As per the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the minimum training requirements are twenty-four months of approved residency in geriatric psychiatry.

This must include eighteen to twenty-one months of clinical training. Clinical components of the residency training are inpatient work (i.e., psychiatric units or consultation), ambulatory care (i.e., outpatient clinics or day hospital), and visits to patients’ places of residence.

A minimum of three months are devoted to the development of expertise in medical care of the elderly (i.e.,geriatric medicine).As part of the training, three to six months must be devoted to scholarly activity in one or more areas, namely, education, research, and leadership/administration

Geriatric psychiatry, a subspecialty of psychiatry, focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders occurring in late life. There is an emphasis on providing care for patients and their caregivers in late life where many complex physical and mental health issues coalesce. Geriatric psychiatrists usually work in multidisciplinary teams and in various locations that serve the needs of the older adult population (i.e., home visits, LTC).

Geriatric psychiatrists are oftentimes engaged in advocacy and health policy work. Primary diseases and symptoms that are often seen in geriatric psychiatry include behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), dementias with prominent early psychiatric symptoms (e.g., Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal dementia), late-onset depression, complex and severe depression, suicide, late-onset psychotic disorders, complex presentations of delirium, and psychiatric complication of CVAs.

Geriatric psychiatrists may also be involved in capacity/competency assessments, polypharmacy, and neurostimulation.

Their work occurs across a continuum of settings which include home outreach, assisted and long-term care facilities, acute care hospitals, tertiary mental health services, and telehealth

Starting in the 2025 application cycle, Geriatric Psychiatry subspecialty training programs are participating in the CaRMS Medicine Subspecialty Match (MSM). There are two iterations offered each year.

There are currently 14 accredited Geriatric Psychiatry subspecialty training programs across Canada. The following universities offer Geriatric Psychiatry programs: Memorial University of Newfoundland, Dalhousie University, Université Laval, Université de Montréal, McGill University, University of Ottawa, Queen’s University, University of Toronto, McMaster University, Western, University, University of Manitoba, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and University of British Columbia.

Residents currently enrolled in Royal College or ACGME accredited Psychiatry programs who will be completing PGY4 training on or before December 31st of their match year are eligible to apply. The application process through CaRMS typically spans the summer and fall months of the PGY4 training year.

Additional eligibility criteria, timelines, and program descriptions are available on the CaRMS website.

The Geriatric Psychiatry subspecialty training program is two years long. Residents typically enter the program July 1 of their PGY5 year, and complete training by the end of PGY6.

Subspecialty programs follow the Competency-Based Medical Education model over the course of training.

CAGP-CCSMH Annual Scientific Meeting The next conference will take place October 17-18, 2025 in Calgary, Alberta

American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. The next conference will take place March 14-17, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona

International Psychogeriatric Association Offer rounds, webinar series, and other events for knowledge exchange on seniors mental health.

The National Geriatrics Interest Group (NGIG) created a research database in 2014 that is updated and maintained by the Vice President for Research. Here, you will find a list of physicians who are currently conducting geriatrics-related research and are available to be contacted for potential research opportunities.

Canadian Association of Geriatric Psychiatry (CAGP)

The CAGP is involved with a number of activities to promote and advocate for seniors mental health. Free membership is available for residents. The CAGP offers learning resources including an annual conference and online course, as well as awards and bursaries.

Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health (CCSMH)

The mission of the CCSMH is to promote the mental health of seniors by connecting people, ideas and resources. Free affiliate membership is available. They provide clinical tools and practice guidelines, information for families, and professional development opportunities. There is an option to sign up for a quarterly e-newsletter with information and updates.

GeriMedRisk

GeriMedRisk is an interdisciplinary service through which clinicians in Ontario can request telemedicine consultation for clinical questions related to older adult patients from a team of geriatric specialists, including Geriatric Psychiatrists, Geriatricians, Geriatric Pharmacists, and Clinical Pharmacologists. They also provide educational opportunities, such as GeriMedRisk. Rounds as well as drug summaries (free to access upon request).

iGeriCare

This website offers educational resources, e-learning modules, and events focused on dementia care and may be helpful for learners, patients, and families.

Fountain of Health

The Fountain of Health is a Canadian non-profit that was started in 2011 at Dalhousie University Department of Psychiatry. This initiative offers clinical tools and educational initiatives for clinicians as well as patients and families.