How to Be Geriatric Psychologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 8, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Aging is a natural process, but it often brings with it an array of physical and mental health issues. As the population of older adults increases, there is a growing need for health care professionals, such as geriatric psychologists, to help meet the needs of this population. Geriatric psychologists specialize in addressing the psychological and behavioral changes associated with aging, and provide interventions to help older adults cope with the physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that occur.

These interventions can help to improve quality of life, reduce symptoms of depression, and slow the progression of dementia or Alzheimers disease. With an understanding of the unique challenges faced by the elderly, geriatric psychologists are able to provide individualized care and treatment that can help to improve quality of life and overall well-being.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. The first step in becoming a geriatric psychologist is to obtain a bachelors degree in psychology or a related field. Many universities offer undergraduate degrees in psychology, and some may also offer minors or concentrations in gerontology.
Earn a Masters or Doctoral Degree. After obtaining a bachelors degree, aspiring geriatric psychologists must pursue a masters or doctoral degree in psychology or a related field such as gerontology. This can usually be done at an accredited university or college.
Get Licensed. Once the masters or doctoral degree has been obtained, psychologists must become licensed in order to practice in the United States. This involves taking and passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Obtain Clinical Experience. In addition to obtaining a masters or doctoral degree and becoming licensed, psychologists must also obtain clinical experience in order to specialize in geriatric psychology. This can be done through internships, residencies, and fellowships in geriatric psychology.
Become Certified. The final step in becoming a geriatric psychologist is to become certified through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). This certification allows psychologists to demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to work with elderly patients.

Staying ahead and efficient in any professional field is a challenge, especially as you age. To stay ahead and efficient as a Geriatric Psychologist, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest research, attend conferences and seminars, and keep an open mind to new ideas. it is important to get plenty of rest and exercise to keep your mind sharp and energized for the day.

A healthy diet is also key for maintaining mental clarity and focus. Finally, having strong relationships with family and friends can provide emotional support and reduce stress, helping to keep you feeling motivated and productive. By following these tips, you can stay ahead and efficient as a Geriatric Psychologist.

You may want to check Geriatrics Home Health Nurse, Geriatrics Behavioral Health Technician, and Geriatric Activities Director for alternative.

Job Description

Conduct psychological assessments and evaluations of older adults to diagnose mental health conditions
Develop individualized treatment plans for geriatric clients that are tailored to their needs
Provide psychotherapy services to geriatric clients to address mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and memory loss
Educate families and caregivers about the mental health needs of older adults
Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care for geriatric clients
Monitor and adjust treatment plans as needed
Conduct research on geriatric mental health topics and develop program materials to support geriatric care
Advocate for geriatric mental health resources in the community
Provide crisis intervention as needed
Provide mental health education to the public about aging-related mental health topics

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the physical and psychological changes associated with aging.
Understanding of the different stages of life and how they affect mental health.
Ability to recognize signs of depression, anxiety, dementia, and other mental health issues in the elderly population.
Understanding of the impact of chronic health conditions and medications on cognitive functioning.
Skill in providing psychotherapy for older adults, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and family counseling.
Knowledge of legal and ethical considerations related to working with the elderly.
Ability to collaborate with other professionals such as physicians, nurses, social workers, and financial planners to provide comprehensive care.
Knowledge of community resources available to older adults and their families.
Ability to provide educational seminars and workshops on aging, mental health, and related topics.
Expertise in geriatric assessment and diagnosis.

Geriatric psychologists have the most important skill to have when working with elderly patients. Communication is key in order to understand the needs and emotions of the patient, and to provide effective treatment. In addition to communication, geriatric psychologists must also have excellent problem solving skills in order to identify the root cause of any issues the patient is facing.

They need to be able to come up with creative solutions that are tailored to the individual needs of their elderly patient. The ability to empathize and show understanding of the patient's life experiences is essential for establishing trust and rapport, which makes it easier for them to open up and discuss their struggles. Furthermore, geriatric psychologists must be knowledgeable about the aging process and how it may affect the mental health of their patient.

