Geropsychology

[PsychAndMusic]

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Hi everyone! I'm about to start a PhD program in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Geropsychology this fall.

I did a search on this form and haven't found anything too current on the topic. I just wanted to connect with other gero students perhaps to share resources/experiences etc. If there are any students out there interning in this concentration and you could share some of your experiences that would be great.

I'm really passionate about this field and am continuously very suprised at the lack of research and resources for this population. What do you all think?

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

APA Psychology's Division 12 (IIRC) is for geropsych clinicians, so you may want to join their division and listservs.

 

[PsychAndMusic]

APA Psychology's Division 12 (IIRC) is for geropsych clinicians, so you may want to join their division and listservs.

great idea, thank you! 🙂

 

[Ollie123]

12 is actually for general "Clinical Psychology".

20 is Adult development and aging.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

12 is actually for general "Clinical Psychology".

20 is Adult development and aging.

I guess what this guy said. 😀 12 didn't sound quite right, but that is what popped into my head first.

 

[DrGero]

If you have any questions you want to PM me, feel free. My title in my current VA job is "geropsychologist."

 

[berlin81]

Hi everyone! I'm about to start a PhD program in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Geropsychology this fall.

I did a search on this form and haven't found anything too current on the topic. I just wanted to connect with other gero students perhaps to share resources/experiences etc. If there are any students out there interning in this concentration and you could share some of your experiences that would be great.

I'm really passionate about this field and am continuously very suprised at the lack of research and resources for this population. What do you all think?

It's a good idea to bring up this topic as geriatric work has somewhat been neglected by various aspects of the mental health field. As far as my experience goes, I can say that working with geriatrics is very rewarding, but it takes a lot of time to learn about several factors that can influence clinical work. Such as medical issues and the need for community resources.

Another aspect that is important is neuropsych testing for geriatrics. Its been my experience that a psychologist can do well by administering assessments relating to dementia and cognition, which in effect can be useful if a client is involved with legal proceedings that will determine guardianship, power of attorney, etc.

In my opinion, geriatric psychology needs to be a blend of appropriate testing and communication with medical physicians. I am not familiar with any type of program that has such as concentration on a doctoral level, but that does not mean that one can get good experience through a neuropsych concentration and education in community oriented psychology.

I am hoping that some doctorate programs (unless they already exist) will start offering concentrations in geriatrics. It would seem to make sense as the baby-boomers are starting to retire and require various aspects of treatment.

 

[PsychAndMusic]

In my opinion, geriatric psychology needs to be a blend of appropriate testing and communication with medical physicians. I am not familiar with any type of program that has such as concentration on a doctoral level, but that does not mean that one can get good experience through a neuropsych concentration and education in community oriented psychology.

I am hoping that some doctorate programs (unless they already exist) will start offering concentrations in geriatrics. It would seem to make sense as the baby-boomers are starting to retire and require various aspects of treatment.

I agree, I was surprised that there are really only 3 schools that have a geropsych concentration (USC, UCCS, and UA-Tuscaloosa). I found some professors in various institutions researching aging but most of the literature out there on geropsych comes from faculty from USC and UA.

Older adults are living to a much older age than in the past and yet we don't really know much about them. For example, the hypothesis that older adults are happier than anyone else doesn't really hold true...

 

[DrGero]

I agree, I was surprised that there are really only 3 schools that have a geropsych concentration (USC, UCCS, and UA-Tuscaloosa). I found some professors in various institutions researching aging but most of the literature out there on geropsych comes from faculty from USC and UA.

Older adults are living to a much older age than in the past and yet we don't really know much about them. For example, the hypothesis that older adults are happier than anyone else doesn't really hold true...

Hmmmm... what about: http://psycnet.apa.org/?fa=main.doiLanding&uid=2001-00438-011 ???

 

[irish80122]

I agree, I was surprised that there are really only 3 schools that have a geropsych concentration (USC, UCCS, and UA-Tuscaloosa). I found some professors in various institutions researching aging but most of the literature out there on geropsych comes from faculty from USC and UA.

