# Geropsychology Programs & Careers: Training for a Growing Need
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**Featured Image:**
[A psychologist and an elderly woman sit in an office, both smiling, with bookshelves and certificates in the background.] (https://psychdegreestarter.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/09/Geropsychology-1.jpg)
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**Author:** Psych Degree Starter Editorial Team
**Published:** September 28, 2026
**Updated:** September 28, 2026
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The U.S. population is aging rapidly. According to the [U.S. Census Bureau’s estimates] (https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-national-detail.html) , the number of Americans age 65 and older reached 64.6 million in 2025, an increase of 15.5% from 2020. Yet geropsychology remains a relatively uncommon specialization. One [national survey] (https://doi.org/10.1037/tep0000206) of licensed doctoral psychologists found only 1.2% identified it as their primary specialty, although 37.2% frequently served older adults.
## **What Is Geropsychology?**
Geropsychology is a recognized psychology specialty focused on aging and the needs of older adults and their families. Geropsychologists may address depression, anxiety, cognitive changes, chronic illness, disability, grief, caregiving and transitions involving independence or living arrangements. Their work can include assessment, psychotherapy, family support, research, teaching and program development.
Geropsychology overlaps with several other [types of psychologists] (https://psychdegreestarter.com/careers/types-of-psychologists/) , including clinical, counseling, health and neuropsychologists. The distinction lies primarily in specialized knowledge of adult development, aging and the systems that affect older adults. Neuropsychology, for example, focuses more specifically on relationships between the brain, cognition and behavior, while geropsychology addresses a broader range of concerns associated with later life.
Geropsychology also differs from gerontology, the multidisciplinary study of aging, and geriatric psychiatry, a medical specialty practiced by physicians. Not every psychologist who treats an older adult is a geropsychologist; the specialty requires relevant education, supervised experience and practice.
## **What Are Geropsychology Programs?**
Students exploring geropsychology programs may find relatively few degrees carrying that exact name. More often, psychologists develop expertise in aging through coursework, research, supervised experience, internships and postdoctoral training. “Geropsychology programs” can refer to education and training at several stages rather than one standardized degree type.
| **Training level** | **Common options** | **Typical purpose** |
| Undergraduate | Psychology major, gerontology minor or certificate, aging research | Explore the field and prepare for graduate study |
| Master’s | Psychology, gerontology, counseling or related study | Build knowledge of aging or prepare for doctoral study or related roles |
| Doctoral | Health service psychology program with aging-focused training | Prepare for psychologist licensure and specialized practice |
| Internship | Rotations serving older adults | Develop supervised clinical competencies |
| Postdoctoral | Geropsychology residency or fellowship | Obtain concentrated specialty training |
| Post-licensure | Continuing education, supervision and board certification | Develop or document specialty competence |
At the doctoral level, training may include a concentration, specialized courses, faculty-led research or supervised work with older adults. A program can provide substantial preparation without awarding a degree specifically titled “geropsychology.”
The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits doctoral programs in health service psychology, doctoral internships and postdoctoral residencies. It began accrediting master's programs in health service psychology only recently, and relatively few currently hold that status. APA accreditation of a master's program does not make its graduates eligible for psychologist licensure in most states. Geropsychology is within the scope of APA postdoctoral accreditation, but doctoral programs offering geropsychology coursework are not separately accredited in the specialty. Students should distinguish formal accreditation from a program’s concentrations and training opportunities.
## **Which Degree Do You Need for a Geropsychology Career?**
The appropriate degree depends on the role you want. Becoming a licensed psychologist generally requires a doctoral degree, while bachelor’s and master’s programs may provide preparation for further study or related careers.
### **Bachelor’s-Level Preparation**
Students can begin with psychology or a related field such as gerontology, human development, neuroscience, social work or public health. Courses in adult development, cognition and health psychology provide a useful foundation, while research, volunteer or employment experience with older adults can help students explore the field. A bachelor’s degree alone does not qualify someone to practice independently as a psychologist.
