How to Be Geriatrics Mental Health Counselor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 7, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The aging population is growing faster than ever before, leading to an increased demand for geriatric mental health counselors. As people age, they are more likely to experience psychological issues such as depression, anxiety and cognitive decline. Geriatric mental health counselors provide counseling services tailored to the unique needs of older adults, helping them to manage their mental health and improve their quality of life.

By building relationships, identifying mental health concerns, and providing support and guidance, geriatric mental health counselors can help seniors to address their issues and cope with the physical and emotional changes that come with aging. In turn, this can help to reduce the risk of developing more serious mental health problems, while also improving overall wellbeing, social engagement, and quality of life.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become a geriatrics mental health counselor, you must first earn a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. It is important to ensure that the program you select is accredited by a recognized organization, such as the American Psychological Association (APA).
Complete Graduate-Level Training. After completing your undergraduate degree, you must then complete a master's or doctorate-level program in geriatrics mental health counseling. You should look for a program that is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Get Licensed. After completing your degree, you must then become licensed in your state. Each state has different requirements, but typically you must pass an exam and complete a certain number of supervised hours of clinical practice.
Consider Specialization. While not required, it may be beneficial to pursue additional specialization in geriatrics mental health counseling. This could include courses in geriatrics psychology, gerontology, or dementia care.
Participate in Continuing Education. Most states require that counselors complete a certain number of continuing education credits each year. This is an important part of staying up-to-date on the latest developments in mental health counseling, as well as maintaining your license.

Staying updated and capable as a geriatrics mental health counselor is essential for providing the best care possible to elderly individuals. Keeping current on the latest developments in geriatrics mental health can be accomplished in several ways, including attending conferences and workshops, studying relevant research and literature, staying informed about changes in state and federal regulations, and networking with other professionals in the field. Additionally, participating in continuing education courses, obtaining certifications, and seeking out mentorship from experienced counselors can help geriatrics mental health counselors build their confidence and expertise. Doing so can provide a greater understanding of the needs of older adults, enabling counselors to provide more effective and appropriate counseling services.

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Job Description

Geriatrics Mental Health Counselor: Provide counseling services to elderly patients and their families in order to improve mental health and quality of life. Develop individualized treatment plans, utilize a variety of counseling techniques, and assess patient progress.
Geriatrics Mental Health Case Manager: Provide case management services to elderly patients and their families in order to improve mental health and quality of life. Monitor client progress, coordinate with other health care providers, and provide referrals for additional services.
Geriatrics Mental Health Therapist: Provide therapeutic services to elderly patients and their families in order to improve mental health and quality of life. Utilize evidence-based therapies, collaborate with other health care professionals, and provide support to family members.
Geriatrics Mental Health Senior Advocate: Advocate for elderly patients and their families in order to promote mental health and quality of life. Liaise with government and community organizations, represent clients in court proceedings, and provide referrals for additional services.
Geriatrics Mental Health Education Coordinator: Organize educational programs for elderly patients and their families in order to promote mental health and quality of life. Develop training materials, provide presentations, and collaborate with other health care professionals.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of age-related physical and mental changes.
Understanding of the psychosocial effects of aging.
Knowledge of the effects of chronic illnesses on older adults.
Ability to provide individual counseling and group therapy for elderly clients.
Ability to assess signs of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders among elderly patients.
Understanding of the effects of medication on elderly patients.
Knowledge and skill in developing treatment plans for elderly patients.
Ability to provide crisis and short-term intervention services for elderly clients.
Ability to provide psycho-educational programs for older adults and their families.
Understanding of community and long-term care resources available to elderly patients.
Skill in advocating for elderly clients in healthcare settings.
Knowledge of legal, ethical, and professional standards related to geriatric mental health counseling.

Being a geriatrics mental health counselor requires a number of important skills. Empathy and understanding are key in helping elderly patients manage the physical, psychological, and social challenges brought on by aging. Patience is also essential, as older patients often need more time to process information and may struggle to communicate their feelings and needs.

