Geriatric Counseling

How to Become a Geriatric Counselor

Geriatric Counseling (also known as gerontological or geriatric LPC’s) assist individuals and families with issues that relate to the aging process. The aging process is not always easy and there are times when a trained geriatric counselor is needed. The types of issues could include one or more of the following: the retirement years; interpersonal discord; money concerns; memory loss; and illness. One of the major concerns among the elderly is losing so many friends and family. The issues of illness and death become much more common as individuals enter their older years.

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Many fear the future of what could happen should they become disabled in some way. It proves a challenge for many adults to face the less-than-pleasant aspects of aging. As they age, some adults may approach their “Golden Years” with the anticipation of retirement, grandchildren, and having relaxation time. Others may truly fear the possibility of physical and mental adverse effects of aging. It may also be difficult for some older adults to face mortality. Another major concern is what to do with the challenge of attending to basic needs when experiencing the ill-effects of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Geriatric counselors assist individuals and families with issues that relate to the aging process. There could be challenges of the retirement years, interpersonal discord, memory loss, and illness. Many of the elderly have to deal with the emotional pain of losing so many friends and family. As a geriatric counselor, you are often helping patients with the frustration of impairments in hearing, vision, or mobility. The loss of independence or dignity is another realistic fear. Geriatric counselors often have to work with their patients on the issue of worsening mental illness as they age. A special fondness for the elderly definitely comes in handy when choosing this profession.

Some other challenges that can present to the elderly are the following: impairments in hearing, vision, or mobility, and worsening of overall health. Nobody looks forward to the possibility of loss of independence and/or dignity. Geriatric counselors often assist the elderly with issues that are separate from, but accompanying, the aging process. Some elderly individuals have had lifelong struggles with mental illness, for instance. Often, the aging process can exacerbate mental illness. Geriatric counselors are there to help. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that jobs for Geriatric Counselors will grow 37% through 2020.   According to The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, general counselors make an annual average salary between $26,110 and $72,810.

Geriatric LPC and Certification

If you feel that you want to pursue the career of geriatric counselor, you can begin the process by securing a Bachelor’s degree in a field such as counseling, social work, or psychology. Gain experience in the field! Your degree and experience will provide you an excellent foundation needed to effectively apply to a quality Master’s program. The admissions teams at the schools of your choice will know that you are serious. Many professionals choose to add to their repertoire by gaining knowledge of the geriatric population. If you already have a license in a related field, you can develop graduate certification in gerontological counseling. Become a Geriatric Counselor Continuing education is often a great idea. If your state requires continuing education for your license renewal, you might be allowed to select courses that pertain to the geriatric population, such as: depression in older adults, and clinical neuropathology and health assessments.

Career Outlook and Salary for Geriatric LPC’s

Geriatric counseling is a growing field. Two factors have led to this:
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted 37% growth of counseling positions between 2010 and 2020.
  • The number of individuals 65 and over is growing, and Baby Boomers seem to be more and more open-minded to the benefits of counseling.
Cost considerations lead many insurance companies to prefer counselors over other mental health providers. There is currently a push from the American Counseling Association, and others, to allow for Medicare coverage of professional counseling.

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