Geropsychology content in clinical training programs: a comparison of Australian, Canadian and U.S. data

Abstract

In light of our results, we conclude with a discussion of innovative means of engaging students with ageing content/populations, and suggestions for overcoming staffing and placement shortcomings.

Counselling Older Adults Living in Residential Aged Care Settings: Four Illustrative Case Studies

“…Yet there is a severe shortage of geriatric mental health professionals in Australia. In a recent survey, only 2 of 36 clinical psychology training programmes in Australia reported a formal concentration in geropsychology (Pachana et al, 2010). Participation in clinical practice with older clients is a strong predictor of future interest in working with this population (Koder & Helmes, 2008b).…”

“…In a survey of practising psychologists in Australia, nearly 40% indicated that they had no clinical contact with older clients and less than 6% specialised in treating older adults (Choi & Gonzalez, 2005;Wei, Sambamoorthi, Olfson, Walkup, & Crystal, 2005). Although exposure to older adults and training in geropsychology may soften such views, few professional psychology courses in geropsychology exist in Australia (Pachana, Emery, Konnert, Woodhead, & Edelstein, 2010). Although exposure to older adults and training in geropsychology may soften such views, few professional psychology courses in geropsychology exist in Australia (Pachana, Emery, Konnert, Woodhead, & Edelstein, 2010).…”

Workforce Training and Education Gaps in Gerontology and Geriatrics: What We Found in New York State

“…Gallagher- Thompson and Thompson (1995) noted there was a slight increase in internship sites from other agency-funded rotations in geropsychology; on the other hand, it was unclear what these rotations actually consisted of. However, Pachana et al (2010) found that, overall, clinical sites for training geropsychologists have not increased in the United States since 1970. The number of psychologists currently providing services to older adults is far below the projected number of 5,000 needed to treat older adults based on the very conservative assumption that 10% of older adults need mental health services.…”

Introduction of a university‐based counselling service for older adults

“…While such may soften with geropsychology training [18,20], few opportunities to address them exist within professional postgraduate psychology curriculum in Australia [5,21]. Hence, there is likely to be a continuing shortage of psychological services for older adults in the future.…”

“…Given that such a clinic is not common in Australia [21], this paper provides an overview of its development; a snapshot of clinic activities, referrals and support structures over the first year of operation; and the most and least useful aspects of the clinic as perceived by clients and students. It concludes with a discussion about the benefits believed to have emanated from the clinic for both clients and students.…”