Evidence Based Treatment for Later Life Depression 

Overview: Depression is the second leading cause of disability in the U.S. Specific groups of older adults are at risk, but underserved due to the national workforce shortage of behavioral health providers trained in aging. This workshop will train clinicians to identify and respond to age-related challenges in depression assessment and intervention. Topics covered include use of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy conceptualization to inform assessment, development of treatment goals, and implementation of CBT approaches with middle-aged and older adult clients. This approach includes screening for cognitive impairment along with utilizing common modifications to behavioral activation (rationale, assessing, systematically tracking, and increasing pleasant events over time), relaxation training, mood monitoring, and cognitive reappraisal that are helpful for many older clients. Further, training will address ways to use printed aids provided at the workshop to help with communication, structuring sessions and maintaining focus - all critical to effective and professionally rewarding treatment with this complex population. 

Ann Steffen, Ph.D., ABPP is a board-certified geropsychologist and Professor of Psychological Sciences at the University of Missouri - St. Louis. In addition to teaching, clinical supervision and research in mental health and aging, she has a part-time private practice with older adults and family caregivers.

Suzann Ogland-Hand, Ph.D. is a geropsychologist in private practice in Grand Rapids, MI and is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Michigan State University. She focuses on family caregiving, treatment-resistant depression across the adult lifespan, and personal and family adjustment to chronic health problems, including neurocognitive disorders. She co-authored the book, Assessing & Treating Late-life Depression: A Casebook and Resource Guide.

Objectives:

At the conclusion of the workshop, the participant will be able to:

• Describe age-related features of depression & select age-appropriate assessments.
• Identify key considerations in psychotherapy with middle-aged and older adult patients.
• Implement at least one evidence-based modification for CBT with older adults.
• Develop a personal plan for implementing evidence-based strategies for depression.
• Create a professional development plan for further competencies working with middle-aged and older adults.

Who Should Attend: This intermediate level workshop is appropriate for behavioral health providers, case workers, and clinical supervisors. 

Schedule:

8:00 - 8:30 am

Registration and light continental breakfast

8:30 - 10:00 

Later-life Depression Features & Assessment Domains

10:00 - 10:10

Break

10:10 - 11:40

Assessment Tools in Practice & Treatment Planning

11:40 - 12:50 pm

Lunch (on your own)

12:50 - 2:20

Behavioral Activation

2:20 - 2:30 

Break

2:30 - 4:00

Cognitive Reappraisal Strategies & Professional Development Resources

Register Now!