What is a "Geriatric Licensed Clinical Social Worker" and When To Use One?

Summary

Sarah Hiller-Bersen, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in geriatrics, discusses her role in addressing the psychological aspects of aging. She offers practical solutions and psychological interventions for older adults facing challenges such as loss, decline, and life transitions. With experience in hospitals and community work, Sarah has transitioned to private practice, establishing the Center for Purposeful Aging, which provides individual and group psychotherapy, and accepts Medicare and secondary insurance.

Takeaways

• 👵 A geriatric licensed clinical social worker specializes in working with older adults, focusing on the psychological impact of aging-related issues.
• 🏥 They provide both practical solutions and psychological interventions to help individuals and families cope with loss, decline, life transitions, and caregiver stress.
• 🤝 Geriatric social workers can work in various settings including institutions, non-profits, government, and private practice.
• 💼 Sarah Hiller-Bersen opened a private practice called 'Center for Purposeful Aging' offering individual and group psychotherapy, as well as interactive lectures.
• 🔗 The Center for Purposeful Aging accepts Medicare and secondary insurance for their services.
• 🏥 Prior to specializing in geriatrics, Sarah worked in hospitals such as Columbia Presbyterian, Mount Sinai, and Lennox Hill in Manhattan.
• 🎓 Sarah's interest in working with the elderly began during her social work education, where she pursued a master's degree in social work.
• 🌐 The transcript is from a video that encourages viewers to subscribe for future content, indicating the medium used for education and outreach.
• 🧐 Sarah appreciates the wisdom of older adults and finds working with them fulfilling, which has influenced her career path.
• 🚫 The COVID-19 pandemic impacted Sarah's work, limiting her ability to provide psychotherapy in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
• 🔑 The video transcript serves as an introduction to geriatric social work and emphasizes the importance of specialized care for the aging population.

Q & A

What is the primary role of a geriatric licensed clinical social worker?

A geriatric licensed clinical social worker primarily works with older adults, focusing on the psychological impact of issues related to aging, such as coping with loss, decline, change, life transitions, caregiver stress, and isolation.

How does a geriatric licensed clinical social worker help their clients?

They provide both practical solutions and psychological interventions, offering psychotherapy to help clients cope with their situations and providing them with the necessary tools and interventions.

What type of settings does a licensed clinical social worker typically work in?

Licensed clinical social workers can work in institutions, non-for-profit organizations, government settings, or in private practice.

Can you explain the concept of 'Center for Purposeful Aging' mentioned in the transcript?

'Center for Purposeful Aging' is a private practice opened by Sarah Hiller-Bersen, offering individual and group psychotherapy, as well as interactive lectures, and accepts Medicare and secondary insurance.

What was Sarah's previous work experience before specializing in geriatric social work?

Sarah worked in hospitals such as Columbia Presbyterian, Mount Sinai, and Lennox Hill in Manhattan as a social worker, and also in the community, before deciding to focus more on working with the elderly.

Why did Sarah decide to open a private practice instead of working in nursing homes or assisted livings?

Due to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, Sarah was unable to continue her work as a psychotherapist in nursing homes or assisted livings, leading her to open her private practice.

What services does the 'Center for Purposeful Aging' provide to its clients?

The center offers individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, and interactive lectures to help older adults cope with the psychological aspects of aging.

What type of insurance does the 'Center for Purposeful Aging' accept?

The center accepts Medicare and secondary insurance for its services.

How did Sarah's interest in working with older adults begin?

Sarah's interest started during her social work school when she was pursuing her master's degree, and she was clear about wanting to work with the older population from the beginning.

What is the significance of the term 'purposeful aging' in the context of Sarah's private practice?

The term 'purposeful aging' signifies an approach to aging that focuses on maintaining a sense of meaning, engagement, and well-being, which is central to the services provided by Sarah's practice.

How can viewers stay updated with future content from Sarah or the 'Center for Purposeful Aging'?

Viewers are encouraged to subscribe to the channel for future videos and updates on the work and insights provided by Sarah and the 'Center for Purposeful Aging'.