The Geriatric Certificate Training (GCT) program is a training series designed to support community behavioral health by providing awareness, knowledge and skills to mental health, substance use, aging, primary care and allied professionals on the biopsychosocial health related issues and risk factors of older adults and their families/caregivers. Consisting of two series (Introductory and Advanced) the Geriatric Certificate Training requires a commitment of several months on the part of participants, with the Introductory course being three days of virtual or in-person training and two required elearnings, and the Advanced four days of virtual or in-person training as well as two required elearnings. There are two one-day booster trainings offered every year whose topics engage the California Master Plan on Aging and may change based on input from the County of San Diego, Older Adult Council, and other stakeholders. Upcoming trainings include “Older Adults and Homelessness” and “Hoarding and Older Adults,” Past trainings included “Substance Use and Older Adults” and “Sexuality and Older Adults.”

Audience for Trainings: Geriatric Certificate Training (GCT) trainings are available to all providers of County of San Diego health and health-related services to older adults.