Countertransference encompasses the complex feelings of a psychotherapist toward their patient. It can also be conceptualized as a tool that a psychiatrist can access to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of their patients. As countertransference is very personal and individual to each psychiatrist, its impact on diagnosis, treatment and patient safety is difficult to measure, despite the important role it plays in each patient’s care. The case of interest is a 74 year old woman with a past psychiatric history significant for major depressive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who initially presented to the outpatient clinic for medication refills of citalopram and methylphenidate and found to have a cognitive disorder.

Behavioral health care professionals will be able to discuss countertransference and its impact on the diagnosis, treatment and safety of geriatric patients. They will also be able to identify and examine the complex factors that contribute to countertransference in treating geriatric psychiatry patients.

Educate behavioral health care providers and stimulate discussion of the occurrence of countertransference and its impact on diagnosis, treatment and safety of geriatric patients.

Use case-based approach and literature review to achieve objectives and aims above.

Countertransference impacts diagnosis, treatment and safety in geriatric patients.

Behavioral health care providers must remain vigilant in self-evaluation and seeking supervision when treating geriatric patients.