Psychosocial Interventions for Older Adults with Serious Mental Illness

Course overview

In 2020, there were approximately 55.6 million individuals aged 65 or over. This older adult population represents 17% of Americans and is expected to grow another 5% by 2040 (Administration for Community Living, 2022). As the United States' older population increases, it is important to establish and utilize effective mental and emotional interventions that promote healthy aging. This is especially important for older adults experiencing serious mental illnesses. Mental health can best target this population's treatment needs by implementing comprehensive psychosocial interventions. This learning material is based on Psychosocial Interventions for Older Adults with Serious Mental Illness published by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and it presents practices, programs, and policies that best support older adults experiencing serious mental illness (SMI). The purpose of this course is to provide social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychologists with the information needed to implement client-centered and recovery-oriented services that improve health outcomes for older adults at risk, experiencing, or recovering from SMI. This learning material discusses current effective interventions as well as the challenges to implementing these approaches. Other topics examined in this learning material include guidance for selecting and implementing evidence-based programs, examples of programs for older adults experiencing SMI, and resources for evaluation and quality improvement. Upon completion of this course, providers will be able to apply evidence-based programs when supporting care coordination and recovery among older adults with SMI.