APA Division 12/II: Society of Clinical Geropsychology

Mission: The purposes of this Section shall be to promote the general objectives of the American Psychological Association and the Division of Clinical Psychology; to support and to encourage the evolution and development of the subspecialty of clinical geropsychology in both its scientific and professional aspects; to increase scientific understanding of the mental health of older adults; to promote the development of models for the delivery of psychological services to older adults, as well as other ways of enhancing the welfare and mental health of older adults; to foster collaboration and the sharing of information among clinical geropsychologists; and to increase the quality and availability of training opportunities in clinical geropsychology.

APA Division 20: Adult Development & Aging

Mission: The Division on Adult Development and Aging (Division 20) of the American Psychological Association strives to advance the study of psychological development and change throughout the adult years. We invite membership from psychologists who provide services to older adults, conduct research on adult development and aging, or are interested in learning more about or teaching life span development and aging. The division has a strong mentorship focus; we invite and encourage participation from students and emerging professionals who share our interests.

Council of Professional Geropsychology Training Programs (CoPGTP)

Mission: The Council of Professional Geropsychology Training Programs seeks to assist and recognize academic institutions, internship and fellowship programs, and continuing education providers dedicated to the principles and practice of professional geropsychology. Each member of the Council is committed to providing training consistent with the Pikes Peak Model for Training in Professional Geropsychology, in terms of the attitude, knowledge, and skill competencies and core features of training for professional geropsychology practice. The mission of the Council is to promote state-of-the-art education and training in geropsychology among its members, to provide a forum for sharing resources and advancements in and among training programs, and to support activities that prepare psychologists for competent and ethical geropsychology practice.

Psychologists in Long Term Care (PLTC)

Mission: Psychologists In Long Term Care, Inc. (PLTC) is a network of psychologists and other professionals dedicated to providing high quality mental health services in long-term care settings, including skilled nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and congregate housing.

APA Office on Aging

The Office on Aging is a coordination point for APA activities pertaining to aging and geropsychology (the field within psychology devoted to older adult issues). The Office on Aging also supports the work of the APA Committee on Aging (CONA).

Committee on Aging (CONA)

There shall be a Committee on Aging that shall concern itself with furthering the major purpose of APA to advance psychology as a science and profession and as a means of promoting health and human welfare by ensuring that older adults, especially the growing numbers of older women and minorities, receive the attention of the Association. Specifically, the Committee will pursue the following goals:

  • Science: Provide strong and visible advocacy for a scientific agenda on aging to policymakers and private and public funding agencies.
  • Practice: Promote the practice of psychology by advocating policies that enhance the availability and reimbursement of health and mental health services to older adults and their families.
  • Policy: Contribute to the formulation and support of public policies and associated regulations that promote optimal development of older adults, facilitate psychological practice with older persons, and expand scientific understanding of adult development and aging.
  • Education: Promote inclusion of knowledge about adult development and aging in all levels of education, including continuing education, training programs, and professional development of psychologists.
  • Public Interest: Promote the application of psychological knowledge to the well being of older people, with special attention to the influences of gender, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, and family in science, practice and policy relating to older adults.
  • Public Affairs: Develop and disseminate information concerning the scientific findings and practice issues about older adults to psychologists, other professionals, policymakers, and the public.
  • APA: Serve as a visible focus for the coordination of information among groups within APA that address aging issues and offer consultation to relevant APA boards, committees, divisions, state associations, and directorates; also ensure that older members of APA receive the appropriate attention of the association