PTSD in the Older Adult

Join us for a workforce development training on PTSD in the Older Adult presented by: Nirmala Dhar, MSW LCSW ACSWA . This is part of a free monthly workforce development training series focusing on geriatric competencies for medical and mental health professionals and paraprofessionals who work with older adults.

Learning Objectives:
-Learn what is trauma and post traumatic stress disorder
-Understand the symptoms of PTSD
-Appreciate the lived experience of PTSD in older adults
-Gain knowledge and skills to support clients living with PTSD

Bio: Nirmala Dhar is a licensed clinical social worker with a master’s degree in social work from both the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and Bombay University in India. She is mission-driven with a passion for working with the most vulnerable clients, often addressing complex cross-sector care needs.
With 36 years of experience in all aspects of behavioral health programs in the public sector across Missouri, New Jersey, and Oregon, Nirmala currently serves as a senior policy analyst and the Older Adult Behavioral Health Lead Strategist for the Oregon Health Authority’s Division of Behavioral Health. In this role, she is the Project Director of the Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative, the PASRR Level II Coordinator, and a subject matter expert for her division. She also champions the Project ECHO Geriatric Behavioral Health initiative at OHA.
Nirmala recently played a key role in funding and establishing the Center for Excellence for Behavioral Health and Aging at Portland State University – OHSU, where she continues to be an active thought partner. Prior to her tenure at OHA, she spent 18 years with Clackamas County Behavioral Health, including 10 years as a geriatric mental health specialist.
Nirmala brings her strong social work and faith values to her work, emphasizing anti-oppressive practices and the dignity and respect for all individuals served. Her career has been dedicated to the values of social justice and equity, with a particular focus on disability justice for individuals with serious mental illness.
She has delivered trainings on various topics locally and nationally over the past twenty years and enjoys coaching and mentoring new clinicians. Her professional interests include healthy aging, social justice, workforce development, quality improvement, health metrics, bioethics, the intersection of law and mental health, and service delivery innovations.

This is a part of the 2024 Geriatric Competencies Series -- A free monthly workforce development training series focusing on geriatric competencies for medical and mental health professionals and paraprofessionals who work with older adults. One Thursday each month 9-11 am