This helps them anticipate any physical or mental issues that may arise, and develop strategies to address them. All of these skills are important for geriatric psychologists to possess in order to effectively meet the needs of their elderly patients and provide them with the best possible care.

Geriatrics Clinical Nurse Specialist, Geriatrician, and Geriatrics Nursing Home Administrator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experiences do you have working with geriatric populations?
How do you go about assessing the mental health needs of geriatric patients?
What strategies do you use to help geriatric patients cope with age-related changes?
How do you help geriatric patients adjust to new living arrangements?
How do you manage challenging behaviors associated with dementia?
How do you communicate with family members and other caretakers of geriatric patients?
How do you ensure that geriatric patients receive the appropriate level of care?
How do you help geriatric patients manage their medications and other treatments?
What techniques do you use to help geriatric patients maintain their cognitive abilities?
How do you involve family members and other caretakers in the treatment plan for geriatric patients?

Common Tools in Industry

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A type of psychotherapy that focuses on exploring relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. (eg: helping elderly patients to recognize and challenge negative thinking patterns)
Life Review Therapy. A type of psychotherapy that involves helping the elderly patient to recall and reflect upon important life events. (eg: helping elderly patients to make sense of their life experiences and to come to terms with their mortality)
Geriatric Group Therapy. A type of psychotherapy that involves helping elderly patients to engage in meaningful conversations and activities with other elderly patients. (eg: helping elderly patients to reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation)
Solution-Focused Therapy. A type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping the elderly patient to identify and utilize existing coping strategies while also teaching new coping strategies. (eg: helping elderly patients to better manage stress and anxiety)
Positive Psychology Interventions. A type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping the elderly patient to cultivate positive emotions, behaviors, and ways of thinking. (eg: helping elderly patients to cultivate a more positive outlook on life and aging)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Psychological Association (APA)
Gerontological Society of America (GSA)
American Psychological Society on Aging (APSA)
Society for Geriatric Psychology (SGPA)
Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)
International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG)
International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA)
National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN)
American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP)
International Psychogeriatrics Association (IPGA)

We also have Geriatric Home Health Aide, Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, and Geriatrics Physical Therapy Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Geropsychology. A branch of psychology focused on the study of the aging process and its psychological effects on older adults.
Cognitive Aging. The study of age-related changes in cognitive abilities, such as memory, reasoning, and problem-solving.
Life Review. The process of reflecting on one's life experiences, typically with the help of a therapist.
Dementia. A degenerative condition characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities, such as memory and language.
Caregiver Stress. The physical and emotional strain experienced by those providing care for an elderly person.
Social Isolation. The lack of meaningful social connections and relationships with others.
Mental Health. A state of emotional and psychological well-being.
End-of-Life Care. Care provided to a person with a terminal illness or condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Geriatric Psychologist?

A Geriatric Psychologist is a mental health professional who specializes in the care of older adults and their families in addressing issues associated with aging, such as dementia, Alzheimers, depression, and anxiety.

What qualifications are needed to become a Geriatric Psychologist?

To become a Geriatric Psychologist, individuals must have a Doctoral degree in psychology, complete a one year internship in a clinical setting, and have at least two years of supervised experience in geriatric psychology.

What duties does a Geriatric Psychologist typically perform?

A Geriatric Psychologist typically performs duties such as assessing and diagnosing mental health issues, providing individual and group counseling, offering crisis intervention, and creating treatment plans.

How much does a Geriatric Psychologist typically earn?

The average salary for a Geriatric Psychologist is approximately $90,000 per year.

What type of environment do Geriatric Psychologists typically work in?

Geriatric Psychologists typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospices, and private practices.

Web Resources

About Geriatric Psychiatry geriatricpsychiatry.bwh.harvard.edu
Geriatric Psychiatry Clinical Services | Psychiatry | University of ... www.unmc.edu
Geriatric Psychiatry Clinic | University of Utah Health healthcare.utah.edu