Training in geropsychology: Preparing to meet the demand

The growing need for practitioners to serve the mental health needs of older adults has focused attention on standards for training practitioners to serve this underserved population. Recent conferences and committee recommendations have suggested preparing practitioners at 3 levels of specialization. Of the 3 levels, the generalists with proficiency in geropsychology are expected to provide the majority of mental health services to older adults. Mechanisms to obtain added qualification are needed. Strategies for practitioners to obtain training in geropsychology are addressed as are barriers to specialized training with this population.