Geropsychologist Career Guide: Salary, Outlook & Jobs in 2025
Geropsychologists specialize in helping elderly patients cope with aging-related psychological issues like depression, anxiety, dementia, and major life transitions. With America's population aged 65 and older expected to grow from 58 million in 2022 to 94.7 million by 2060, demand for geropsychologists is increasing rapidly. These specialists work in VA hospitals, nursing homes, research facilities, and private practice. Mental health counselors in this field earn median annual salaries between $59,190 and $98,210, according to BLS data (accessed October 2025).
As America's population ages, the need for mental health professionals who specialize in working with older adults has never been greater. Geropsychologists play a vital role in helping seniors navigate the unique psychological challenges that come with aging, from coping with loss and retirement to managing age-related cognitive changes and chronic health conditions.
With the U.S. Census Bureau projecting that the population age 65 and older will reach 82 million by 2040, the field of geropsychology offers exceptional career opportunities for psychology professionals who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of elderly patients.
- What is Geropsychology?
- Career Outlook & Job Demand
- Salary & Compensation
- Career Paths & Job Settings
- Educational Requirements
- Increasing Your Desirability as a Candidate
- Strategies to Increase Your Salary
- Networking & Professional Development
- Continuing Education Opportunities
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
What is Geropsychology?
Geropsychology is a specialized branch of clinical psychology focused on understanding and treating the mental health needs of older adults. The term combines "gero" (meaning old age) with psychology to describe professionals who work specifically with elderly populations.
These specialized psychologists assist older patients in addressing the unique psychological challenges that accompany aging. Death of loved ones, retirement, disease, age-related disorders, and escalating physical limitations create distinct mental health issues that require specialized knowledge and compassionate care.
Geropsychologists provide essential services, including:
- Assessment and treatment of depression and anxiety in older adults
- Cognitive evaluations for dementia and Alzheimer's disease
- Therapy to help individuals cope with major life changes and transitions
- Support for family members and caregivers
- Consultation on age-appropriate treatment approaches
- Assistance in improvingthe quality of life and maintaining independence
Career Outlook & Job Demand
The career outlook for geropsychologists is exceptionally strong. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population age 65 and older is expected to grow from 58 million in 2022 to 94.7 million by 2060, representing a 63% increase. By 2060, older adults will represent nearly one in four U.S. residents.
This demographic shift creates what Dr. Kori D. Novak, Ph.D., co-principal founder of the MELLIVORA GROUP, calls a "fairly budding area" with tremendous growth potential. The estimated future demand for geropsychologists is expected to outpace the supply of trained professionals, creating excellent career opportunities.
According to the American Geriatrics Society and the Institute of Medicine, America will need between 18,000 and 30,000 geriatric mental health specialists by 2030 to accommodate the healthcare demands of aging Baby Boomers, depending on policy assumptions. This shortage means qualified geropsychologists and psychology graduates have a wide range of job openings ahead.
"There will not be enough geropsychologists trained to treat the increasing demand for psychological services. Any training or expertise in this area will open up possibilities." – Dr. Tobi Abramson, Ph.D., Director of Mental Health Counseling at New York Institute of Technology
Salary & Compensation
Geropsychologists can expect competitive salaries that reflect their specialized training and the growing demand for their services. According to BLS data for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors (accessed October 2025), compensation varies based on experience, setting, and geographic location. While these figures represent mental health counselors broadly rather than licensed geropsychologists specifically, they provide a useful benchmark for professionals working with elderly populations.
National Salary Overview for Mental Health Counselors
| Percentile | Annual Salary | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $39,090 | Entry-level positions |
| 25th Percentile | $47,170 | Early career professionals |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $59,190 | Mid-career professionals |
| 75th Percentile | $76,230 | Experienced professionals |
| 90th Percentile | $98,210 | Top earners with specialization |
It's worth noting that licensed geropsychologists with doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and clinical psychology licensure typically earn salaries on the higher end of this spectrum, particularly those in private practice or specialized settings, such as VA hospitals and research institutions. Doctoral-level psychologists generally earn significantly more than master's-level mental health counselors.
Career Paths & Job Settings
Qualified geropsychologists have diverse career options across multiple settings. According to Dr. Abramson, professionals in this field can pursue several distinct career paths.
Healthcare & Clinical Settings
Many geropsychologists work directly with patients in healthcare environments. You can become a counselor in a hospital, outpatient center, inpatient facility, or rehabilitation center where you'll provide individual and group therapy, conduct assessments, and collaborate with medical teams to address the psychological aspects of aging and illness.
