Age-Friendly Mental Health Systems: A Step Toward Geriatric Competency

• Published in: The American psychologist 2024-12, Vol.79 (9), p.1422-1430
• Main Author: Emery-Tiburcio, Erin E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Behavioral Health Services; Clinical Competence; Elder Care; Geriatrics; Geropsychology; Health Services for the Aged - standards; Human; Humans; Mental Health; Mental Health Services - standards; Older Adulthood; Professional Competence
• ISSN: 0003-066X; 1935-990X; 1935-990X
• DOI: 10.1037/amp0001446

The 4Ms of an Age-Friendly Health System framework (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility) have been effectively implemented in thousands of health systems worldwide to improve the care of older adults. As Americans are living longer lives, the need for age-friendly care will continue to grow. While the 4Ms framework has been highly effective at improving care for older adults, many mental health professionals struggle to see their role in all elements of the framework. Thus, the 4Ms-Behavioral Health framework was developed to clarify roles and enhance specific elements unique to mental health settings. This article describes the framework and ways in which it is consistent with existing geropsychology guidelines and competencies. Public Significance Statement This article describes a straightforward framework for identifying and addressing the mental health and substance use needs of older adults. The 4Ms-Behavioral Health framework is consistent with existing geropsychology specialty guidelines and competencies and appropriate for nonspecialist use with minimal training. As such, the 4Ms-Behavioral Health framework can be a strong tool for improving care for older adults across the country.