How to Become a Geriatric Psychologist: Complete Career Guide [xyz_school_year]
To become a geriatric psychologist, you'll need a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD) with specialized training in geropsychology, complete 1-2 years of postdoctoral fellowship, obtain state licensure, and optionally pursue board certification through the American Board of Geropsychology. The complete process takes 8-12 years and leads to median salaries of $96,100 annually, with geropsychology specialists often earning $100,000-$120,000+ depending on setting and location.
America's population is aging rapidly. By 2040, the 65-and-older demographic will reach 80 million people, creating unprecedented demand for mental health professionals who understand the unique psychological challenges of aging. Geriatric psychologists (also called geropsychologists) specialize in helping elderly adults navigate cognitive decline, chronic illness, grief, depression, and the complex emotional terrain of life's final chapters.
If you're considering this rewarding specialty, you're choosing a career path that combines clinical expertise with genuine human connection during some of life's most vulnerable moments. The work is challenging but profoundly meaningful, and the job outlook is excellent as healthcare systems scramble to meet the needs of aging Baby Boomers.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about becoming a geriatric psychologist, from educational requirements to salary expectations, licensure pathways to daily responsibilities. Whether you're a prospective psychology student or a licensed psychologist considering specialization, you'll find the information you need to make informed career decisions.
Table of Contents
- What Is Geriatric Psychology?
- Why Choose Geriatric Psychology?
- Education Requirements
- Steps to Become a Geriatric Psychologist
- Licensure and Certification
- Essential Skills and Competencies
- Where Geriatric Psychologists Work
- Salary and Job Outlook
- A Day in the Life
- Challenges and Rewards
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
What Is Geriatric Psychology?
Geriatric psychology (the preferred modern term is "geropsychology") is a specialized branch of clinical psychology focused on the mental health, cognitive functioning, and emotional wellbeing of older adults, typically those 65 and older. Unlike general clinical practice, geropsychology requires deep understanding of how aging affects the brain, behavior, and psychological processes.
Geropsychologists address the unique mental health challenges that emerge in later life, including depression linked to retirement or widowhood, anxiety about declining independence, cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease and dementia, adjustment to chronic illness, grief and bereavement, and family dynamics around caregiving and end-of-life decisions.
What Makes Geropsychology Unique?
This specialty differs from general clinical psychology in several important ways. Geropsychologists must understand normal aging processes versus pathological decline, the interaction between physical health and mental health in elderly populations, how medications affect cognitive and emotional functioning in older adults, cultural attitudes toward aging and death, and the complex social and family systems surrounding elderly care.
The field recognizes that aging brings both losses and gains. While elderly adults may face physical limitations and grief over lost loved ones, they often demonstrate remarkable resilience, wisdom gained from life experience, and the capacity for psychological growth even in their final years.
Historical Development
Though geriatric medicine has existed for decades, geropsychology as a formal specialty emerged relatively recently. Dr. Marjorie Warren, a British geriatrician in the mid-20th century, pioneered the integrated approach of treating elderly patients' mental and emotional needs alongside their physical ailments. Her research demonstrated that comprehensive care significantly improved quality of life and helped elderly individuals maintain independence longer.
The field gained momentum in the 1970s when psychology's pioneers faced aging themselves and began researching conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia. Today, the American Psychological Association's Division 20 (Adult Development and Aging) and organizations like the Council of Professional Geropsychology Training Programs provide specialized resources and training standards.
Why Choose Geriatric Psychology?
Growing Demand and Job Security
The geropsychology field faces a critical shortage. According to the American Psychological Association, fewer than 5% of practicing psychologists specialize in geriatrics, yet nearly 20% of Americans will be 65 or older by 2030. This supply-demand mismatch creates exceptional job security and career opportunities.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth for clinical and counseling psychologists through 2034, but growth in geriatric specializations is expected to significantly outpace this average as the aging population creates unprecedented need.
