Desciption

This course provides a comprehensive overview of behavioral health issues affecting older adults, focusing on co-occurring disorders, mental health conditions, and suicide prevention. Students will gain an understanding of the characteristics and prevalence of co-occurring disorders, depression, anxiety, and suicide risk among older adults. The course explores the connections between substance use, mental health, and aging, while identifying risk factors, protective factors, and disparities in care. Participants will learn about common screening tools and treatments for mental health conditions in older adults, as well as practical interventions they can implement in their work. The course covers the importance of integrated treatment approaches, cultural sensitivity, and the "no wrong door" policy in addressing behavioral health needs. Special attention is given to suicide risk and prevention strategies for older adults, including recognizing warning signs and implementing safety precautions. 

Throughout the course, students will develop skills to have more effective conversations about mental health and substance use with older adults, helping to reduce stigma and improve access to care. This training is designed to enhance the knowledge and confidence of professionals working with older adults in various capacities, enabling them to provide more holistic and person-centered care.

Learning objectives

  1. Define co-occurring disorders
  2. Recognize characteristics of anxiety, depression, and suicide risk in older adults
  3. Understand how anxiety, depression, and suicide risk connect to substance use and aging
  4. Identify risk factors and protective factors for anxiety, depression, and suicide risk
  5. Learn about and practice simple interventions for depression, anxiety, and suicide risk

Audience

This course is recommended for:

  • Staff and volunteers working in the aging services network (Area Agencies on Aging, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Aging and People with Disabilities, etc.)

  • Staff in community based organizations

  • Service coordinators in senior housing

  • Mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, art therapists, social workers, psychologists, and other mental health providers

  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors

  • Qualified Mental Health Associates

  • Qualified Mental Health Professionals

Instructors

Instructor Regina Koepp

Dr. Regina Koepp, PsyD, ABPP is a board certified clinical psychologist, gerontologist, and founder of the Center for Mental Health & Aging. She is a sought-after speaker and educator, and provides continuing education courses to professionals on topics surrounding mental health and aging as well as sexual health and aging. She was formerly a lead psychologist at University of Vermont Medical Center, Assistant Professor at Emory University Department of Psychiatry, and psychologist at the Atlanta VA Health Care System, where she provided direct patient care and consultation on the Geropsychiatry Outpatient Mental Health team for more than a decade and served on the VA Central Office’s Geriatric Mental Health Field Advisory Committee. Dr. Koepp is a contributing writer at Psychology Today and Psychotherapy Networker, where she discusses mental health and aging. She has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, Chicago Tribune, Next Avenue, AARP, and other national media outlets.

Instructor Susan Saboe Rose

Susan Saboe Rose, PhD, GCNS-BC, PMHNP-BC, ARNP is a gerontologist and psychiatric NP with a special interest in memory disorders. She received her doctorate from the University of Arizona, during which she completed dual clinical traineeships in Neurogeriatrics and Geropsychiatry through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr Rose is board-certified as a gerontological clinical specialist and a psychiatric NP. She serves on medical staff for Legacy Medical Group in Portland OR and also has a consulting practice in Vancouver WA. In her spare time, she plays bass in a classic rock band.

Pricing

This course is free of charge, courtesy of Oregon Health Authority

ACORN

is committed to excellence.

ACORN has been approved by the Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) to provide continuing education courses. Additionally, ACORN has been approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7274. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. ACORN is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) logo
Portland State University (PSU) Institute on Aging (IOA) logo
Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) logo
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) logo