Older adults are living to a much older age than in the past and yet we don't really know much about them. For example, the hypothesis that older adults are happier than anyone else doesn't really hold true...

Also, there are many more schools that have faculty that do research in geropsych, regardless of whether there is a formal specialization within the department. http://www.uccs.edu/~cpgtp/members.html. I work under a geropsychologist at West Virginia University. Here there isn't an aging specialization in the department (unless you count developmental) but there is a gerontology certificate you can receive from the department of gerontology.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Also, there are many more schools that have faculty that do research in geropsych, regardless of whether there is a formal specialization within the department.

This tends to be the rule and not the exception. Having a solid mentor in the area and exposure to clinical training in the area is what you really need. A "track" or "concentration" is typically not a big deal.

 

[PsychAndMusic]

Hmmmm... what about: http://psycnet.apa.org/?fa=main.doiLanding&uid=2001-00438-011 ???

I know there is a fair amount of research saying that older adults are less likely to focus on negative emotions, and they are more likely to retain positive memories over negative ones (in a way happier?) but physical activity, cognition, socialization and physical health are big contributers to that. So many older adults (especially in nursing homes) have minimal social circles, and are not at all physically independent which all can lead to depressive symptoms (those factos aren't met so ... not happier?). I guess "healthy older adults" are happier if all those factors are met but its definitley not the case for even the majority I think. I just finished my MA thesis on this topic so I have a ton of resources if anyones interested 🙂

Of course this is just my belief based on the literature I've read...

 

[PsychAndMusic]

Also, there are many more schools that have faculty that do research in geropsych, regardless of whether there is a formal specialization within the department. http://www.uccs.edu/~cpgtp/members.html. I work under a geropsychologist at West Virginia University. Here there isn't an aging specialization in the department (unless you count developmental) but there is a gerontology certificate you can receive from the department of gerontology.

Oh cool I didn't know about WVU. I'm just sort of thinking more along the lines of there are so many forensic psych specialities, health psych specialities, and child psych specialities and so few geropsych specialities. Perhaps I'm just bias since this is where my heart lies in 😛

 

[DrGero]

I know there is a fair amount of research saying that older adults are less likely to focus on negative emotions, and they are more likely to retain positive memories over negative ones (in a way happier?) but physical activity, cognition, socialization and physical health are big contributers to that. So many older adults (especially in nursing homes) have minimal social circles, and are not at all physically independent which all can lead to depressive symptoms (those factos aren't met so ... not happier?). I guess "healthy older adults" are happier if all those factors are met but its definitley not the case for even the majority I think. I just finished my MA thesis on this topic so I have a ton of resources if anyones interested 🙂

Of course this is just my belief based on the literature I've read...

Cool! Can I get a copy? Seriously.

 

[berlin81]

I agree, I was surprised that there are really only 3 schools that have a geropsych concentration (USC, UCCS, and UA-Tuscaloosa). I found some professors in various institutions researching aging but most of the literature out there on geropsych comes from faculty from USC and UA.

Older adults are living to a much older age than in the past and yet we don't really know much about them. For example, the hypothesis that older adults are happier than anyone else doesn't really hold true...

I'm glad that some schools are focusing on geriatrics as the ones you mentioned. I agree with the previous posters that it is not essential to have a geropsychology concentration, but if you can work somewhere that works with older adults and and/or have a faculty member that has worked extensively in geriatrics, you'll be set.

I completely agree that the assumptions about older adults are either vague or simply flawed. I have worked specifically with geriatric patients for almost 5 years and its frustrating that there are few resources/research available. Moreover, I feel that other mental health disciplines (SW's, psychiatrists, psych nurses) have done more exploration towards working with older adults. However ,as much I enjoy having a "team approach" with other disciplines, the role of psychology seems to be minimized. Its my opinion that older adults can make significant changes in their everyday dynamics and relationships, but I do not feel that the other disciplines have truly examined such issues which has led to additional issues for many geriatrics.

 

[twilson]

I'm not a clinical student (Developmental) but I focus on older adults so a lot of my interests overlap with gero. I'm also a member of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), which you might think about joining .