Meaningful Work with Vulnerable Populations
Many geropsychologists describe their work as uniquely fulfilling. You'll help elderly adults maintain dignity and quality of life during challenging transitions, support families navigating difficult end-of-life decisions, contribute to research that improves care for millions, and make a real difference during life's most vulnerable moments.
Intellectual Challenge and Specialization
Geropsychology offers intellectual depth that appeals to clinicians who enjoy complex diagnostic work. You'll engage with challenging questions about normal aging versus pathology, work at the intersection of psychology, neurology, and medicine, and develop expertise in specialized assessment tools and interventions designed for elderly populations.
Education Requirements to Become a Geriatric Psychologist
Like all licensed psychologists, geropsychologists must complete extensive education and training. The pathway typically takes 8-12 years beyond high school.
Bachelor's Degree (4 Years)
Your journey begins with a bachelor's degree in psychology or a closely related field. While undergraduate programs don't offer geropsychology specializations, you can prepare by taking courses in developmental psychology (especially lifespan development), biological psychology and neuroscience, abnormal psychology, research methods and statistics, cognitive psychology, and social psychology.
Maintain a strong GPA (typically 3.5 or higher for competitive doctoral programs) and gain relevant experience through volunteer work at nursing homes or assisted living facilities, research assistant positions in aging-related labs, or internships with organizations serving elderly populations.
Doctoral Degree (5-7 Years)
To practice as a licensed psychologist, you'll need a doctoral degree. You have two main options:
PhD in Psychology (Doctor of Philosophy): Research-focused degree emphasizing scientific training and empirical research. Best for those interested in academic careers, research positions, or combining clinical work with research. Typically includes more rigorous dissertation requirements and research methodology training.
PsyD in Psychology (Doctor of Psychology): Practice-focused degree emphasizing clinical training and applied skills. Best for those planning primarily clinical careers in hospitals, private practice, or healthcare settings. Typically includes more extensive clinical practicum hours.
Choose a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). This accreditation is often required for licensure and ensures quality education. Look for programs offering geropsychology specialization tracks, faculty conducting aging-related research, clinical training sites with elderly populations, or coursework in gerontology and aging studies.
Required Doctoral Coursework
Core psychology coursework includes psychopathology, assessment and diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, ethics and professional standards, research methodology, and neuroscience. Geropsychology-specific coursework covers normal aging processes, cognitive disorders in older adults, health psychology and chronic illness, family systems and caregiving, death, dying, and bereavement, and cultural competence in working with diverse elderly populations.
Practicum and Internship (Minimum 1,500-2,000 Hours)
Doctoral programs require supervised clinical experience. To specialize in geropsychology, seek placements in geriatric hospitals or medical centers, memory and cognitive disorder clinics, nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities, outpatient mental health clinics serving elderly clients, or VA medical centers (which serve many elderly veterans).
APA-accredited internships are highly competitive and essential for licensure in most states. Apply to internships offering geropsychology rotations or specializations.
Dissertation
PhD students must complete an original research dissertation. If you're interested in geropsychology, consider focusing your dissertation on aging-related topics to build expertise and establish yourself in the field. This research can lead to publications that strengthen your credentials.
Postdoctoral Fellowship (1-2 Years)
While not always required for licensure, completing a postdoctoral fellowship in geropsychology is increasingly common and highly recommended. These specialized training programs provide advanced clinical experience with elderly populations, exposure to complex cases and specialized interventions, mentorship from experienced geropsychologists, and competitive advantage in the job market.
The Council of Professional Geropsychology Training Programs maintains a directory of accredited postdoctoral fellowships. Look for programs affiliated with medical schools, VA medical centers, or major healthcare systems with robust geriatric services.
Steps to Become a Geriatric Psychologist: Complete Timeline
Here's the step-by-step pathway with realistic timeframes:
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (4 Years)
What to Do: Complete undergraduate degree with psychology major or related field. Take lifespan development, research methods, and neuroscience courses. Maintain 3.5+ GPA for competitive graduate admissions. Gain relevant experience through volunteering or research positions with elderly populations.
