Pediatric Psychological Assessments: From Start to Finish

Presented by: Megan Blair, PhD

Psychological assessments may be daunting for clients and clinicians. This presentation is designed to take you through the entire process, from the start to finish. We will cover what to look for in clients that may suggest the need for assessments, to how to talk to your client about evaluations, and how to refer. We will then cover how biopsychosociocultural factors can influence evaluation outcomes. In particular, trauma exposure can alter the brain, which in turn may affect their test scores. The final segment of the presentation is on what to do with the test scores when you get them back. How to understand your client’s areas of strength and where they may need support. We will discuss ways to recommend adaptations to your client’s environment based on their results. Everyone has a unique neuro-profile, we need to know how to support others so they can thrive to their fullest potential.  Please note that my focus of practice is with the pediatric population, and many of my examples are child-focused; however, I will try to make this presentation span the age range as much as possible. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Know when and how to refer for comprehensive psychological assessments. 

2. Understand that biopsychsociocultural factors can influence test outcomes.  

3. Have a working knowledge of what test scores mean.

4. Be able to recommend tangible environmental adaptations for clients based on test results.  

Register Today!

Registration Opening Soon!

Presented by: Jamie Glick, LCSW, LAC

Jan 30, 2024; 1 – 2:30 PM MST – Peak Vista (Keystone Room; 1815 Jet Wing Dr, 80916)

This session is designed to support mental health professionals in recognizing and intervening with individuals experiencing gambling disorders. Participants will gain insights into the gambling landscape in the state of Colorado, with a focus on the evolving world of online gambling. The presentation will explore prevalent risk and protective factors associated with problem gambling. Additionally, it will equip therapists with valuable resources and support to enhance their effectiveness in working with individuals affected by a gambling disorder. Join us for an informative session that combines knowledge of the local gambling environment, risk assessment, and practical tools to aid therapists in providing optimal care for their clients.

Learning Objectives:

1.  Attendees will be able to identify key risk factors and warning signs associated with problem gambling, enhancing their skills in early detection and intervention to address issues before they escalate.

2. Participants will learn evidence-based assessment tools to evaluate the severity of problem gambling, allowing for a nuanced and thorough examination of clients exhibiting gambling-related concerns within a mental health context.

3. Mental health professionals will acquire knowledge of diagnostic criteria specific to problem gambling, enabling them to confidently apply standardized criteria in their clinical assessments and contribute to accurate diagnoses.

4. The presentation will equip attendees with a diverse set of treatment strategies rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and other effective modalities, empowering them to develop tailored interventions for problem gambling.

The Intersection of Forensic Psychology and Elder Abuse

Presented by: Sheri Gibson, Ph.D.

This presentation explores the critical intersection of forensic psychology and elder abuse, shedding light on the complex dynamics, assessment, and intervention strategies for addressing this growing concern. By delving into the unique challenges of elder abuse cases, Dr. Gibson aims to equip psychologists with a deeper understanding of how forensic psychology can be a valuable tool in protecting and supporting older adults who may be vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Understand the various forms of elder abuse and their impact on older victims.

2. Explore the role of forensic psychology in assessing and addressing elder abuse cases.

3. Identify effective intervention strategies and legal frameworks for combatting elder abuse.

Register by scanning the QR code below or visiting: https://sbhc.tech/PV-PSPPP-Dec2023

Register for our upcoming L&L!

Presented by: Michelle D. Wine, PhD

Nov 7, 6 – 7:30 PM MST – Wild Goose Meeting House 

PTSD Among Vietnam Veterans: Sociocultural Insights and Therapeutic Implications

Presented by: Wilbur Scott, Ph.D.

Approved for 1.0 NBCC Hour!

Dr. Scott will explore the historical context leading to the addition of PTSD into the DSM-III. He will review his sociological research, revealing the societal and cultural impact on Vietnam veterans’ post-deployment lives and shedding light on the skepticism they faced regarding their symptoms. By highlighting the unique challenges faced by this group, Dr. Scott will provide context for understanding the multidimensional factors that influence PTSD presentation, including how societal and cultural factors intertwine with psychological trauma.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Foster appreciation of the unique challenges faced by Vietnam veterans by providing insight into the historical context that led to the recognition of PTSD in the DSM III.

2. Examine the impact of societal and cultural factors on the wartime and post-deployment experiences of Vietnam veterans, including the stigma and skepticism encountered in relation to their symptoms and challenges.