 

[PsychAndMusic]

Cool! Can I get a copy? Seriously.

Sure! It's in the edittng process but I can send it to you when its all done. In the mean time I can message you some cool journal articles if youre interested..

 

[PsychAndMusic]

I completely agree that the assumptions about older adults are either vague or simply flawed. I have worked specifically with geriatric patients for almost 5 years and its frustrating that there are few resources/research available. Moreover, I feel that other mental health disciplines (SW's, psychiatrists, psych nurses) have done more exploration towards working with older adults. However ,as much I enjoy having a "team approach" with other disciplines, the role of psychology seems to be minimized. Its my opinion that older adults can make significant changes in their everyday dynamics and relationships, but I do not feel that the other disciplines have truly examined such issues which has led to additional issues for many geriatrics.

👍 well said!

 

[PsychAndMusic]

I'm not a clinical student (Developmental) but I focus on older adults so a lot of my interests overlap with gero. I'm also a member of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), which you might think about joining .

Great thank you!

 

[psychdude5469]

PsychAndMusic, I'm a 3rd year student at UA in the Gero track. PM me if you would like.

I agree that having a track or concentration isn't necessary. My undergraduate experience was with a sole faculty member doing work with older adults and this really started my interest in this area. However, I'm in a clin psych program that has 7 faculty doing research on geropsychology. This allows for a culture that fosters collaboration, interest, and growth in the area. In addition, because so many in the department are interested in this area we have connected with and created new and unique training opportunities: geriatric psychiatry center, geriatrics clinic at a medical center (emphasizing a team approach), Geropsychology therapy practicum. Also, it allows for gero-specific classes.

APA Division 12, Section II is the clinical geropsychology section of APA.

You're definitely going to want to join GSA. The conferences are pretty fun/ Every year we take a big group of students and faculty out there. The next conference is in Boston.

 

[PDXgeropsych]

Hi!

I'm a little late coming to this thread but I am excited to see so many students interested in geropsychology! I am also interested in connecting with other students and professionals interested in working with older adults. I'm currently in a doctoral program and focusing on neuropsychology but I plan to apply to internships/post docs focusing on geriatric neuropsychology. I'm currently located in Portland, OR.

Feel free to PM me 🙂

 

[PerhapsMaybeOk]

I hear gero is quite depressing especially if it's residential.

 

[psycher21]

can anyone recommend some good professors/advisors at PhD or PsyD programs who are researching late life depression?

 

[PDXgeropsych]

I hear gero is quite depressing especially if it's residential.

I wouldn't say it is for everybody. I have volunteered in long-term care facilities for about ten years. I'm currently a hospice volunteer and I love working with dementia patients at the end of life. I think working with children would be terribly depressing for me!

 

[PDXgeropsych]

can anyone recommend some good professors/advisors at PhD or PsyD programs who are researching late life depression?

Forest Scogin at University of Alabama

Barry Edelstein at West Virginia University (He is really nice and very knowledgeable- I think he might be more interested in anxiety disorders than depression)

 

[twilson]

Forest Scogin at University of Alabama

Barry Edelstein at West Virginia University (He is really nice and very knowledgeable- I think he might be more interested in anxiety disorders than depression)

Amy Fiske at WVU as well.

 

[futureapppsy2]

I think working with children would be terribly depressing for me!

How so? *curious*

 

[PhDToBe]

I THINK Barry might be retiring or not accepting any more students...I could be wrong.

 

[twilson]

I THINK Barry might be retiring or not accepting any more students...I could be wrong.

This is true he will be retiring soon.

 

[water808]

can anyone recommend some good professors/advisors at PhD or PsyD programs who are researching late life depression?

Dr. Daniel Segal at University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)... and I believe he's planning on taking a student.

 

[irish80122]

Dr. Daniel Segal at University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)... and I believe he's planning on taking a student.

He is last I spoke with him, which was about two weeks ago (I manage the mentor list for the American Association of Suicidology). He is a great mentor, and I have always been impressed by his students. UCCS is a great place for those who are interested in geropsych.