Online Certificates
Description
This newly revised 5-course certificate program will enrich your understanding of the major mental health conditions and substance use concerns facing older adults, as well as the importance of promoting mental wellness, resilience, and suicide prevention. You’ll also learn about the importance of screening, assessment, and evidence-based interventions.
This certificate includes the following courses:
- Mental Health & Aging Issues
- Suicide Prevention among Older Adults
- Mental Wellness & Resilience among Older Immigrants & Refugees
- Substance Use among Older Adults
- Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias
NEW interactive features:
- Hear from CADER experts – we’ve utilized AI-generated video to feature our course authors, researchers and BUSSW professors who provide their own dynamic and engaging insights.
- Participate in AI Conversations – The course utilizes AI Conversations around a topic or scenario to engage you as the learner. AI Conversations include Socratic questioning and role play exercises, so you can explore and reflect on your thoughts or role play a situation in the context of the course.
CE Note: In addition to ASWB CE credit for social workers, this course has been approved to provide NBCC credit for LMHC/mental health professionals, and CME/CNE credits for healthcare professionals. For more information, see Continuing Education credits.
Success Story:
Learn how the NCOA and CADER have partnered to offer the Behavioral Health in Aging certificate program for Councils on Aging nationwide.
Learner Feedback:
“Overall it was an outstanding program. My knowledge has improved significantly with all sections especially with the immigration/migrant population.”
“This program made me more effective regarding appropriate coordination of care decisions.”
“Wonderful certificate. I feel I have so much more to offer my clients and families now. There is so much valuable information included I found myself reading articles and watching the videos suggested. I enjoyed every minute spent.”
Contributing Authors:
Bronwyn Keefe, PhD, MSW, MPH is the Assistant Dean of Workforce and Professional Development at Boston University School of Social Work where she is also the Director for The Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research (CADER) and The Network for Professional Education.
Kathy Kuhn, MSW, LICSW, has worked with older adults in a variety of health and mental health settings and is a dedicated advocate for improving training for social service professionals and the provision of services to older adults.
Amelia Paini, MSW, Program Manager for Curriculum Development, Boston University School of Social Work
Joan Ead, Eadem Writing Associates
Courses
Mental Health and Aging Issues
- Examine the mental health conditions that affect older adults.
- Describe the common standardized mental health assessments and diagnostic tools that are appropriate for older adults.
- Identify resources and services available for treating mental health conditions in older adults and their families.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how to conduct mental health assessments and interventions with older adults in a culturally competent manner.
- Explain the risk factors for suicide in older adults.
Suicide Prevention Among Older Adults
- Identify key risk factors that are associated with suicide among older adults.
- Summarize the various assessment tools that can be used to identify suicide risk.
- Evaluate legal and ethical issues as they relate to older adult suicide.
- Explain current practice and policy issues regarding suicide.
Mental Wellness and Resilience Among Older Immigrants and Refugees
- Describe the background of immigration in the U.S. and how it is changing in the 21st century.
- Define resilience.
- Explain the stressors and barriers faced by immigrants and refugees.
- Identify the strengths and resources in immigrants and immigrant communities that build resilience.
- Examine your own cultural attitudes and beliefs and how they may affect your work with immigrants and refugees.
Substance Use Among Older Adults
- Describe the prevalence of substance use among older adults.
- Examine the impact of substance use on the health of older adults.
- Identify treatment resources available to older adults.
- Summarize the roles that workers can play in promoting recovery.
- Illustrate the impact of culture on substance use among older adults.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias
- Describe the process by which Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed.
- List the signs and symptoms of the various stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Describe the best ways of communicating with people who have dementia.
- Describe how the environment can be adapted to meet the physical and psychosocial needs of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Explain the need for psychosocial interventions and support for caregivers.
Course Policies
For information about refunds, cancellations, accommodations and to contact us please visit the policies page.