Key Milestone: Apply to doctoral programs in your senior year.
Step 2: Apply to and Begin Doctoral Programs (1 Year Application Process)
What to Do: Take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). Research APA-accredited psychology doctoral programs. Identify programs with geropsychology faculty or specialization tracks. Submit applications (typically due December-January). Prepare personal statements highlighting interest in aging populations.
Key Milestone: Acceptance into doctoral program.
Step 3: Complete Doctoral Coursework and Research (5-7 Years)
What to Do: Complete core psychology coursework and electives in aging/gerontology. Conduct research with faculty studying aging-related topics. Complete practicum placements in settings serving elderly clients. Pass comprehensive examinations. Conduct and defend dissertation research.
Key Milestones: Comprehensive exam completion (typically Year 3-4), dissertation proposal approval (typically Year 4-5), and dissertation defense (Year 5-7).
Step 4: Complete APA-Accredited Internship (1 Year, Often During Final Doctoral Year)
What to Do: Apply to internships through the APPIC Match system. Seek internships offering geropsychology rotations. Complete 2,000 supervised clinical hours. Work with diverse elderly populations and presenting problems.
Key Milestone: Internship completion (required for doctoral degree conferral).
Step 5: Complete Postdoctoral Fellowship in Geropsychology (1-2 Years, Optional but Recommended)
What to Do: Apply to specialized geropsychology postdoctoral programs. Gain advanced training in cognitive assessment and dementia evaluation. Develop expertise in evidence-based interventions for elderly adults. Build professional network in the geropsychology field.
Key Milestone: Fellowship completion with advanced clinical competencies.
Step 6: Obtain State Psychology Licensure (Timeline Varies by State)
What to Do: Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Complete state-specific jurisprudence exam if required. Submit licensure application with documentation of supervised hours (typically 1,500-4,000 hours depending on state). Pass background check.
Key Milestone: Licensed psychologist status (required to practice independently).
Step 7: Pursue Optional Board Certification (Ongoing)
What to Do: Apply for board certification through the American Board of Geropsychology (ABGero). Document specialized training and experience with elderly populations. Pass board certification examination. Maintain certification through continuing education.
Key Milestone: Board-certified geropsychologist status (demonstrates specialized expertise).
Total Timeline: 8-12 years from bachelor's degree to full licensure and specialization
Licensure and Certification Requirements
State Psychology Licensure
Every state requires psychologists to be licensed to practice independently. While specific requirements vary by state, common elements include a doctoral degree from an APA-accredited program, 1,500-4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience (varies significantly by state), passing the EPPP exam (minimum score typically 500/800), state-specific jurisprudence examination, and criminal background check.
For detailed information about requirements in your state, visit our comprehensive guide to psychology licensure requirements by state.
The EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology)
This standardized exam is required in all U.S. states and Canadian provinces. It's a computer-based, multiple-choice examination covering biological bases of behavior, cognitive-affective bases of behavior, social and cultural bases of behavior, growth and lifespan development, assessment and diagnosis, treatment and intervention, research methods and statistics, and ethical and legal issues.
The exam is challenging, with pass rates around 70%. Most candidates spend 3-6 months preparing using study materials and practice exams.
American Board of Geropsychology Certification
While not required to practice, board certification through the American Board of Geropsychology (ABGero) demonstrates specialized expertise. This credential is recognized by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) and can enhance career opportunities and credibility.
Requirements include: active psychology license, doctoral degree in psychology, completion of specialized geropsychology training, minimum 1,500 hours of clinical experience with elderly adults (within last 7 years), documentation of 100 hours of continuing education in geropsychology, passing a written examination, and passing an oral examination with case presentation.
Board certification must be renewed every 7 years through continuing education and ongoing practice documentation.
Continuing Education
All states require licensed psychologists to complete continuing education (CE) to maintain licensure. Requirements typically range from 20-40 CE hours every 2 years. Geropsychologists often fulfill these requirements through workshops on dementia and cognitive disorders, conferences hosted by APA Division 20, training in new assessment tools for elderly populations, ethics updates specific to geriatric practice, and courses on cultural competence with diverse elderly communities.
