SPOP is the region’s leading provider of training and professional development in aging and mental health. Drawing on decades of experience in the field, we have developed interactive skills-based trainings that can be tailored for your organization or agency.

All trainings are available online or in person and include dissemination of information, discussion of case studies, real-time application of new skills, Q&A, and materials and resources. Our goal is to give you the confidence and competence needed to support positive client outcomes.

Trainings are designed to support the workforce and provide information and skills needed to recognize mental health disorders, understand ageism and implicit bias about aging, use person-centered language, and connect older adults to community-based services. We have provided training for dozens of social service agencies, healthcare or aging services providers, libraries, residential programs, faith leaders, and other organizations in the metropolitan New York City region.

SPOP is also a New York State-accredited provider of continuing education for social workers, and we offer professional-level trainings for CE credit. 

Training topics include:

• Aspirational Aging
  Discussion of cultural assumptions about aging; the impact of age-related bias on social determinants of health; making space for staff and clients to explore new attitudes toward aging
• Mental Health Needs of Older Adults
  Review of symptoms and case studies; strategies to initiate a conversation; information on community-based resources
• Engaging with Challenging Behaviors
  What informs or creates a “challenging” pattern of behavior; review of case studies; communication skills; strategies to manage stress while caring for others
• Hiding in Plain Sight:  Substance Misuse in Older Adults
  Data on substance misuse; symptoms and behaviors; strategies to initiate a conversation; review of community resources
• Hands-On Self-Care for Addressing Trauma
  Many direct care providers have lived experience with trauma; how does our work impact our own well-being; experiential activities to support healing; review of self-care strategies and tools

All of our trainers are clinicians with client-based experience at the intersection of aging and mental health.  Our approach is informed by a deep understanding of real-world situations and the complex interplay between aging and overall well-being.

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