Online Certificates
Description
This five-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, and resilience. Attention will be paid to 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
- Note: The Behavioral Health in Aging Certificate is also accredited by Boston University School of Medicine Continuing Medical Education/Continuing Nursing Education to provide 19 CNE and CME credit hours. For more information, please refer to our section on Continuing Education credits.
Learner Feedback:
“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.”
Success Story: Read how this Boston agency trains their staff with this certificate program.
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.
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
- Identify 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.
Suicide Prevention Among Older Adults
- Identify key risk factors associated with suicide among older adults.
- Summarize the various assessment tools that can be used to identify suicide risk.
- Explain legal and ethical issues as they relate to older adult suicide.
- Explain current practice and policy issues as they relate to suicide.
- Identify current 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.
- Identify the stressors and barriers faced by immigrants and refugees.
- Identify the strengths and resources in immigrants and immigrant communities that build resilience.
- Discuss your own cultural attitudes and beliefs and how they may affect your work with immigrants and refugees.
Substance Use Among Older Adults
- Discuss the prevalence of substance use among older adults.
- Identify the impact of substance use on health.
- Engage in a collaborative process of addressing substance use with older adults.
- Discuss treatment resources available to older adults.
- Outline 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.
Accessibility Information
All online courses are self-paced and are designed as reading-based and include interactive multimedia components including simulations, video, audio, and discussion boards.