Essential Skills and Competencies
Clinical and Technical Skills
Successful geropsychologists develop expertise in comprehensive geriatric assessment, including cognitive testing for dementia and mild cognitive impairment, neuropsychological evaluation, depression and anxiety screening adapted for elderly adults, and functional capacity assessment.
You'll need proficiency in evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy adapted for older adults, supportive psychotherapy for adjustment to aging and loss, family therapy and caregiver support, grief and bereavement counseling, and crisis intervention for suicidal ideation or severe depression.
Knowledge Domains
Geropsychologists must understand normal cognitive aging versus pathological decline, common medical conditions affecting elderly adults (diabetes, heart disease, stroke), how medications interact with mental health, end-of-life issues and palliative care psychology, Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance systems affecting elderly care, and elder abuse recognition and reporting.
Interpersonal and Personal Qualities
This work demands patience and compassion, as progress can be slow and clients may have cognitive or sensory limitations. You'll need exceptional communication skills to work effectively with elderly clients who may have hearing loss, communicate with family members and caregivers, and collaborate with interdisciplinary medical teams.
Cultural competence is essential for working with diverse elderly populations, including different cultural attitudes toward aging, death, and mental health, varying family structures and caregiving norms, and sensitivity to generational differences and historical contexts.
The work can be emotionally demanding. You'll frequently confront issues of mortality, decline, and loss, requiring emotional resilience and the ability to process difficult feelings, strong boundaries to prevent burnout, and a support system including peer supervision.
Where Geriatric Psychologists Work
Geropsychologists practice in diverse settings, each offering different opportunities and challenges.
Healthcare Facilities and Hospitals
Many geropsychologists work in general medical and surgical hospitals, psychiatric hospitals and behavioral health units, rehabilitation hospitals, and VA medical centers. In these settings, you'll provide consultation to medical teams treating elderly patients, conduct assessments for capacity to make medical decisions, offer crisis intervention for patients experiencing delirium or severe distress, and provide therapy for adjustment to illness or disability.
Long-Term Care and Residential Settings
Nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and memory care units specializing in dementia are common employment sites. Services include cognitive assessment and care planning, individual and group therapy for residents, staff training on dementia care and behavioral management, and family counseling around placement decisions and end-of-life care.
Outpatient Mental Health Settings
Community mental health centers, outpatient clinics within hospital systems, and geriatric psychiatry practices provide opportunities for conducting psychotherapy for depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders, offering neuropsychological evaluation, and providing caregiver support groups.
Private Practice
Experienced geropsychologists often establish private practices, offering flexibility and autonomy. You'll build a referral network with geriatricians and other medical providers, provide specialized services like capacity evaluations or dementia assessments, and set your own schedule and case mix.
Academic and Research Institutions
Universities with psychology or gerontology programs, medical schools with geriatric medicine programs, and research institutes studying aging provide opportunities for teaching and mentoring students, conducting research on aging and cognitive decline, publishing in academic journals, and combining clinical work with academic responsibilities.
Government and Policy Roles
Some geropsychologists work in policy development and program evaluation for aging services, state departments of health or aging, federal agencies like the National Institute on Aging, or consulting for Medicare/Medicaid policy.
Consulting and Expert Witness Work
Experienced geropsychologists may provide capacity evaluations for legal proceedings, elder abuse investigations, expert testimony in guardianship or will contest cases, or consulting to senior living facilities on program development.
Geriatric Psychologist Salary and Job Outlook
National Salary Data (2023)
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023), clinical and counseling psychologists—the category that includes geropsychologists—earn the following:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $48,820 | $23.47 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,050 | $31.75 |
| Median (50th) | $96,100 | $46.20 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,020 | $62.03 |
| 90th Percentile | $168,870 | $81.19 |
The mean (average) annual salary is $106,600, which is $51.25 per hour. Geropsychologists with specialized training and board certification often earn at the higher end of these ranges, particularly in medical settings or private practice.