In addition, geriatrics mental health counselors must have strong interpersonal skills in order to connect with their clients, build trust, and develop positive relationships. they must be well-versed in different types of therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, in order to best serve the needs of their elderly clients. Finally, they must be able to recognize and address the potential risks associated with aging, such as increased risk of falls, dementia, and depression.

By having these essential skills, geriatrics mental health counselors can provide quality care to their elderly patients and support them through the difficult changes that come with aging.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with geriatric patients in a mental health setting?
How would you go about establishing rapport with a geriatric patient?
What strategies do you use to ensure a safe and therapeutic environment for geriatric patients?
How do you respond to challenging behaviors from geriatric patients?
What techniques do you employ to help geriatric patients cope with difficult emotions?
Describe your approach to providing counseling for geriatric patients with dementia or Alzheimers.
How would you handle a situation in which a geriatric patient refuses to participate in counseling sessions?
What strategies do you use to ensure that geriatric patients receive the care they need?
What techniques do you employ to help geriatric patients engage in meaningful activities?
In what ways do you keep up with research and emerging trends related to geriatrics mental health counseling?

Common Tools in Industry

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A form of psychotherapy used to help individuals identify and modify negative patterns of thought and behavior. Example: Working with an elderly patient to identify and modify beliefs about aging that are causing depression or anxiety.
Motivational Interviewing (MI). A collaborative, goal-oriented style of counseling designed to elicit and strengthen a persons motivation to change their behavior. Example: Working with an elderly patient to set realistic goals and objectives in order to reduce loneliness and depression.
Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT). A form of psychotherapy that focuses on the present and future, rather than the past, in order to identify solutions and goals for improvement. Example: Working with an elderly patient to identify current issues in their life, as well as potential solutions for these issues.
Reminiscence Therapy. A type of therapy that uses memories and storytelling to improve cognitive functioning and emotional wellbeing in older adults. Example: Working with an elderly patient to help them recall memories and share stories from their past, in order to explore their identity and boost morale.
Intergenerational Programs. A type of community-based program that brings together different generations, in order to foster mutual understanding and promote positive social interaction. Example: Working with elderly patients to participate in a program that brings together different generations, in order to increase their sense of community and foster meaningful connections.

Professional Organizations to Know

American Geriatrics Society
American Psychological Association
National Association of Geriatric Psychiatry
American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry
National Council on Aging
National Association of Social Workers
American Occupational Therapy Association
International Association for Gerontology and Geriatrics
Alzheimers Association
Gerontological Society of America

We also have Geriatrics Home Care Specialist, Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, and Geriatrics Mental Health Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Gerontology. The scientific study of aging, the process of becoming older, and the related changes in physical, mental, and social functioning.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A type of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is used to help people identify and modify unhelpful thinking patterns and to develop healthier coping strategies.
Alzheimers Disease. A progressive, degenerative disorder that affects the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking, and behavior.
Dementia. A general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Caregiver Support. Services that provide assistance to caregivers who are caring for an elderly person or someone living with a chronic illness or disability.
Quality of Life. The overall well-being of an individual, including physical health, emotional health, social relationships, and financial security.
Mental Health Promotion. Strategies to help individuals achieve and maintain good mental health through activities such as healthy lifestyle choices and stress management.
Depression Screening. A series of questions to assess whether an individual may be experiencing depression or other emotional distress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Geriatrics Mental Health Counseling? A1: Geriatrics Mental Health Counseling is a specialized field of counseling that focuses on the mental health needs of individuals age 65 and older. Q2: What kind of mental health services do geriatric mental health counselors provide? A2: Geriatric mental health counselors provide a range of mental health services including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders in older adults. Q3: How many geriatric mental health counselors are there in the US? A3: According to the American Counseling Association, there are approximately 8,000 geriatric mental health counselors in the United States. Q4: What type of degree is required to become a geriatric mental health counselor? A4: To become a geriatric mental health counselor, one must have at least a master's degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university. Q5: What type of organizations employ geriatric mental health counselors? A5: Geriatric mental health counselors are employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospices, and private practice.