You might also specialize in diagnosing and treating serious mental health problems related to old age, such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. These specialists work in memory clinics, diagnostic centers, or neurology centers where they conduct cognitive evaluations and develop treatment plans.
VA Hospital Settings
Veteran's Affairs hospitals are major leaders in supplying geropsychology jobs. In these settings, staff psychologists conduct cognitive and mood assessments, lead individual and group therapy, teach and supervise psychology trainees, and hold consultations with families. VA positions offer excellent benefits, job security, and the opportunity to serve those who have served.
Long-Term Care Facilities
In nursing homes and long-term care facilities, geropsychologists play an important role during residents' adjustment periods. You'll help new patients transition into their new living environment, making them feel more at ease regarding their surroundings and this new chapter of life. Responsibilities include coordinating events, counseling patients, and developing practices that help facilities provide better support to residents.
Government & Policy Settings
Some geropsychologists work for government agencies that serve the elderly. Duties include educating caregivers about dementia, offering grief and bereavement support, and developing health promotion programs that concentrate on meeting the needs of older adults. These behind-the-scenes roles shape policies and programs that impact thousands of seniors.
Research & Academic Settings
When employed at research institutions like the National Institutes of Health or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, geropsychologists work on developing and guiding evidence-based practices. Academic settings also offer opportunities as teachers, trainers, or supervisors of students, interns, and emerging professionals.
Private Practice & Consulting
Many geropsychologists establish private practices where they provide psychotherapy to individuals, groups, couples, and families. Some work out of primary doctors' offices, dental practices, or lawyers' offices to provide integrated care. Others work with lawyers to provide assessments of legal capacity or testify in court on matters related to elderly care and decision-making.
"Some psychologists work with lawyers to provide assessments of legal capacity or testify for the courts." – Dr. Tobi Abramson, Ph.D.
Non-Traditional Settings
Thinking creatively about employment options can open additional doors. As Dr. Novak notes, "Prisons, specialty psychology practices, hospices, and even religious organizations are seeing the benefit of providing specialty care to this population." These non-traditional settings offer unique opportunities to serve underserved elderly populations.
Another emerging area is providing services for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. This specialized niche combines geropsychology with family and child psychology to address the unique challenges facing these families.
Educational Requirements
Becoming a geropsychologist requires substantial education and training. The typical pathway includes several key steps.
Educational Pathway
| Degree Level | Typical Duration | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree in Psychology | 4 years | Foundation in psychology, statistics, research methods |
| Master's Degree in Psychology or Counseling | 2-3 years | Advanced coursework, practicum experience, possible thesis |
| Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) | 4-7 years | Specialized training, dissertation, clinical hours |
| Postdoctoral Training | 1-2 years | Supervised clinical experience in geropsychology |
| Licensure | Varies by state | Pass EPPP exam, meet supervised hour requirements |
The total time from a bachelor's degree to a licensed geropsychologist typically ranges from 8 to 12 years. However, some professionals enter the field with master 's-level credentials and work under supervision while pursuing advanced degrees.
For those interested in pursuing this career path, exploring doctoral programs in psychology is an essential first step. Many universities now offer specialized tracks or concentrations in geropsychology within their clinical psychology programs.
Sponsored Geropsychology Degree Programs
Learn more about related educational pathways, including how to become a gerontologist, social gerontologist, or biogerontologist. You can also explore degrees in gerontology for related career options.
Increasing Your Desirability as a Job Candidate
To stand out in the competitive field of geropsychology, it's important to demonstrate your commitment to the specialty and stay at the forefront of the industry.
Professional Development Activities
Dr. Novak suggests getting involved in professional conferences by attending and presenting papers. Continuing education is also crucial, whether through a master's degree, doctorate, or certificate program. Keeping up with policy changes at the local, state, and national levels can also make a job candidate more desirable.
"Showing employers that you are committed to the specialty is important. This can be through additional research, volunteer work, as well as education." – Dr. Kori D. Novak, Ph.D.