Salary by Work Setting
Your earning potential varies significantly based on where you practice:
| Work Setting | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | $114,900 |
| Offices of Physicians | $113,970 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $107,500 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $101,450 |
| Individual and Family Services | $91,160 |
Private practice and medical specialty settings typically offer the highest compensation, while community mental health and social service agencies pay less but often provide better work-life balance and loan forgiveness opportunities.
Top-Paying States for Clinical Psychologists
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential. The highest-paying states include:
| State | Mean Annual Salary | Employment Level |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $148,370 | 2,010 |
| California | $132,410 | 11,840 |
| Oregon | $129,470 | 490 |
| Rhode Island | $120,720 | 400 |
| Maine | $117,710 | 210 |
Coastal states and areas with high costs of living typically offer higher salaries, but remember to factor in living expenses when comparing opportunities.
Factors Affecting Earning Potential
Several factors influence your salary as a geropsychologist:
Education and Credentials: Board certification typically adds $10,000-$20,000 to annual salary. PhD holders often earn slightly more in research and academic settings, while PsyD holders may earn more in clinical practice roles.
Experience Level: Entry-level positions (0-2 years): $60,000-$80,000. Mid-career (5-10 years): $90,000-$120,000. Senior level (15+ years): $120,000-$170,000+.
Specialization: Geropsychologists with subspecialties in neuropsychology or forensic capacity evaluation often command premium rates, with neuropsychological evaluations billed at $200-$400 per hour.
Practice Setting: Private practice offers highest earning potential ($120,000-$200,000+) but requires business management skills. Academic positions offer lower salaries ($75,000-$110,000) but provide research time and teaching opportunities. Hospital and medical settings offer middle-range salaries ($90,000-$130,000) with comprehensive benefits.
Job Growth and Outlook
The employment outlook for geropsychologists is exceptionally strong. The BLS projects 6% growth for all psychologists through 2034, but several factors suggest even stronger growth in geriatric specializations:
Aging Demographics: The 65+ population will grow from 58 million (2022) to 82 million (2050). The 85+ population (highest users of psychological services) will triple by 2050.
Increased Mental Health Awareness: Reduced stigma around mental health treatment in older adults. Medicare now covers annual depression screening. Growing recognition of psychological factors in physical health outcomes.
Healthcare System Changes: Integrated care models increasingly include psychologists in primary care. Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) recognize value of behavioral health services. Medicare reimbursement rates for psychological services have improved.
Critical Workforce Shortage: Currently only 5% of psychologists specialize in geriatrics. Pikes Peak Model for geropsychology training aims to address this gap. Many current geropsychologists approaching retirement age.
A Day in the Life of a Geriatric Psychologist
What does daily work actually look like? Here's a realistic picture from different practice settings:
Hospital-Based Geropsychologist
8:00-9:00 AM: Morning rounds with geriatric medicine team. Review new patient admissions. An 82-year-old man admitted for pneumonia is showing signs of delirium. You're consulted to assess whether this is delirium, emerging dementia, or depression.
9:00-10:30 AM: Conduct bedside cognitive assessment. The patient is confused and agitated. You interview his daughter about his baseline cognitive function and recent changes. You recommend interventions to reduce confusion and will reassess in 48 hours.
10:30-11:30 AM: Meet with family of 78-year-old woman with advanced dementia. They're struggling with the decision to transition her to hospice care. You provide supportive counseling and help them understand her likely trajectory.
11:30 AM-12:30 PM: Lunch and documentation. You complete notes in the electronic health record and review lab results that might affect patients' mental status.
12:30-2:00 PM: Conduct capacity evaluation for 85-year-old patient who wants to refuse recommended heart surgery. You assess her understanding of her condition, treatment options, and consequences. You'll write a detailed report for the medical team.
2:00-3:00 PM: Lead staff training on recognizing and managing behavioral symptoms of dementia. You teach nurses evidence-based approaches to reduce agitation without overusing medication.
