Professional Certificate Program in Mental Health Care for the Older Adult

A professional training program in mental health and aging that will prepare the professional to work more effectively with older adults experiencing mental distress. Learn about the most current assessment and treatment methods with special attention to quality person centered care. This advanced program is ideal for licensed practitioners and allied health professionals who work with older adults.  The curriculum is specifically designed to meet continuing education needs for professionals working with older adults.

You will be taught by highly respected and knowledgeable faculty from UW-Madison. This is a unique continuing education series in Wisconsin.

Requirements for certificate

In order to receive the Mental Health and Older Adult Certificate you must attend the 2 one-day summer seminars that will be repeated each year.  You may then choose any 6 seminars from the list of elective courses which will also be repeated each fall and spring. You will take 8 seminars in total.

You may take the elective seminars at any time.  It is recommended that you start the certificate program with the 2 required summer seminars to establish a basic foundation of the characteristics of mental disorders common in older adults.

 

Required seminars: summer institute

This certificate series begins in July with a required two-day training that addresses the assessment and treatment of mental disorders in the older adult.

• Seminar I. Mental Disorders and the Older Adult: Understanding and Assessing the Dementias (July 30, 2008)
• Seminar II. Mental Disorders and the Older Adult: Understanding and Assessing Anxiety, Personality Disorders, Schizophrenia, Depression, and  Bi-Polar Disorder (July 31, 2008 )
  

Visit the summer institute page for complete details about the summer 2008 program.

 

Fall and spring electives

In addition to attending the summer institute, you must choose any six of the following Fall and Spring Seminars in order to complete certificate requirements.  You may take these seminars in any order you choose.

Fall 2008

Health Challenges and Late Life Mental Illness
Faculty:  Kim Petersen M.D.

Strengths Based Case Management
Faculty: Suzanna Castillo, PhD

Late Life Depression and Anxiety
Faculty:  UW Faculty

The STAR Method of Geriatric Mental Health I
Faculty: Tim Howell M.D.

The STAR Method of Geriatric Mental Health II
Faculty: Tim Howell M.D.

Psychotherapeutic Approaches - Older Adult  
Faculty: Marilyn Bonjean EdD

 

Spring 09

Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia: Basic
Faculty: Diana Burt, PhD

Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia: Assessment
Faculty: Diana Burt, PhD

The Color of Emotions and Ethnogerontology
Faculty: Suzanna Castillo, PhD

Creativity and Dementia
Faculty: Gail Petersen, PhD and Kim Petersen M.D.

Alcohol and Drug Problems in Late Life
Merrilee Pickett M.S.

Person Centered Dementia Care
Suzanna Castillo, PhD

Psychotropic Medications for Older Adults
Faculty: Robert Breslow, RPh, BCPS

Behavioral & Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
Faculty: Joe Goveas, M.D.

 

Frequently asked questions

How long will it take to complete the program?
You may take up to 4 years to complete your certificate.

How many CEU’s will you receive?
You will receive .5 CEUs (5 hours) for each seminar or a total of 4.0 CEU, which equals 40 hours.  The Department of Professional Development is an approved continuing education provider for licensed social workers and other human service and AODA professionals.

How much does this certificate series cost ?
Each seminar is paid for separately at the time of enrollment.  Per seminar costs currently are $120.00. Summer Institute is $150/day.

What will you receive when you complete the course?
You will receive a framed, signed and official certificate from UW-Madison for your participation in the “Professional Certificate Program on Mental Health Care and the Older Adult.”  You will also receive a record of your 40 hours from UW Madison and letter of acknowledgement from Dr. Suzanna Waters Castillo, Programs on Aging at PDAS. Certificates will be mailed to participants upon completion of all required coursework.

For more information contact

Mandy Ingram 608-890-0263 (toll-free: 800-442-4617), mingram@dcs.wisc.edu