Increase your understanding of the acute and chronic mental health needs of older adults. Learn to understand, diagnose, and treat these special clients using the latest information and techniques. Identify innovative ways to support clients and their families, and discover other community resources to help them manage and cope.

What the Program Covers

• Developing treatment plans
• Grief and loss related to aging
• Methods for accurately diagnosing dementia
• Psychiatric, medical, and pharmacological perspectives in the diagnosis and treatment of mood and thought disorders
• Effective ways to navigate multiple systems and community resources

Benefits

By expanding your knowledge of the medical and sociological issues facing older adults, you will strengthen your capacity to serve, support, and advocate on behalf of your client. You also will earn 21 hours contact hours per course towards continuing education requirements for licenses through the Washington State Department of Health.

Who Should Apply

Level: Some experience

• Social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, licensed psychologists and mental health specialists
• Other professionals working with older adults

If you have questions about your eligibility for this program, give us a call at 888-469-6499.

Information about UW Social Work Continuing Education courses and programs can also be found on the School of Social Work Web site.

Degree Programs
If you are interested in pursuing a B.S.W., M.S.W. or Ph.D. degree, call the School of Social Work admissions office at 1-800-558-8703, visit the school Web site, or e-mail sswadmis@u.washington.edu.