3. Facilitate a comparative analysis between the experiences of Vietnam veterans and those of veterans of other wars, including how such differences might influence symptom presentation.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Overview & Update

Presented by: Dr. Charles Weber, D.O. FASAM

Approved for 1.0 NBCC Hour!

TMS is an effective FDA approved treatment without the use of medication. It is non-invasive and outpatient, and complements all talk therapy to effectively relieve certain mental illness. There is no downtime for occupational, academic or social activities.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Understand the theory of how TMS works on neurons.

2. Know the diagnosis that TMS can effectively treat

3. Identify the ideal TMS Candidate

4. Communicate the side effect and contraindications to TMS

Register for our upcoming L&L for FREE CE credit!

Presented by: Tim Doenges, PhD & Rachael Peck, MA

Aug 1, 6 – 7:30 PM MST – Wild Goose Meeting House 

Approved for 1.0 NBCC Hour!

We will provide an overview of select psychotherapy cases that reflect diverse sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., race, sexual orientation, military service), trauma presentations (e.g., serious fall, motor vehicle collision, traumatic loss), and co-occurring medical and psychological concerns. Cases will also highlight themes including: (a) limitations and barriers to acute trauma processing, (b) contextual nuances influencing the effectiveness of evidence-based psychotherapies, and (c) the reciprocal impact of acute trauma on chronic trauma, psychosocial stressors (e.g., legal proceedings), and domains affecting quality of life (e.g., family dynamics). This case presentation will discuss successes and limitations in this model of care as well as considerations for intervention implementation in the future.

Register here: https://peakviewbh.com/upcoming-events/ or scan the code below!

Presenter: Patricia (Tricia) Bursnall

Tricia began her nursing career in 2010 as a trauma step-down nurse and went on to complete a family nurse practitioner master’s at Georgetown University, and then a psychiatric nurse practitioner post-master’s certificate at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS). She is graduating with a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) from the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus in May 2023. Tricia has a passion for treating our LGBTQIA+ community and provided comprehensive care, including gender affirming hormone therapy, for the southern Colorado community at UCCS. Before working at UCCS, she worked as a family nurse practitioner at two different FQHCs, Pueblo Community Health Center and Peak Vista; she returned to Peak Vista in September 2021 as a PMHNP and loves working in this specialty.

Nursing was a second career for Tricia; she has a master’s in counseling and worked as a counselor for six years prior to entering nursing. Her work in counseling was primarily with teens and families, and was cognitive behavioral and solution focused in nature. She has also worked as a licensed massage therapist and certified personal trainer prior to her work in counseling; her training along the way has informed her care as a nurse practitioner and she tends to offer treatment that pulls from many areas of expertise.

Her other loves are family and bicycles; she loves mountain biking with her husband and son, and her biking community. Tricia and her family are also very involved with the Colorado High School Mountain Biking League and serve as race crew for the fall race seasons.

Can’t attend in person? Join in via Zoom (link below)!

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88345290703?pwd=VWFNaU1JUC9DZUhqYTZ6S0FxTlh3QT09

Presenter: Latalia White

Latalia is a licensed marriage and family therapist and owns a private practice in Colorado Springs.  She has a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy degree from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Slavic Languages & Literatures degree from Princeton University.  Latalia specializes in infidelity and other relationship issues with individuals and couples and also works with anxiety, sex, and money issues.  Additionally, she is trained in helping couples prepare for the transition to parenthood.

Presenter: Kinsey Anderson

Kinsey Anderson is a music therapy intern at Resonate Music Therapy in Colorado Springs. She is pursuing an undergraduate degree in music therapy at Colorado State University, and currently completing the required 1,200 clinical hours needed to become a board certified music therapist. Kinsey and her supervisor, Marissa Neathery, created a combined presentation which was selected for the 2023 Midwest Regional Music Therapy Conference. Kinsey will be presenting the sensory regulation focused portion of this presentation for the Psychological Society of the Pikes Peak Region. She is passionate about sharing practical and research-based sensory tools for therapists and individuals, and is excited to continue developing these skills as she begins her career.

Presenter: Jon Sundby

Jon Sundby is a master’s student in the Geropsychology track at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Working under the mentorship of Dr. Tom Pyszczynski, Jon researches community and psychological issues with a social psychological lens. His research has recently focused on how attributions and philosophical orientations affect attitudes toward stigmatized groups, particularly people experiencing homelessness and addiction. In addition to his research interests, Jon also works clinically with older adults and caregivers at the UCCS Aging Center. His clinical interests include narrative therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and mindfulness.