3:00-4:00 PM: Individual therapy session with 70-year-old woman experiencing depression after stroke. You use cognitive behavioral therapy adapted for her physical limitations and cognitive changes.
4:00-5:00 PM: Interdisciplinary team meeting. You discuss discharge planning for several patients and coordinate care with social workers, occupational therapists, and physicians.
Private Practice Geropsychologist
9:00-10:00 AM: Neuropsychological evaluation for 76-year-old man whose family is concerned about memory problems. You administer cognitive tests to differentiate normal aging from mild cognitive impairment.
10:00-11:00 AM: Therapy session with 68-year-old woman struggling with anxiety about retirement and aging. You use acceptance and commitment therapy to help her develop new life goals.
11:00 AM-12:00 PM: Scoring and interpreting test results from yesterday's neuropsychological battery. You write a comprehensive report with diagnoses and recommendations.
12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch and administrative tasks. You return phone calls, schedule appointments, and submit insurance claims.
1:00-2:00 PM: Couples therapy with a 72-year-old man and his wife. He was recently diagnosed with early-stage dementia. You help them navigate changing roles and plan for the future.
2:00-3:00 PM: Caregiver support group. You facilitate discussion among family members caring for loved ones with dementia, providing education and emotional support.
3:00-4:00 PM: Consultation call with an attorney regarding a capacity evaluation you conducted. You discuss your findings and may serve as an expert witness if the case goes to court.
4:00-5:00 PM: Marketing and practice development. You maintain relationships with referring physicians and update your website with new blog content.
Academic Geropsychologist
9:00-11:00 AM: Teach graduate seminar on geropsychology. Today's topic is cognitive assessment in older adults. You review test administration and interpretation with students.
11:00 AM-12:00 PM: Supervise doctoral student conducting research on depression screening in nursing homes. You review her methodology and provide guidance on data analysis.
12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch meeting with department colleagues to discuss curriculum development.
1:00-3:00 PM: Work on research manuscript reporting findings from your study on cognitive behavioral therapy for late-life anxiety. You're revising based on peer reviewer feedback.
3:00-4:00 PM: Advise undergraduate students considering careers in geropsychology. You discuss educational pathways and research opportunities.
4:00-5:30 PM: Clinical supervision with doctoral students completing practicum at a local geriatric hospital. They present cases and you provide guidance on assessment and treatment.
Challenges and Rewards of Geriatric Psychology
Challenges You'll Face
Emotional Toll: You'll regularly confront death, decline, and loss. Many clients won't improve or recover. You'll witness cognitive deterioration in dementia patients. Grief counseling is frequent, and you'll need strong self-care practices and supervision to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue.
Complex Medical Comorbidities: Elderly clients rarely have psychological issues in isolation. You'll need to understand how diabetes, heart disease, and medications affect mood and cognition, distinguish between depression and medical illness symptoms, and work within physical limitations (hearing loss, mobility issues).
Systemic and Financial Barriers: Medicare reimbursement is lower than private insurance, nursing homes may lack private space for therapy sessions, and transportation issues limit elderly clients' access to care. You may need to advocate for patients within healthcare systems.
Ethical Complexity: You'll navigate difficult situations around capacity and autonomy (when does someone lack capacity to make decisions?), balancing patient wishes with family concerns, end-of-life decision-making, and reporting requirements for suspected elder abuse.
Limited Treatment Options: Many conditions (Alzheimer's, other dementias) have no cure. Your interventions focus on quality of life and symptom management rather than cure, which can feel frustrating compared to other areas of psychology.
Profound Rewards
Making a Real Difference: Your work directly improves quality of life during vulnerable times. You help people maintain dignity and autonomy as they age, reduce suffering for both patients and families, and provide comfort during life's final chapter.
Meaningful Relationships: Despite cognitive decline, many elderly clients retain their essential personalities and life stories. You'll hear remarkable life histories from people who lived through major historical events, form connections across generational divides, and witness resilience and wisdom.
