| Abstract: | The treatment of mental health problems in older adults has advanced considerably over the past several decades. Nevertheless, the mental health needs of the nation's elderly population remain substantially unmet. This article identifies the significant but previously neglected role of regulatory policies and administrative practices in limiting the use and provision of geriatric mental health services. Such factors are the least recognized and understood by psychologists, although they are the very factors on which psychologists can have the most potential influence. This article subsequently identifies salient legislative proposals and regulatory developments, while addressing the importance of advocacy on agenda setting and policy change. The final section provides specific proposals and mechanisms at micro and macro levels for improving the geropsychology service system. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
