Philosophy
People ages 65 and older are the fastest growing segment of the population in the United States. In fact, by the year 2030, over 21% of the US population will be age 65 or older. However, there are not nearly enough psychologists trained in geropsychology to meet the increased demands of this population growth. In 2014, APA released the Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Older Adults, and the philosophy of the Emphasis Area in Geropsychology at Spalding University is devoted to learning and applying these guidelines in the pursuit of serving these often marginalized individuals. The program is based on the local clinical-scientist model which trains doctoral level clinical psychologists to serve as leaders in professional practice and clinical science. The program encourages the pursuit of innovative research, the development, evaluation and use of evidence-based assessment and treatment strategies in understanding and working with older adults, and the integration of practice and science throughout training.

Mission
The mission of the Geropsychology Emphasis Area of the Psy.D. Program at Spalding University is to offer, within the curriculum of a doctoral program in general clinical psychology, training in the competencies (knowledge, skills and attitudes) essential to working with older adults, including the support of healthy aging, competency assessment, and issues related to death and dying. The School of Professional Psychology is committed to identifying and selecting highly qualified and motivated graduate students and training them in evidence-based theories and techniques to meet the needs of our aging society and to advance the field of Geropsychology.

Practica & Internships
The School of Professional Psychology is committed to developing practicum training relationship with area facilities for older adults, and to ensuring GEA students are competitive for APA accredited geropsychology internships.

Program Sheet
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology: Geropsychology