### **Master’s Programs Related to Geropsychology**
Master’s degrees in psychology, gerontology, counseling and related fields may prepare graduates for research, program administration, human services, doctoral study or separately licensed professions. An [online master’s in psychology program] (https://psychdegreestarter.com/degrees/masters/online-psychology-programs/) may offer relevant coursework, but students should examine its faculty expertise, aging-related curriculum, research opportunities, experiential requirements and intended career outcomes.
In most states, a psychology-related master’s degree does not lead to independent psychologist licensure. Eligibility for other professional licenses depends on the degree, curriculum and jurisdiction.
### **Doctoral Programs in Clinical or Counseling Psychology**
Prospective licensed geropsychologists commonly earn a PhD or PsyD in clinical psychology, counseling psychology or another appropriate health service psychology area. Useful program features include:
- Faculty expertise in aging or late-life mental health
- Geropsychology courses and aging-related research
- Practica in medical, rehabilitation, memory care or long-term care settings
- Strong internship placement and licensure outcomes
- Preparation for the student’s intended licensing jurisdiction
- APA accreditation when relevant to the student’s goals
A named concentration can be valuable, but coordinated coursework, mentorship, research and supervised experience matter more than the label alone.
### **Internships and Postdoctoral Geropsychology Training**
Internships and postdoctoral residencies provide supervised experience with older adults in settings such as Veterans Affairs medical centers, academic health systems, memory clinics, rehabilitation facilities, hospice programs and long-term care communities.
The [Council of Professional Geropsychology Training Programs] (https://copgtp.org/) lists member programs offering relevant doctoral, internship and postdoctoral opportunities. The [APA accreditation database] (https://accreditation.apa.org/public-notice-programs-database) separately identifies accredited internships and residencies. Directory membership and APA accreditation are different designations, so students should verify both a program’s status and its training model.
## **How to Become a Geropsychologist**
The typical pathway combines preparation for psychologist licensure with training focused on older adults:
1. **Complete undergraduate preparation.** Study psychology or a related field and pursue relevant research or service experience.
2. **Earn an appropriate doctoral degree.** Choose a program that supports psychologist licensure and offers meaningful aging-focused training.
3. **Complete supervised training.** Build geropsychology competencies through practica, a predoctoral internship and, when appropriate, a postdoctoral residency.
4. **Meet state licensure requirements.** These may include a qualifying degree, supervised experience, examinations and other jurisdiction-specific conditions.
5. **Consider board certification.** Licensed psychologists can pursue certification through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).
Board certification is an additional professional credential, not a state license. Current [American Board of Geropsychology requirements] (https://abpp.org/application-information/learn-about-specialty-boards/geropsychology/specialty-specific/) include relevant education, at least 2,000 hours of supervised geropsychology training and two years of full-time post-licensure employment as a psychologist, including at least one year providing professional services for older adults. Applicants should confirm current requirements directly with ABPP.
## **How to Compare Geropsychology Programs and Training Opportunities**
A concentration name alone does not establish the depth of training. When comparing options, consider:
- **Career and licensure preparation:** Does the curriculum support your intended occupation and jurisdiction?
- **Faculty and curriculum:** Are there aging-focused faculty, courses, research and mentoring opportunities?
- **Supervised experience:** Can students work with older adults in relevant clinical settings?
- **Accreditation and outcomes:** What accreditation does the program hold, and where do graduates complete internships, pursue licensure or obtain postdoctoral training?
- **Delivery and placement requirements:** Which components must be completed in person, and who arranges practica and internships?
- **Cost and funding:** What is the total educational cost, and what assistantships, fellowships or tuition support are available?
Online or hybrid coursework does not necessarily make a licensure-oriented program fully remote. Research, assessment training, practica and internships may require in-person participation, so students should verify whether suitable placements are available near them.
## **What Do Geropsychologists Do?**
In clinical roles, geropsychologists may evaluate mood, cognition, behavior and daily functioning; provide psychotherapy; or help patients and families respond to dementia, chronic illness, disability, bereavement and changing levels of independence. They often collaborate with physicians, nurses, social workers, rehabilitation specialists and caregivers to address the interaction of psychological, cognitive, physical and environmental factors.
