Every day 10,000 baby boomers turn 65, and by 2030 more than 20% of US residents will be 65 or older. Mental health professionals must become familiar with the unique needs of this growing population. Using the APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice With Older Adults and the Pikes Peak Model for Training in Professional Geropsychology, this…

All mental health professionals and other human service providers have a responsibility to report known and suspected cases of child abuse and neglect in Alaska, and many of them have a legal obligation to do so. Mental health professionals are often in a unique position to see and hear clues about child abuse and neglect. Often persons who need…

Everytime an emergency telephone rings, the telephone worker may be faced with a life-threatening situation. An important decision facing the worker is whether to handle any given crisis call over the telephone, or to opt for a face-to-face contact. An inaccurate assessment or evaluation of a high-risk situation could contribute to serious…

Many training programs have been set up for volunteers and paraprofessionals who work with the elderly. These programs, however, tend to emphasize basic helping skills. Those already trained in basic psychotherapeutic techniques require advanced training in skills related to psychotherapy and counseling with older adults. The effectiveness of such…