Foundational Competencies in Older Adult Mental Health

Certificate Program IN PERSON TRAINING

In-Person Certificate Program

June 11-13th, 2025, Chicago, IL

Applications are opening soon!

 

ENGAGE

EMPOWER

EDUCATE

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CLICK HERE FOR THE ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

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Application Deadline: Dates coming soon.

Description: The E4 Center of Excellence in Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging at Rush and the CATCH-ON Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program will be hosting a three-day intensive training program for licensed clinicians from multiple healthcare fields who aspire to build foundational competency in older adult mental health. Experts in geriatric psychiatry, geropsychology, neuropsychology, and clinical social work collaboratively facilitate this fellowship that is based on the most current evidence-based practices. Content is designed to be applicable across multiple disciplines and settings.

DUE TO FUNDING AND SPACE CONSTRAINTS, ONLY 25 APPLICANTS WILL BE SELECTED FOR THIS PROGRAM.

Program Objectives are to:

  • Educate clinicians from multiple disciplines on best practices in older adult mental health
  • Integrate evidence-based knowledge into clinical practice by facilitating group discussion and simulated patient exercises that solidify basic older adult mental health competencies
  • Build a national “community” of geriatric mental health providers with foundational competency in older adult mental health who will return to their home institutions as emerging leaders in their fields to best meet the needs of the older adult communities they serve.
  • Prepare learners with tools to share the knowledge gained in this training with their organizations and community.

Details: This intensive, in-person training program will be hosted at Rush University Medical Center located in Chicago, IL. The program will combine didactic training with discussion and practice with simulated patients. COVID protocols will be adhered to based on CDC guidelines and Rush hospital policy.

Cost: Tuition for the fellowship itself is supported by grant funds at no cost to participants. Travel stipends of up to $750 will be available for those who require it. Lodging is available at hotels within walking distance from campus and public transportation. Continuing education credits for the duration of training time (20 hours) will be provided at no cost to participants. Meals will be provided.

Eligibility: Ideal candidates are independently licensed clinicians who frequently serve older adults with mental health issues in practice or want to expand their practice with older adults but have little to no formal geriatrics training. The program seeks to train clinicians from multiple disciplines who provide assessment and treatment of mental health issues among older adults, including social work, psychology, psychiatry, primary care, and nursing. A minimum of a master’s degree is required for participation. Students and those with limited licenses are not eligible for this program.

How to Apply: Submit your application online by following this link

Testimonials from Previous Attendees:

  • “It was so great to hear from experts in this field, as well as connecting with professionals from all backgrounds across the country! The material was very relevant to my work and my agency. I’m looking forward to spreading the knowledge!”
  • “I enjoyed the comprehensive and broad approach to topics covered, appreciated the diversity of professionals in attendance, and was thankful for all of the reference materials, source materials and suggestions for screening/assessment materials.”
  • “This is definitely a must have program for anyone working with older adults.”
  • “It is definitely worth your time and resources because of the valuable information as well as the connection after the trainings are a great opportunity. You will not regret it!”

For more information, please email [email protected].

Continuing Education FAQ

Does the certificate program offer continuing education credits?

The Foundational Competencies in Older Adult Mental Health Certificate IN PERSON Program offers 20 hours of CE, CNE, or CME for free. Please see below for the full accreditation statement from Rush University Medical Center.

What disciplines can receive credit?

  • Audiologists
  • Advance practice nurses
  • Dietitians
  • Nutritionists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Physicians
  • Physician assistants
  • Physical therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Registered nurses
  • Respiratory therapists
  • Social workers

Does the certificate program offer APA credits?

Our joint accreditation allows us to provide APA credit, but the APA is not the accreditor.

Is the certificate program accredited by NASW?

Currently, social work credit falls under the State of Illinois and a reciprocal agreement (state by state).  We plan to offer credit through the NASW in the future.

What if I am licensed in the State of New York?

Rush is not accredited by the State of New York, so clinicians who have a license in the State of New York may not be able to utilize CEUs toward their state licensure requirements. Please confirm with your licensing body to confirm before purchasing.

Further questions?

Please consult with your licensing body to confirm these credits apply to your license before purchasing. The certificate program with no continuing education is available for free.

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In support of improving patient care, Rush University Medical Center is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Rush University Medical Center designates this live activity for a maximum of Twenty (20) AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Rush University Medical Center designates this internet enduring material activity for a maximum of Twenty (20) nursing contact hour(s).

This activity is being presented without bias and without commercial support.

Rush University is an approved provider for physical therapy (216.000272), occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, social work (159.001203), nutrition, and speech-audiology by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.

Rush University designates this live activity for Twenty (20) Continuing Education credit(s).

Rush University Medical Center designates this activity for Twenty (20) CE credits in psychology.