Certification Track

The final step in your journey toward becoming a Certified Mental Health + Aging Specialist.

Please see below for more information on the Certification Track program and links to the application.

Certification Track Application Certification Track Application Checklist

Your Final Step to Becoming a CMHA Certified Mental Health + Aging Specialist

Join our most exclusive group of Mental Health + Aging therapists. The final step in the Mental Health + Aging training program, the Level 2 Certification Track results in your designation as a CMHA Certified Mental Health + Aging Specialist — setting you apart as a recognized leader in aging-informed therapy.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for certification, the applicant must have earned a minimum of a master's degree in the profession AND hold a state or national license as listed below:

  • Psychologists
  • Counselors
  • Social Workers
  • Marriage & Family Therapists
  • Licensed Creative Arts Therapists
  • Psychoanalysts
  • Board Certified Behavioral Analysts
  • Associate level or provisionally licensed mental health professionals
Note: By applying for certification, applicants agree to adhere to the Center for Mental Health + Aging Professional Code of Ethics and their respective professional licensing board's ethical standards.

Complete Clinical Hours

Applicants must attest that they have completed a minimum of 100 contact hours of clinical work with older adults (age 65+) over the course of their professional career.

This experience may include individual therapy, group therapy, assessment, consultation, or other direct clinical services.

Training Requirements

The Mental Health + Aging Certification requires completion of CMHA's Level 1: Mental Health + Aging Certificate Course (18 hours) and intensive clinical case consultation (6–7.5 hours) as part of Level 2: Certification Track.

Level 1: Mental Health + Aging Certificate Course (18 CE Hours)

Applicants must complete the Level 1 Certificate Course, an 18-hour continuing education program covering core competency areas in geriatric mental health:

  • Module 1: Aging, Ageism & The Importance of Belonging
  • Module 2: Relationships
  • Module 3: Common Life Issues and Transitions for Older Adults
  • Module 4: Cognition and Aging
  • Module 5: Caregiver Family Therapy: Families with Dementia and Life-Altering Medical Conditions
  • Module 6: Ethical Principles and Common Ethical Dilemmas
  • Module 7: Evidence-Based Recommendations for Optimal Aging
  • Module 8: Anxiety Disorders and Older Adults
  • Module 9: Depression and Older Adults
  • Module 10: Insomnia and Older Adults
  • Module 11: Trauma and Older Adults, including Post-Traumatic Growth
  • Module 12: Suicide and Older Adults
  • Module 13: Substance Abuse and Older Adults
  • Module 14: End of Life Psychotherapy
  • Module 15: Grief

Level 2: Certification Track — Clinical Case Consultation (6–7.5 Hours)

A distinctive component of this certification is participation in small group clinical case consultation facilitated by experienced geriatric mental health specialists. This bridges didactic knowledge and clinical application through peer learning, supervision, and real-world case conceptualization.

Structure

  • Duration: 5 consecutive weeks of 90-minute group consultation sessions
  • Group Size: Small cohorts of 6–10 participants
  • Format: Live Zoom sessions
  • Attendance: Minimum of 4 out of 5 sessions required (one absence permitted with advance notice)

Expectations and Requirements

  1. Present a Clinical Case: Each participant will formally present at least one case involving work with an older adult client (age 65+). No written formulation required — simply a case for discussion.
  2. Active Participation: Engage in case discussions, offer feedback to peers, ask clarifying questions, and contribute clinical insights.
  3. Apply Evidence-Based Knowledge: Integrate didactic training into case discussions, demonstrating understanding of geriatric mental health principles.
  4. Maintain Confidentiality: All case material must be de-identified. Participants must maintain strict confidentiality and agree to group confidentiality norms.
  5. Demonstrate Professional Respect: Engage collegially in a manner that promotes a safe learning environment.
  6. Keep Your Video Camera On: Participants are asked to be on camera to build community, psychological safety, and mutual trust.

Learning Objectives

  • Apply theoretical knowledge to complex clinical presentations
  • Develop diagnostic reasoning and differential diagnosis skills specific to geriatric populations
  • Practice evidence-based case conceptualization and treatment planning
  • Receive peer feedback on challenging clinical situations
  • Build clinical confidence in working with diverse older adult presentations
  • Establish a professional network of colleagues specializing in geriatric mental health
Important: CE credits are not provided for the consultation group. However, for some disciplines in some states, consultation hours may count toward licensure requirements. A certificate of completion will be provided. You are responsible for investigating the licensure requirements for your license(s).
Apply Now

Initial Certification Application Process

To obtain your initial 2-year Mental Health + Aging Certification, please complete the following steps:

Step 1: Complete Required Training

  • Complete Level 1: Mental Health + Aging Certificate Course — 18 hours of didactic education covering all core competency areas
  • Complete Level 2: Clinical Case Consultation Group — Register for and successfully complete the 5-week series (6–7.5 hours)

