.png)
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.
Episodes
124 episodes
#124- Chronic Pain and Depression: Breaking the Cycle with Mental Health Care
Chronic pain increases the risk for depression and suicide. The connection between chronic pain and depression is stronger—and more dangerous—than most professionals realize. In this powerful episode, Dr. Regina Koe...
•
Episode 124
•
14:29
.png)
#123- Chronic Pain & Aging: 4 Themes Therapists Must Know
Chronic pain isn’t just physical—it's personal, emotional, and deeply misunderstood. And when it comes to older adults, the pain often hides in plain sight. In this episode, I sit down with pain psychology expert, Dr. Jennifer Steiner, to explo...
•
Episode 123
•
13:41
#122 - My Aging Parent Won't Stop Giving Money to A Scammer. What Can I Do?
What do you do when your aging parent is being scammed—and keeps sending money even after you’ve begged them to stop? It’s heartbreaking. It’s infuriating. And it can leave you feeling powerless.If this is happening in your family, you’r...
•
Episode 122
•
10:57
#121 - Is Late Life Depression Treatable?
Depression is not a normal part of aging—yet it's silently stealing joy, independence, and even life from millions of older adults. Most go undiagnosed and untreated. Why? Because we mistake their suffering for “just getting older.” But here’s ...
•
Episode 121
•
7:53
#120 - How I Built the Center for Mental Health & Aging
Ever wonder what it really takes to build a national movement for mental health and aging? In this inspiring behind-the-scenes episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the heart, hustle, and healing that built the Center for M...
•
Episode 120
•
27:09
#119- Loneliness in Older People: Must Have Tools to Address Loneliness & Isolation
Loneliness is as harmful as smoking—and 43% of older adults experience loneliness. Social Isolation increases the risk of dementia 31%. The cure? Connection and Belonging. Are older adults really lonelier than young people?...
•
Episode 119
•
12:49
#118-How Does Financial Exploitation Affect Older Adults' Mental Health?
Have you ever wondered what really happens after someone is scammed out of $25,000? Not only the steps to take after you've been scammed, but the psychological toll? A couple weeks ago, I received an email from a listener...
•
Episode 118
•
21:05
#117- My Personal Experience With Vicarious Trauma: Recognizing and Healing Secondary Traumatic Stress
The first sign I was experiencing vicarious trauma hit me like a ton of bricks. Learn how to recognize, prevent, and heal from the emotional impact of therapy.I am so glad that you're here and joining me for part two of Tra...
•
Episode 117
•
23:27
#116- PTSD and Trauma Informed Care Among Older Adults
Up to 90% of older adults have experienced trauma, yet their needs are often overlooked. Learn the essentials of trauma-informed care and how to foster healing and resilience.Trauma-informed care is essential for supporting older adults ...
•
Episode 116
•
28:49
#115- Must Know Barriers Keeping Older Adults from Mental Health Care
Did you know that 20-22% of older adults have a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or substance use disorder—yet most go undetected and untreated? This isn’t because these conditions aren’t treatable, but because systemic barrier...
•
17:13
#114-Finding Joy in Life’s Hardest Moments with Steven Petrow
What if joy isn’t something we find, but something we create—especially in life’s hardest moments? In this episode of The Psychology of Aging Podcast, award-winning journalist and bestselling author Steven Petrow<...
•
Episode 114
•
41:56
#113-Types of Ageism in Mental Health Care: Hidden Biases Harm Clients
Have you ever thought, “Older adults are just set in their ways” or “Therapy isn’t effective for older clients”? If so, this episode is for you. Today, we tackle the hidden biases that even seasoned mental health professionals...
•
Episode 113
•
23:46
#112- 5 Groundbreaking Insights on Mental Health and Aging from 2024
If you’re committed to meeting the mental health needs of older adults, this episode is for you. In 2024, we saw some incredible advancements in mental health research for older adults—insights that can shape how you practice and care for this ...
•
Episode 112
•
27:09
#111- Supporting Older Adults After Disasters: A Guide to Psychological Recovery
Imagine being 85 or 95 years old, surviving a natural disaster like wildfires, hurricanes, or earthquakes, and facing the immense challenge of grieving your losses while navigating emotional and psychological recovery. Older adults...
•
Episode 111
•
31:40
#110- What NY Times Got Wrong About ADHD and Older Adults
There was a misleading headline from The New York Times recently that claimed ADHD diagnoses are surging among "older Americans." In this episode, I set the record straight by clarifying who qualifies as an "older adult" (65+), highlig...
•
Episode 110
•
11:17
#109- LPCs and LMFTs Now Eligible for Medicare: What to Know
Medicare now includes LPCs and LMFTs! Discover the new opportunities this presents for mental health professionals working with older adults. In this Psychology of Aging episode, we dive deep into the recent changes in Medicare policies...
•
Episode 109
•
46:06
#108- The Healing Power of Nature: Science-Backed Benefits for Aging Well
Have you ever felt rejuvenated after a day spent outdoors, perhaps gardening or simply enjoying a walk in the woods? Recently, nature has been my much needed therapy, and it’s transformed my approach to health and aging. <...
•
Episode 108
•
16:30
#107- Signs and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Older Adults
Today we're diving deep into a topic that affects many older adults but is often misunderstood: depression and anxiety.While these mental health conditions are prevalent among older adults, they are not a normal part of aging and deserve...
•
Episode 107
•
17:30
#106- Aging and Alcohol: How to Identify Problem Drinking in Older Adults
Did you know that 65% of adults over 65 report high-risk drinking? Understanding the unique impacts of alcohol on aging bodies is crucial for all of us.In this episode, I'll walk you through three key considerations: increased sensitivit...
•
Episode 106
•
9:49
#105- How to Talk with Older Adults About Mental Health Problems
Are you noticing signs of depression or anxiety in your older loved ones or clients and wondering how to approach the topic? This video is your essential guide to navigating these sensitive conversations with compassion and effectiveness. Learn...
•
Episode 105
•
7:26
#104- 5 Life Lessons I've Learned from 20 years of Working with Older Adults
In this touching episode, I share invaluable wisdom garnered from two decades of working intimately with older adults. Through personal anecdotes and professional experiences, I share five transformative life lessons that challenge...
•
Episode 104
•
13:45
#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. H...
•
Episode 103
•
38:47
#102- 3 Myths About Aging and Intimacy: Lessons Learned from the Golden Bachelor.
Dive into '3 Myths About Aging and Intimacy', inspired by lessons from the Golden Bachelor. We'll debunk common myths surrounding love and relationships in our later years using research, not stereotypes. The Golden Bachelor, with his own love ...
•
Episode 102
•
12:01
#101- Leading Causes of Cognitive Impairment in Old Age
Unlock the mystery behind the leading cause of cognitive impairment. Expert insights on prevention and management strategies.
•
Episode 101
•
7:30
#100- Are Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia The Same Thing?
Learn the difference between cognitive impairment versus memory loss, and the answer to the question "is mild cognitive impairment dementia?"Are you therapist, social worker, counselor, psychologist working with older adults? If y...
•
Episode 100
•
7:37