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Geriatric Counseling Outlook

While the collective projection for growth in employment opportunities for all professions is 5% through 2031, the employment outlook for those eyeing careers in home health and personal care is25%according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While the BLS doesn’t track data for geriatric counselors specifically, this upward trend in the home health sector could be indicative of an upswing in the demand for other senior services. In addition to this being one of the fastest growing professions in America, the factors for the marked increase in growth are substantially stable and  not subject to traditional market fluctuations.

Why the Growth?

There are multiple reasons for the positive career projections, all of which are crucial to a comprehensive understanding of your future geriatric patients and clients:

-Katherine K. Wallman

“I cannot tell you how excited I am about the new laws about insurance companies having to cover counseling. My grandmother was going through problems at her housing complex and I went to take her to a counselor who specialized in older people. I couldn’t afford to pay $90 even once a month, never mind once a week! Now I can take her and her insurance will have to pay!”

-Jeananne McDaniels, Grandaughter

“Have I needed help mentally? That’s like askin’ me if there’s ice in Alaska. Yup. I do. And now that I know I can get it and my health insurance is footin’ the bill, I am going to.”

-Charlie Farquher, Veteran of Vietnam War; Aged 64

-Dr. Jim Goodwin, Psy.D.

What Types of Positions Can a Geriatric Counselor Hold?

Private Practice: Geriatric Counselors are able to go into a private practice in which they set their own schedules and perform all other business related tasks. In fact, the American Psychological Association (APA) recently reported that over half of practitioners do soindependently. While this is definitely an option, many who specialize in the field are hard-pressed to recommend this option to anyone brand new to the field. Dr. Steven Walfish, PhD, is an Atlanta-based practitioner and president-elect of APA’s Division 42. He advises;

“Starting a practice fresh out of grad school isn’t always feasible. Besides entering a difficult economy and lacking community connections, chances are you haven’t yet acquired crucial financial and marketing acumen.”

-Steven Walfish, PhD

So what are other options?

Hopsitals:As more and more geriatric patients enter the healthcare system, the need for Geriatric Counselors will be expanding. Doctors determining that their elderly patients have specific conditions requiring mental health counseling will need to have resources at their disposal. This will apply both to public and private hospitals.

Medical Groups/Medical Clinics: Medical groups and clinics dealing specifically with geriatric health issues are positioned to need a Geriatric Counselor on staff or on-call.Featured Gerontology Programs

Ways for Geriatric Counselors to Increase Desirability as a Job Candidate

Ways for a Geriatric Counselor to Increase His/Her Salary

Educational Advancement: If you are already employed as a Geriatric Counselor and you desire a salary increase; check with the human resources department of your employer. Quite often agencies and institutions offer incentive programs for their employees desiring to further their education. While some may even pay all or a part of tuition, others may guarantee a salary increase upon competition. If that is not possible, furthering your education on your own time will greatly increase your chances of securing a position elsewhere at a substantial increase in pay.

Specialize:Colleges and Universities offerclasses, certificate and degreesto help you take your chosen profession a step further; this signals to your employer that you have specialized within the practice of gerontology. The American Psychological Association also advises that it is wise to find a “niche.” Continuing education is valuable to your employer and it is a tool which you can use when requesting a salary increase.

2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures forhome health and personal careare based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.

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