Key Attributes Employers Seek
Employers typically look for geropsychologists who possess:
- Deep understanding of aging: Biological, social, and psychological aspects of the aging process
- Clinical knowledge: Mental health disorders, their causes, and effects on aging populations
- Compassion and empathy: Understanding for the elderly and their unique struggles
- Patience: Ability to build good personal relationships with older adults who may have cognitive or physical limitations
- Communication skills: Excellent listening skills and the ability to communicate effectively with patients and families
- Stress management: Ability to handle emotionally demanding situations
Demonstrating Your Expertise
Beyond formal education, you can demonstrate your commitment through additional research, volunteer work with elderly populations, and specialized training. Consider pursuing certifications in related areas such as dementia care, palliative care, or family caregiving support.
Strategies to Increase Your Salary
With the increased availability of quality online gerontology programs and other educational opportunities, additional education not only increases your worth to employers but also allows you to command a higher salary.
Education & Credentials
The most direct path to higher compensation is advancing your education. Moving from a master's degree to a doctoral degree typically results in significant salary increases. Board certification in geropsychology through organizations such as the American Board of Professional Psychology can also enhance earning potential.
Expanding Your Services
You can increase earning potential by offering additional services such as:
- Consultations with companies and agencies such as Employee Assistance Programs
- Case management services
- Expert witness testimony in legal cases
- Assessments of legal capacity and competency
- Training and supervision of other professionals
Building Your Professional Profile
Getting published in professional journals, adding speaking engagements to your resume, and hosting webinars for students and graduates all enhance your professional reputation and can lead to higher compensation. Starting a part-time or full-time private practice can also lead to increased earnings.
Cross-Training & Specialization
Dr. Novak highlights cross-training as a way to increase salary. This may include incorporating religious elements (as chaplains do), becoming a medical provider (such as a CNA, LPN, or RN), or becoming a certified caregiver. These additional skills make you more valuable to employers and open up new service opportunities.
Marketing & Community Engagement
Outside of pursuing higher education, Dr. Novak suggests putting effort into enhancing your own marketability and PR. Getting involved in the community through churches, PTAs, Rotary clubs, or volunteer work increases your opportunities for growing your client base.
"Simply telling people what you do, getting involved in the community in one way or another and putting yourself out there increases your opportunities for growing the client base." – Dr. Kori D. Novak, Ph.D.
Industry-Specific Conferences
Dr. Novak also suggests seeking out industry-specific conferences relevant to your field, such as long-term care, health insurance, corrections, or palliative care. Starting a specialty group can help establish yourself as a thought leader in geropsychology.
Networking & Professional Development
Networking plays a crucial role in finding jobs and staying current in the field. It's an invaluable resource for geropsychologists at all career stages.
Professional Organizations
Geropsychologists can network through professional organizations, many of which hold local meet-and-greets, conferences, and workshops. For example, within state psychological associations, there are often divisions focused on Adult Development and Aging that hold educational workshops for professionals and students, while also providing networking opportunities.
Key organizations for geropsychologists include:
- American Society on Aging (ASA): Offers conferences, publications, and networking for aging-focused professionals
- Gerontological Society of America (GSA): Hosts annual conferences connecting researchers and practitioners
- American Psychological Association (APA): Division 20 (Adult Development and Aging) focuses specifically on geropsychology
- Society of Clinical Geropsychology: Specialized organization for clinical practitioners
- International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA): Global network for mental health professionals working with older adults
- Psychologists in Long Term Care (PLTC): An Organization focused on psychologists working in nursing homes and assisted living
Conferences & Events
Conferences offered on state, national, and international levels provide ample opportunities for geropsychologists to network. Annual conferences hosted by organizations such as the American Society on Aging, the Gerontological Society of America, and the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education provide psychology students and professionals with opportunities to connect with keynote speakers, participate in workshops, and engage in socializing, debating, and sharing ideas and research.
There are also discipline-specific conferences to consider, such as those held by the American Psychological Association's Division on Aging. Many states host "Behavioral Health and aging" conferences. The best way to find these is through online searches or by calling state agencies on aging.
"Many states have 'behavioral health and aging' conferences. The best way to find those is through online searches or call state agencies on aging." – Dr. Kori D. Novak, Ph.D.
Continuing Education Opportunities
Beyond state-approved continuing education (CE) programs available to psychologists, geropsychologists can earn CE credits related to their field through the APA and other organizations. In addition to providing an opportunity to develop professionally, continuing education helps expand your overall knowledge of potential patients and clients.