Presenter: Rachel Weiskittle, PhD

Dr. Rachel Weiskittle is a Clinical Psychologist and an Assistant Professor in Psychology at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She specializes in behavioral medicine and geropsychology. Dr. Weiskittle researches the impacts of aging and end-of-life experiences. She translates the findings of these studies into clinical innovations to improve care for underserved, older adult and minority communities. Her recent work has focused on those recently bereaved or socially isolated due to the effects of COVID-19.  

Presenter: Colleen Mock, MA

Colleen Mock is a doctoral student and the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She has been at UCCS for two years in the Geropsychology track working with Dr. Dan Segal as her research mentor. Her research interests focus primarily on suicide, various forms of anxiety, and personality disorders within the older adult population. Prior to attending UCCS Colleen got her Master’s in clinical psychology at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Clinically, Colleen has experience working with older adults, individuals with justice involvement, those with intellectual/developmental diagnoses, persons with severe mental disorders, and individuals who have been involved with Adult Protective Services who have experienced neglect and other types of abuse. She is most interested in how suicidality and abuse can be identified, treated, and prevented within the older adult population.

Presenter: Jennifer Grubb, MS, LPC, EMDR-Tr, MGCP

Jennifer is the owner and primary therapist at Cairn Consulting, LLC. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about helping members of the LGBTQIA+ community live into their authentic selves.

Additionally, Jennifer is a former professional soccer player who has represented her sport on both a national and international level during her nearly 20-year competitive career. Some of Jennifer’s notable accomplishments are:

● Representing the US Women’s National Team between 1995 and 1999

● Earning the title of “Iron Woman” for having played every minute of every game in a 3

year professional career

● Earning All-Star team selections in 2001, 2002, 2003 (WUSA)

● Becoming the first defensive 4-time All-American at the University of Notre Dame

● Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 1998 and 1999

● 4-Time Big East Champion and 4-Time Big East All-Tournament Team

After retiring from her playing career, Jennifer pledged to continue sharing her love of sports by supporting athletes as they address the unique demands that athletes face, especially as they pursue goals and overcome barriers related to reaching the next level in their performance.

Off the field, Jennifer’s leadership experience includes starting a violence prevention program utilized in elementary and middle schools, previously sitting on the Board of Directors for an organization that provides direct programming for grieving children and their families, being trained as an instructor for Teen Mental Health First Aid, and being a spokesperson for a campaign that provides free community education in grit and resilience. She currently holds a position on the ARC ND (Alumni Rainbow Community of Notre Dame) board of directors, a group that is committed to inclusion of and equity for the LGBTQIA+ community at the University of Notre Dame. Jennifer lives in Colorado Springs  with her wife, Brittany, and their three dogs and two cats.

Although RSVP is not required, it is appreciated. Please click on RSVP button and then click the check box once to say you are coming or twice to indicate you may attend. Press Continue and add your name and email address. Email [email protected] if it gives you any trouble!

Presenter: Erika Karpman, PhD

Erika Karpman (she/her/hers) is a sexuality therapist and educator. She received her PhD in Human Sexuality from Widener University, where she also received a Masters of Social Work and Masters of Education in Human Sexuality. Her area of focus includes working with LGBTQ2S+ individuals, addressing sexuality health and wellness, and managing sexual trauma. Erika is clinically licensed (LCSW) in Colorado and Delaware.

Although RSVP is not required, it is appreciated. Please click on RSVP button and then click the check box once to say you are coming or twice to indicate you may attend. Press Continue and add your name and email address. Email [email protected] if it gives you any trouble!

Presenter: Erica Henkel, MSW, LCSW

Erica Henkel is a licensed clinical social worker, certified yoga teacher, and owner of TrueNorth Holistic Counseling. She holds a masters degree in social work from the University of St. Thomas, a bachelors degree in social work from Bethel University, and has over 15 years experience in the fields of mental health and human services. Erica specializes in the treatment of trauma, perinatal mental health, and anxiety disorders. Additionally, she has a deep understanding of the nuanced issues for those experiencing adverse long-term effects of spiritual and religious trauma from time in fundamentalist religious backgrounds. Drawing from her education and experience as well as extensive training in yoga therapy and mindfulness-based interventions, Erica takes a holistic approach to supporting her clients.