Intellectual Engagement: The work offers continuous learning at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, and medicine. You'll engage with the latest research on cognitive aging and continually refine diagnostic and therapeutic skills.
Job Security and Flexibility: The critical workforce shortage means geropsychologists are in high demand. You'll have excellent job security, multiple practice setting options, and opportunities to shape your career path.
Supporting Families: You don't just help individual patients. You support entire family systems navigating difficult transitions, help adult children cope with caregiving stress, facilitate difficult conversations about end-of-life wishes, and provide education that improves care quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a geriatric psychologist?
The complete pathway takes 8-12 years after earning your bachelor's degree: 5-7 years for your doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), 1 year for APA-accredited internship (often during final doctoral year), 1-2 years for postdoctoral fellowship (optional but recommended), plus additional time to complete licensure requirements and board certification. Most people enter independent practice as geropsychologists in their early-to-mid 30s.
What's the difference between geriatric psychology and geropsychology?
These terms are used interchangeably, but "geropsychology" is the preferred modern term within the field. The American Psychological Association uses "geropsychology" in its Division 20 (Adult Development and Aging). Both refer to the same specialty focused on psychological aspects of aging and mental health care for elderly populations.
Do I need a PhD or will a PsyD work for geriatric psychology?
Both degrees qualify you for licensure and practice as a geropsychologist. A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) emphasizes research and is ideal if you want an academic career, research position, or to combine clinical work with research. A PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) emphasizes clinical training and is perfect if you plan primarily clinical practice in hospitals, nursing homes, or private practice. Choose based on your career goals, but both are equally respected in clinical settings.
What is the American Board of Geropsychology certification?
The American Board of Geropsychology (ABGero) offers board certification in geropsychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). It's an optional credential that demonstrates specialized expertise. Requirements include active licensure, doctoral degree, specialized training, minimum 1,500 clinical hours with elderly adults, and passing written and oral examinations. While not required to practice, board certification can enhance credibility, increase earning potential, and demonstrate commitment to the specialty.
Can I specialize in geropsychology during my doctoral program?
Yes, but it's not required. Some doctoral programs offer formal geropsychology tracks or concentrations. More commonly, you'll pursue geropsychology interests through elective coursework in aging and gerontology, research with faculty studying aging-related topics, practicum placements in geriatric settings, and dissertation research on aging-related topics. Many psychologists develop their geropsychology specialty during postdoctoral training rather than during the doctoral program.
What are the best schools for geropsychology training?
Look for APA-accredited doctoral programs with faculty conducting aging research, clinical training sites serving elderly populations, and coursework in gerontology. Strong programs include University of Colorado Colorado Springs (Geropsychology PhD program), University of Southern California, University of Michigan, Penn State University, West Virginia University, and programs affiliated with VA medical centers. The Council of Professional Geropsychology Training Programs maintains a directory of training opportunities.
How much do geriatric psychologists make per year?
According to 2023 BLS data, the median salary for clinical and counseling psychologists (which includes geropsychologists) is $96,100 annually. Geropsychologists with specialized training often earn $100,000-$140,000, with board-certified specialists in private practice or medical settings earning $130,000-$180,000+. Starting salaries for early-career psychologists range from $60,000-$80,000.
Is there high demand for geriatric psychologists?
Yes, demand is exceptionally high and growing. Only about 5% of psychologists specialize in geriatrics, yet nearly 20% of Americans will be 65+ by 2030. The aging Baby Boomer generation is creating unprecedented need, particularly for psychologists trained in dementia care, end-of-life issues, and chronic illness adjustment. The American Psychological Association has identified geropsychology as a critical workforce shortage area.
Can I practice geriatric psychology with a master's degree?
No, you cannot practice as a licensed psychologist with only a master's degree. Psychology licensure requires a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in all U.S. states. However, master's degree holders can work with elderly populations as licensed professional counselors (LPC), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), or marriage and family therapists (LMFT). These professionals provide valuable mental health services but have different training and scope of practice than psychologists.
