Geropsychology Concentration

Clinical Geropsychology is an APA recognized specialty area that focuses on the mental health, mental illness, assessment and treatment of older adults. Geropsychology is one of the fastest growing specialty areas within the field of psychology, and those trained in this field can anticipate a broad range of interesting career opportunities.

The William James College pre-doctoral concentration in Geropsychology is designed to encourage and prepare students with an interest in working with older adults; an under- identified and underserved, albeit burgeoning, population. In addition to conducting clinical assessment and psychotherapies, psychologists trained at the doctoral level in Geropsychology can be expected to be recruited to design and implement community and clinical programs, direct departments and clinical centers, and assume a leading role in advocacy and public policy. The Geropsychology concentration offers interested students with a breadth of experience, knowledge and skills to meet the demands of this exciting professional field.

Watch Our Information Session on the Geropsychology Clinical PsyD Concentration.

In this April 2020 informational meeting, Concentration Director Dr. Katherine King and two current geropsychology students (Michelle Jolson and William Dean) discuss William James' geropsychology concentration, Dr. King's research and mentorship, field placement opportunities, the Gero Volunteer Corps, and more.

Enrollment Process

Interested students should speak with their advisor and the Concentration Director, Katherine King, PsyD (Katherine_king@williamjames.edu).

Students can identify their interest in the concentration upon matriculation or after their first year. Students will be expected to formally apply for entry into the concentration after the first year. Students may be able to enter the concentration after their second year at the discretion of the concentration director.

Once admitted to the concentration, students must maintain good academic standing or they will be withdrawn from the concentration.

Curriculum Map

Core Courses (11 credits)
CLI GE500 - Geropsychology (credits: 2)
CLI GE520 - Selected Topics in Clinical Geropsychology (credits: 2)
CLI GE540 - Geriatric Psychopharmacology (credits: 2)
CLI NP550 - Functional Neuroanatomy (credits: 3) (Meets general clinical requirements as well as concentration requirements, thus does not reduce the number of elective credits)
One additional elective from list below (credits: 2)

Electives
CLI NP650 - Neuropsychology of Aging (credits: 2)
CLI HP530 - Theoretical Foundations in Clinical Health Psychology (credits: 2)
CLI GR530 - Health Management for Older Adults (credits: 2) (offered summers through Harvard Medical School)

Field Education Requirements

1 Geropsychology specific placement

1 placement with substantial opportunity for work with older adults

An APA internship at a site where the majority of the training experience will be in Geropsychology is strongly recommended.

Doctoral Project Requirements

Students completing the Geropsychology concentration will be required to complete a doctoral project (DP) in the domain of Geropsychology. The director of the concentration must approve the DP, and at least one of the doctoral project committee members will be an identified geropsychologist.

Additional Requirements

Community service (focus on older adults)
Involvement in William James College Gero Volunteer Corps (GVC)
2 Continuing Education (CE) programs with gero-relevant content (at or outside William James College)
Attendance at 2 DP colloquia with a focus on geropsychology

Dr. Katherine King is an assistant professor and the director of the Geropsychology Program in the Clinical Psychology PsyD program. She is an alumna of William James College. Dr. King’s research and practice interests include Geropsychology, Geropsychology Training and Workforce Development, Minority and Global Aging, Meditation and Mindfulness, and Narrative Medicine in Veteran’s Healthcare. Read more about Dr. King’s coursework, research and publications.