valuable investments a person can make.

Today, psychotherapy combines proven techniques with modern advances in medicine, providing effective ways to address issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. As Dr. Baker reminds us, healing begins with the courage to ask for help.

A Legacy of Care

Dr. Baker's career has been shaped through empathy, curiosity, and compassion, from his teaching role to his guidance of patients in private practice. His journey reminds us that mental health care should not be seen as a last resort. It is a pathway to resilience, connection, and an improved quality of life.