Step 2: Prepare Documents for Your Application

  • Copy of Current Professional License (must be unrestricted and in good standing)
  • Certificate of Completion for Level 1: Mental Health + Aging Certificate (18 CE Credits)
  • Certificate of Completion for Clinical Case Consultation
  • Attestation of Clinical Hours (verifying 100+ contact hours — included in application form)
  • Agreement to Professional Code of Ethics (included in application form)

Step 3: Complete Application

Click here to complete your application

Step 4: Application Review

The Center for Mental Health + Aging will review your completed application within 2–3 weeks. Upon approval, you will receive:

  • Official Mental Health + Aging Certification certificate
  • Digital badge for use on professional websites and email signatures
  • Listing in the Center for Mental Health + Aging online directory of certified professionals
  • Access to ongoing professional development resources and community
Important Notice Regarding Scope of Practice: Certification does not imply endorsement of clinical competency beyond the training provided, nor does it expand scope of practice. You are responsible for practicing within the boundaries defined by your professional license.
⬇ Download Application Checklist

Recertification Process

To maintain your Mental Health + Aging Certification, you must complete recertification every 2 years.

1. Continuing Education: 8 Hours

Complete a minimum of 8 CE hours specifically related to mental health and aging. Acceptable topics include:

  • Evidence-based interventions for geriatric mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, substance use)
  • Neurocognitive disorders and dementia care
  • Geriatric assessment tools and diagnostic considerations
  • Psychopharmacology and polypharmacy in older adults
  • Caregiving, family systems, and multigenerational dynamics
  • End-of-life care, palliative mental health, and advance care planning
  • Diversity, equity, and cultural considerations in aging
  • Ethical and legal issues in geriatric practice
  • Innovations in telehealth and technology for older adults
  • Any content area from the original 15 module core competency domains

Acceptable Training Sources

Approved CE courses from APA-approved sponsors, NASW-approved providers, ASWB-ACE Providers, NBCC-approved providers, university-based programs in geropsychology or gerontology, or pre-approved third-party trainings.

Important: Recertification CE hours must be completed during your current certification period and cannot be the same courses used for initial certification or prior recertification.

2. Current Licensure

Maintain current, unrestricted professional licensure in good standing. Submit an updated copy of your license with your recertification application.

3. Continued Clinical Practice (Optional but Encouraged)

While not required, certificants are strongly encouraged to maintain ongoing clinical contact with older adults to preserve and enhance clinical skills.

Recertification Application Process

  1. Complete 8 CE hours from accredited providers
  2. Submit the online recertification form through your applicant portal
  3. Upload current professional license and certificates of completion for all 8 CE hours
  4. Remit $199.00 USD recertification fee through the online payment system

Recertification Timeline

  • Early Application Encouraged: Submit 60–90 days before your expiration date
  • Review Period: Applications typically reviewed within 2–3 weeks
  • Grace Period: A 60-day grace period follows expiration; you may not represent yourself as certified during this period
  • Lapsed Certification: If certification lapses beyond 60 days, you must reapply and complete all original requirements

Maintaining Your Certification

The Center for Mental Health + Aging offers:

  • Webinars on emerging topics in geriatric mental health
  • Access to an online community and resource library
  • Discounted rates for advanced training and specialty workshops
  • Professional networking opportunities with other certified specialists
  • Newsletter with clinical pearls, research updates, and practice tools

About Your Presenter/Consultant

Regina Koepp, PsyD, ABPP


Dr. Regina Koepp is a Stanford-trained, board certified clinical psychologist, geropsychologist, and founder and CEO of the Center for Mental Health & Aging.

Dr. Koepp is a sought-after speaker and educator, and provides continuing education courses to professionals on topics surrounding mental health and aging as well as sexual health and aging.

She was formerly a lead psychologist at University of Vermont Medical Center, Assistant Professor at Emory University Department of Psychiatry, and psychologist at the Atlanta VA Health Care System, where she provided direct patient care and consultation on the Geropsychiatry Outpatient Mental Health team for more than a decade and served on the VA Central Office’s Geriatric Mental Health Field Advisory Committee.

She is formerly Vice Chair of the Georgia Psychological Association Ethics Committee and served on the Atlanta VA Medical Center’s Ethics Committee, the Clinical Advisory Workgroup, and as chair of the Psychology Professional Standards Board for several years.

Dr. Koepp has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, Chicago Tribune, Next Avenue, AARP, and other national media outlets.

Dr. Koepp earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium and completed her post-doctoral fellowship at Emory School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences/Grady Health System, where she won the Richard W. Morrell Community Commitment Award.



Reviewed + Approved by Leaders in Geropsychology

The CMHA Certification Program was independently reviewed and endorsed by distinguished leaders in clinical geropsychology — ensuring the curriculum meets the highest standards of evidence-based practice and professional rigor.


