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Mental Health + Aging with Dr. Regina Koepp
Welcome to The Mental Health and Aging Podcast—your go-to resource for evidence-based strategies, mental health tools, and expert insights to support the psychological, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of older adults.
Hosted by clinical geropsychologist and founder of the Center for Mental Health & Aging, Dr. Regina Koepp, this podcast is designed for therapists, psychologists, social workers, aging life care professionals, geriatric care managers, and healthcare providers who want to confidently address the mental health needs of older adults.
Most mental health and healthcare professionals were trained to focus on the physical changes of aging—but that’s only part of the picture.
This podcast explores the not-so-physical aspects of aging:
- How purpose and meaning evolve later in life
- The emotional and psychological impact of retirement and life transitions
- Spiritual growth that often accompanies physical decline
- Mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, grief, loneliness, and trauma
- And what actually works in therapy with older adults
🎙️ Each episode delivers:
✔️ Practical tools and mindset shifts you can use right away
✔️ Real-life stories of healing, growth, and transformation
✔️ Behind-the-scenes lessons from building a national movement for mental health and aging
✔️ Guidance from leaders in geropsychology, health psychology, palliative care, and beyond
Whether you're seeking continuing education, clinical confidence, or a deeper understanding of how to help older adults thrive, this podcast is for you.
Because aging is more than decline. It’s development.
And there’s no expiration date on healing, transformation, or growth
Subscribe/Follow now and become the clinician older adults deserve.
Mental Health + Aging with Dr. Regina Koepp
#103- Is Anxiety Treatable in Older Adults? Expert Shares Effective Treatment
Ever wondered if older people get anxious just like young folks do? Turns out, older adults can get anxious too, but it might look a bit different than what younger people experience. In this episode, we explore the questions:
1. How does anxiety manifest differently in older adults compared to younger individuals?
2. What biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to anxiety in seniors?
3. What is the difference between everyday stress and an anxiety disorder in an older individual?
4. What strengths and resiliencies do older adults bring with them to help them cope with anxiety?
5. What is an effective CBT tool that can assist older adults in managing their anxiety?
6. What can healthcare providers do to better support older adults who are experiencing anxiety?
7. What can family caregivers do to better support older adults who are experiencing anxiety?
About today's guest: Dr. Julie Erickson is a clinical psychologist in private practice and adjunct faculty member in the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at the University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada. Dr. Erickson is interested in optimizing evidence-based psychological treatment for older adults and reducing their barriers to treatment-seeking. She maintains an active clinical practice with adults across the lifespan and provides education to the public and mental health professionals on aging and mental health. Her book, The Aging Well Workbook for Anxiety and Depression, was released on October 1, 2023 by New Harbinger Publications.
Link to show notes here.
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