Building Bridges Post-Licensure Consultation: Strengthening the Geropsychology Workforce

TL;DR

This paper describes efforts to improve mental health care for older adults by developing post-licensure training and consultation for professionals.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel post-licensure consultation model for geropsychology training and evaluates its effectiveness.

Findings

Participants strongly agreed consultation added value to their clinical practice.

88% strongly agreed they received direction with difficult cases.

The model may serve as a template for other disciplines training providers for older adult care.

Abstract

U.S. Census trends indicate significantly increased numbers of older adults and thus, a greater need for medical and mental health providers equipped to address older adult needs. Since the Building Bridges Conference in March 2021, the Building Bridges Post-Licensure (BBPL) group has been working to advance clinical practice with older adults. In 2022, we conducted a needs assessment of 80 post-licensure psychologists and identified a strong desire for gero-focused case consultation. We subsequently launched two six-month pilot consultation groups, occurring monthly for 90 minutes and led separately by a board certified geropsychologist. The groups consisted of didactic teaching, case presentation, and case discussion, focusing on foundational knowledge, assessment, and intervention geropsychology competencies. Nine licensed psychologists and one licensed clinical social worker completed consultation and eight of these participants completed the post-assessment. Most agreed consultation added value to their clinical practice (62% ‘strongly agree’; 38% ‘agree), was responsive to their professional needs (75% ‘strongly agree’; 25% ‘agree’), and 88% strongly agreed they received direction with difficult cases. Qualitative accounts of skills implemented were highlighted. This presentation will describe the BBPL’s efforts in developing these groups, including recruitment strategies, structure and format of monthly groups, and outcome measures. This approach may serve as a model for other disciplines interested in developing post-licensure training and educational opportunities for providers working with older adults.