Vonetta Dotson, PhD


Dr. Dotson is Chief of Neuropsychology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Research Professor of Psychology and Gerontology at Georgia State University, and Founder and President of CerebroFit Integrated Brain Health. She completed her doctoral training in clinical psychology at the University of Florida with a specialization in neuropsychology and a certificate in gerontology. She completed her postdoctoral training at the National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program.

Dr. Dotson’s research and clinical activities focus on positive and negative modifiers of brain health, including the intersection of depression with cognitive and brain aging and the impact of health disparities on brain health.

Jennifer Smith, PsyD


Dr. Jennifer Smith is a Geropsychologist and Geriatrics Psychology Program Manager. She is also an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine. She trains mental health professionals in the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and trains Psychology Interns and Postdoctoral Fellows in the use of Psychological Assessment.


Dr. Smith is a graduate of the American Psychological Association Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology. Dr. Smith is a former President of the Georgia Psychological Association and a former Georgia Representative for the American Psychological Association Council of Representatives. She believes being a psychologist is the best job in the world.


Certification FAQs

Certification FAQs

Answers to common questions about the Mental Health + Aging Certification process.

CE credits are not provided for the consultation group. However, for some disciplines in some states, consultation hours may count toward licensure requirements. A certificate of completion will be provided upon successful completion of consultation, which some jurisdictions may accept. You are responsible for investigating the licensure requirements for your license(s).
We recommend that you finish the Level 1 Certificate Course prior to starting the consultation. Each participant is expected to formally present at least one clinical case involving an older adult (age 65+). Your presentation should include background information, presenting concerns, assessment findings, diagnostic formulation, your treatment approach, and any clinical challenges or questions you're navigating. You will not need to provide a written case formulation — simply a case for discussion. You'll also be expected to actively participate in peer discussions, offer thoughtful feedback, and maintain strict confidentiality regarding all case material shared in the group.
The $199 application fee to obtain your Mental Health + Aging Certification is included when you enroll in the Level 2 Certification/Consultation.
Wonderful — you're already well on your way! Since you've completed the Level 1 Certificate, you've fulfilled the didactic training requirement for certification. To continue your journey, you'll need to register for the Clinical Case Consultation series. Enroll in a Consultation Group here.
Consultation Groups are offered a couple of times per year, generally in the Spring and Fall. The best way to stay informed is to keep an eye on your email and check the Certification Overview page for upcoming group dates and enrollment windows. Spots are limited to ensure small, intimate cohorts — so when a group opens, we encourage you to enroll promptly!
Upon approval, you will receive an official Mental Health + Aging Certification certificate, distinction as a CMHA Certified Mental Health + Aging Specialist, a digital badge for use on professional websites and email signatures, and a listing in the Center for Mental Health + Aging online directory of certified professionals.
The Mental Health + Aging Certification positions you as a recognized specialist in one of the fastest-growing and most underserved areas in mental health care. It enhances your professional credibility, distinguishes you among peers, expands your referral networks, and opens doors in healthcare settings actively seeking geriatric mental health expertise. Perhaps most meaningfully, it equips you to provide higher-quality, age-affirming care to older adults — a population that deserves nothing less.
You have 2 years from the date of completing your Level 1: Mental Health + Aging Certificate to participate in the Level 2 Clinical Case Consultation series. If more than 2 years have passed since completing Level 1, you would need to retake the certificate course before applying for certification. We want to ensure that the knowledge you bring into consultation is current, evidence-based, and fresh in your mind!
We so appreciate your dedication to serving older adults — and your experience is exactly the kind of wisdom that enriches our consultation groups! Unfortunately, completion of the Level 1: Mental Health + Aging Certificate is required before enrolling in the Level 2 Consultation/Certification series. This ensures that all participants share a common evidence-based framework, which makes for richer, more connected clinical conversations. The good news? Many seasoned clinicians find that Level 1 both validates what they already know and fills in meaningful gaps. We think you'll find it well worth your time.
We appreciate your commitment to specialized training! Unfortunately, at this time we are only able to accept the Level 1: Mental Health + Aging Certificate Course as the qualifying didactic requirement for certification. This ensures a shared learning foundation across all certification candidates. We may revisit this policy in the future, and we'll communicate any changes through our newsletter and website. In the meantime, we invite you to explore the Level 1 course — we think you'll find it a genuinely enriching experience.
We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to the Center for Mental Health + Aging at support@cmhaging.com or learn more about certification on our website.

Contact Information

For questions about the Mental Health + Aging Certification, please contact:

Email: support@cmhaging.com


Course Approval and Pre-Approval Inquiries:

To inquire whether a specific course meets certification requirements, please submit the course title, instructor name, outline, and learning objectives to support@cmhaging.com for review.


The Center for Mental Health + Aging is committed to advancing the quality of mental health care for older adults through professional education, certification, and advocacy.