Geropsychology training in Canada: A survey of doctoral and internship programs.

Abstract

The Canadian Psychological Association emphasises the importance of diversity training for doctoral and internship programs, and age is an important aspect of diversity. Yet, little is known about training capacity in clinical geropsychology in Canada. To address this issue, the authors surveyed directors of clinical training in all accredited clinical and counselling psychology doctoral and internship programs in Canada. Responses from 92% (n ϭ 43) of these programs indicated that there are no doctoral programs in Canada with a formal concentration in geropsychology; however, 40% of internships offer a major rotation in geropsychology and a further 48% offer a minor rotation. Training activities are largely focused on the diagnosis and assessment of mental health problems, with relatively less attention to therapeutic interventions. Data are presented on the availability of geropsychology resources (e.g., faculty/clinical supervisors, courses, practicum, research opportunities) and the perceived need for geropsychology training. Recommendations for enhancing geropsychology training capacity in Canada are reviewed.

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

“…In Canada the survey was mailed to the DCTs in all accredited doctoral-level clinical and counseling psychology programs and adult internship programs (Konnert et al ., 2009). It was accompanied by a letter outlining the purpose of the study and a request for participation.…”

Graduate students’ geropsychology training opportunities and perceived competence in working with older adults.

“…Several studies have documented geropsychology training opportunities available at the graduate and postgraduate level (Hinrichsen, Myers, & Stewart, 2000; Karel, Molinari, Gallagher-Thompson, & Hillman, 1999; Konnert et al, 2009; Pachana et al, 2010) but there is limited research on graduate students’ perceptions of their level of competence to work with older adults. The assessment of perceived competency in geropsychology is a global concern due to impending workforce shortages and generally poor training in this area across countries (Pachana et al, 2010).…”

“…With the anticipated growth in the older adult population (AoA, 2009; Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2004; Statistics Canada, 2007; Statistics New Zealand, 2007), the lack of an appropriately trained geropsychology workforce and the lack of data examining perceived geropsychology competencies is a concern that is shared internationally (Koder & Helmes, 2008; Konnert, Dobson, & Watt, 2009; Qualls et al, 2002). In light of this, the goals of the current study were to (1) examine differences in the availability of specific geropsychology training opportunities self-reported by students across (1a) countries represented in the current study and (1b) type of training program (specialty track vs. not), (2) examine whether differences exist across program types in specific domains of students’ perceived competence in working with older adults, as measured by a geropsychology self-assessment tool, (3) explore which geropsychology training opportunities are associated with higher perception of geropsychology competence, analyzed separately by whether students were enrolled in a program with a specialty track, and (4) examine the ways in which participants become interested in working with older adults and how they anticipate working with older adults in their future careers.…”

“…In Australia and New Zealand, approximately 27% of the population will be over age 65 by 2051 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2004; Statistics New Zealand, 2007). Despite this projected increase, there is a shortage of psychologists trained to work with older adults in these countries (Institute of Medicine, 2012; Konnert, Dobson, & Watt, 2009; Qualls, Segal, Norman, Neiderehe, & Gallagher-Thompson, 2002). Additionally, there are limited opportunities for graduate students to pursue training specific to older adults, as training programs are lacking in both gerontology coursework and clinical geropsychology training opportunities (Pachana, Emery, Konnert, Woodhead, & Edelstein, 2010).…”

Professional psychology in Canada: A survey of demographic and practice characteristics.

“…In recent years there have been a number of surveys addressing aspects of professional psychology and professional psychology training programs in Canada, including the state of psychology in health care facilities (Humbke, Brown, Welder, Fillion, Dobson, & Arnett, 2004), training in clinical supervision (Hadjistavropoulos, Kehler, & Hadjistavropoulos, 2010), and training in specialty areas such as forensic psychology (Helmus, Babchishin, Camilleri, & Olver, 2011) and geropsychology (Konnert, Dobson, & Watt, 2009). However, the most recent surveys documenting the general state of professional psychology in Canada were published more than 20 years ago (Hunsley & Lefebvre, 1990; Warner, 1991).…”