Relevant CE Topics
The American Psychological Association offers continuing education on topics specifically relevant to geropsychology, including:
- Advance Care Planning at the End of Life
- Positive Aging: An Innovative Approach to Counseling Older Adults
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Cognitive Changes at the End of Life
- Evidence-Based Treatments for Late-Life Depression
- Working with Family Caregivers
- Cultural Competence in Geriatric Care
These courses not only fulfill licensure requirements but also keep you current with the latest research and best practices in geropsychology.
Frequently Asked Questions About Geropsychology Careers
What does a geropsychologist do on a daily basis?
Geropsychologists spend their days conducting psychological assessments, providing individual and group therapy, consulting with medical teams and families, and developing treatment plans for elderly patients. They may evaluate cognitive function, diagnose conditions like depression or dementia, and help patients cope with life transitions. Administrative tasks like documentation, case management, and continuing education are also part of the daily routine.
How much do geropsychologists make?
According to BLS data (accessed October 2025), mental health professionals working with elderly populations earn a median annual salary of $59,190. Entry-level positions typically start around $39,090, while experienced professionals can earn between $76,230 and $98,210 or more. Licensed geropsychologists with doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in private practice or specialized settings typically earn at the higher end of this range or above, as these figures represent mental health counselors broadly, rather than specifically doctoral-level psychologists.
What degree do you need to become a geropsychologist?
Most geropsychologists hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in clinical psychology with specialized training in geriatrics. The typical path includes a bachelor's degree in psychology (4 years), a master's degree (2-3 years), a doctoral degree (4-7 years), and postdoctoral training (1-2 years). You'll also need to obtain licensure in your state, which requires passing the EPPP exam and completing supervised clinical hours.
Is geropsychology in high demand?
Yes, geropsychology is experiencing a rapidly growing demand. With America's 65+ population expected to double by 2060, there's a significant shortage of trained geropsychologists. The American Geriatrics Society estimates we'll need about 30,000 geriatric mental health specialists by 2030. This means excellent job prospects for qualified professionals in the coming decades.
Where do geropsychologists work?
Geropsychologists work in diverse settings, including VA hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, research institutions, universities, government agencies, and private practices. Some work in specialized settings like memory clinics, hospice programs, or as consultants to assisted living facilities. The variety of settings offers flexibility to match your interests and lifestyle preferences.
How long does it take to become a geropsychologist?
The complete path from a bachelor's degree to a licensed geropsychologist typically takes 8 to 12 years. This includes 4 years for a bachelor's degree, 2-3 years for a master's degree (optional but common), 4-7 years for a doctoral degree, 1-2 years of postdoctoral training, and additional time to complete licensure requirements. Some professionals begin working in the field with master 's-level credentials while pursuing their doctorate.
Can I specialize in geropsychology without a doctoral degree?
While most geropsychologists hold doctoral degrees, a master's degree in counseling or social work is sufficient to work with elderly populations. Master 's-level mental health counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists often specialize in geriatric care. However, career advancement opportunities and salary potential are typically greater with a doctoral degree and a psychologist licensure.
Key Takeaways
Essential Points About Geropsychology Careers
- Growing Demand: America's aging population (expected to grow from 58 million in 2022 to 94.7 million by 2060) creates exceptional career opportunities with demand expected to outpace the supply of trained geropsychologists.
- Competitive Compensation: Mental health counselors working with elderly populations earn median annual salaries of $59,190 to $98,210, with doctoral-level licensed psychologists typically earning at the higher end or above this range, particularly in specialized settings.
- Diverse Career Options: Work settings include VA hospitals, nursing homes, private practice, research institutions, government agencies, and specialized clinics.
- Substantial Education Required: Most positions require a doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) with specialized training in geriatrics, which typically takes 8-12 years to complete.
- Meaningful Impact: Geropsychologists help elderly patients maintain a high quality of life, cope with major life transitions, and address mental health challenges unique to aging.
Ready to Launch Your Career in Geropsychology?
The aging of America's Baby Boomer generation creates unprecedented opportunities for mental health professionals who specialize in geriatric care. With demand projected to significantly outpace the number of trained professionals, now is an ideal time to enter this rewarding and meaningful field.
Whether you're drawn to clinical work with patients, research on aging and cognition, policy development, or academic teaching, geropsychology offers diverse career paths that combine professional growth with the satisfaction of improving lives. Explore accredited doctoral psychology programs with geropsychology specializations to begin your journey toward this fulfilling career.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, Psychologists-All Other; Psychiatric Techs; Psychiatrists; Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors; Marriage & Family Therapists; and Social Workers are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.