Other geropsychologists conduct research, teach or supervise trainees, educate caregivers and healthcare professionals, develop behavioral health services, consult with organizations or contribute to aging-related policy and administration.
## **Where Do Geropsychologists Work?**
Geropsychologists work in clinical, academic, community and private settings.
| **Setting** | **Potential focus** |
| Hospitals, health systems and Veterans Affairs facilities | Assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, consultation and training |
| Primary care, outpatient and memory clinics | Mental health services, cognitive evaluation and integrated care |
| Long-term care and assisted living communities | Resident care, staff consultation and behavioral interventions |
| Rehabilitation, hospice and palliative care programs | Adjustment, grief and end-of-life concerns |
| Universities and research institutes | Teaching, supervision, research and program development |
| Government and community agencies | Aging-related services, policy and administration |
| Private practice | Assessment, psychotherapy, caregiver support and consultation |
Some professionals work across settings, such as faculty members who teach and conduct research while providing clinical supervision through an affiliated medical center.
## **Is Geropsychology a Growing Career Field?**
Geropsychology is likely to become increasingly important as the U.S. population ages. The [U.S. Census Bureau’s national projections] (https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2023/demo/popproj/2023-summary-tables.html) anticipate continued growth in the number and share of older adults, increasing the potential need for services related to late-life mental health, chronic illness, cognitive change, dementia and caregiver support.
Opportunities may also expand as healthcare organizations integrate behavioral health into primary care, rehabilitation and memory care. However, federal employment data do not track geropsychologists separately, so no reliable national growth rate is available for the specialty.
## **Geropsychology Salary and Career Outlook**
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not report salary data specifically for geropsychologists. The closest category for many practitioners is clinical and counseling psychologists, who had a median annual wage of $100,580 in May 2025. Across all psychologists, the median was $99,110. Earnings vary by experience, location, work setting and responsibilities; BLS wage estimates exclude self-employed workers.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics [projects 12% employment growth] (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-6) for clinical and counseling psychologists from 2025 to 2035, compared with 6% for psychologists overall. These figures describe broader occupations rather than geropsychology specifically.
## **Frequently Asked Questions About Geropsychology**
### **Can You Earn a Degree Specifically in Geropsychology?**
Some schools offer geropsychology concentrations, tracks or advanced training opportunities, but standalone degrees with that title are uncommon. Many geropsychologists earn a broader degree in clinical, counseling or health service psychology and develop their specialty through aging-focused coursework, research, practica, internships and postdoctoral training.
### **Can You Become a Geropsychologist With a Master’s Degree?**
A master’s degree in psychology, gerontology or a related field can prepare graduates for research, administration, human services or further study. However, becoming an independently licensed psychologist generally requires a doctoral degree. Other licenses may be available at the master’s level depending on the degree, curriculum and state.
### **Is Geropsychology the Same as Geriatric Psychology?**
“Geropsychology” is the recognized name of the psychology specialty focused on older adults and aging. “Geriatric psychology” is sometimes used informally to describe similar work, but geropsychology is the more established professional term.
### **Do Geropsychologists Need Board Certification?**
Board certification is not the same as state licensure and is not required for every psychologist who works with older adults. Eligible licensed psychologists may pursue certification through the American Board of Professional Psychology to demonstrate advanced competence in geropsychology.
### **Are Geropsychology Programs Available Online?**
Some psychology or gerontology programs offer online courses, degrees or certificates with aging-related content. Programs preparing students for psychologist licensure usually include research, assessment training, practica, internships or residencies that may require in-person participation. Students should verify the complete delivery format and placement requirements before enrolling.
## **Is Geropsychology the Right Specialty for You?**
Geropsychology may appeal to students interested in adult development, late-life mental health, cognitive health, dementia care, chronic illness, interdisciplinary healthcare or caregiver support. The field also offers opportunities in research, policy and service development.
When evaluating programs, focus on whether they provide the education, mentorship, research and supervised experience needed for your intended role. Prospective psychologists should also ensure that their educational pathway supports licensure in the state where they plan to practice.