What's the difference between a geriatric psychologist and a geriatric psychiatrist?
Both work with elderly populations' mental health, but they have different training and roles. Geriatric psychologists hold doctoral degrees in psychology (PhD or PsyD), provide psychotherapy and psychological assessment, conduct neuropsychological evaluations, and cannot prescribe medication in most states. Geriatric psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who completed medical school and psychiatry residency, can prescribe psychiatric medications, focus more on biological/medical aspects of mental illness, and typically provide medication management rather than psychotherapy. They often collaborate on complex cases.
Do I need a postdoctoral fellowship in geropsychology?
While not always legally required for licensure, a postdoctoral fellowship in geropsychology is highly recommended and increasingly expected. These 1-2 year programs provide specialized training beyond your doctoral program, advanced clinical experience with complex geriatric cases, mentorship from experienced geropsychologists, and competitive advantage in the job market. Many employers prefer or require fellowship training for specialized geropsychology positions.
What states pay geriatric psychologists the highest salaries?
According to 2023 BLS data, the highest-paying states for clinical and counseling psychologists are New Jersey ($148,370 mean annual salary), California ($132,410), Oregon ($129,470), Rhode Island ($120,720), and Maine ($117,710). However, remember to factor in cost of living. States like Texas and Florida offer lower salaries but also lower living costs, potentially resulting in similar or better quality of life.
Can geriatric psychologists work remotely or offer telehealth services?
Yes, telehealth has expanded significantly for geropsychology services, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many geropsychologists now offer therapy and some types of assessment via videoconference. However, there are limitations: comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations typically require in-person administration, some elderly clients have difficulty with technology, and reimbursement policies for telehealth vary by state and insurance. Most geropsychologists use a hybrid model, offering some services remotely while maintaining in-person options for complex assessments.
Key Takeaways
- Geropsychology (geriatric psychology) is a specialized field within clinical psychology focusing on mental health, cognitive functioning, and emotional wellbeing of adults 65 and older, addressing unique challenges like dementia, depression, adjustment to chronic illness, and end-of-life issues.
- Becoming a geriatric psychologist requires extensive education: 4 years for a bachelor's degree, 5-7 years for a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited program, 1 year of APA-accredited internship, 1-2 years of postdoctoral fellowship (recommended), and passing state licensure exams. The complete timeline is 8-12 years.
- Employment opportunities exist in diverse settings including hospitals and medical centers, nursing homes and memory care facilities, outpatient mental health clinics, private practice, academic institutions, VA medical centers, and consulting roles. Each setting offers different advantages in terms of salary, autonomy, and type of work.
- Geropsychologists earn strong salaries, with 2023 BLS data showing a median of $96,100 annually for clinical and counseling psychologists. Specialists with board certification and advanced training often earn $100,000-$140,000+, with top earners in private practice or medical settings exceeding $150,000-$170,000.
- The job outlook is exceptional due to critical workforce shortage (only 5% of psychologists specialize in geriatrics), rapid aging of the population (65+ demographic reaching 80 million by 2040), and increased recognition of mental health importance in elderly care. Job growth is projected to significantly exceed the 6% average for all psychologists.
- Optional board certification through the American Board of Geropsychology (ABGero) demonstrates specialized expertise and can enhance career opportunities and credibility, though it's not required to practice.
- The work is intellectually challenging and emotionally rewarding but can be demanding, requiring strong skills in complex assessment, interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural competence, emotional resilience, and self-care to prevent burnout while regularly confronting decline, loss, and end-of-life issues.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you're drawn to meaningful work with vulnerable populations, enjoy intellectual challenge at the intersection of psychology and medicine, and want a career with strong job security and growth potential, geropsychology might be your ideal path.
The field needs dedicated professionals like you. With America's aging population, there's never been a better time to pursue this specialty. You'll face challenges, but you'll also experience the profound reward of improving quality of life for elderly adults and their families during life's most difficult transitions.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
