2024 Annual Conference CE Session Information

April 19 - 20, 2024 | Oregon City, Oregon
Providence Willamette Falls Community Conference Center

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
Thank you to everyone that has registered for this event. We look forward to seeing you!

MORE INFORMATION HERE

 


"Depression, Suicide, and Alternative Treatments when Traditional Options Fail" Presented by Dr. Y Pritham Raj

Presenting 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM, April 19, 2024. 

Description:

In this presentation, we will delve into the challenges associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicide.  We will examine vulnerable populations and how to best approach patients with MDD and MDD with suicidal ideation (MDSI).  We will review the history of antidepressant therapy and then learn the intricacies of two newer treatment options, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and esketamine (Spravato), for treatment-resistant depression. The session will cover the efficacy, potential side effects, and the optimal patient candidates for both treatment modalities. We will explore the recommended courses of TMS and Spravato, drawing on case studies, supporting evidence (fair and balanced), and the mechanisms of action.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the societal and healthcare challenges posed by major depressive disorder, major depression with suicidal ideation (MDSI), and treatment-resistant depression.
  • Reviewing the importance of a systematic approach when treating patients with major depression who express suicidal ideation.
  • Develop the ability to identify individuals who qualify for alternative treatment options such as TMS (neuromodulation) and esketamine while gaining an understanding of the protocols and applications for these alternative treatments, including their administration and monitoring.

 

"Gut Feelings and Mental Revealings: Navigating the Psychology of the Brain-Gut Connection" Presented by Dr. Kalin Clark

Presenting 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, April 19, 2024.

Description:
There is growing awareness of the relationship between the brain and the gut. The brain-gut axis is a complex bidirectional communication system between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system that controls the functions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Chronic GI conditions and dysregulation of the brain-gut axis can contribute to numerous psychosocial issues, low quality of life, and stigma. In this presentation, we will explore the relationship between the brain-gut axis and psychosocial factors. Participants will gain an understanding of how a GI psychologist can play an important role in the treatment of chronic gastrointestinal conditions. We will further explore various evidence-based brain-gut psychotherapies.

Objectives:

  1. Describe the brain-gut connection.
  2. Understand the role of a psychologist in the treatment of chronic GI conditions.
  3. Name 3 evidence-based interventions for treating chronic GI conditions.

"Autism Assessment and the Neurodiversity Paradigm" Presented by Jeffrey Fry & Emily Haygeman

Presenting 1:15 PM - 3:15 PM, April 19, 2024.

Description:

In this 2-hour presentation, Dr. Fry and Dr. Haygeman will dive into the topic of autism assessment informed by the neurodiversity paradigm. Participants will learn to thoughtfully design their assessment batteries with a range of populations in mind. Careful consideration will be given to making nuanced clinical observations in client interactions and (importantly) considering autistic perspectives in regard to assessment. The importance of understanding masking and the difference this makes in regard to co-occurring mental health diagnoses such as anxiety and depression will be explored, as well as the overlap between autistic burnout and depression. Participants will leave with a better idea of how to address referral questions regarding the PDA profile as well as autistic burnout. Lastly, the training will address appropriate affirming and evidence-based treatment recommendations for a range of autistic populations.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will learn how to approach the autism assessment process from a neurodiversity paradigm lens.
  • Participants will understand the concept of masking neurodivergent traits and how to assess for this across diverse age, gender, and cultural groups.
  • Participants will be able to address / make recommendations for the PDA profile, autistic burnout, and other common referral questions.
  • Participants will be able to develop affirming, evidence-based treatment recommendations for autistic populations.

 "OBOP Town Hall" Presented by OBOP

Presenting 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM, April 19, 2024.

Description:

More information coming soon!

Learning Objectives:

More information coming soon!


"Getting A "head" in Therapy - Psilocybin, Esketamine and MDMA in the Treatment of MH & SUDs" Presented by Michael Bricker

Presenting 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM, April 20, 2024.

Description:

Recent years have witnessed a renewed interest in previously illegal drugs for treating MH disorders. Psylocybin (psychoactive element in “magic mushrooms”) and MDMA (“Ecstasy”) are investigated for treatment of anxiety, depression and PTSD; anecdotally they can be helpful for SUDs as well. In micro-doses applied under strict regulations in licensed clinics by specially trained clinicians, research begins to show increasing promise. This workshop will examine the history of currently illicit psychoactive substances (including ayahuasca), patterns of consumption, attempts to outlaw recreational use, and now clinical investigation. We will discuss pros and cons of clinical use of these substances, concerns for cross-addiction with other substances, and legal/regulatory challenges.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, the participant will be able to

  • Briefly explain the history of religious, recreational and now clinical use of previously illicit psychoactive substances
  • Summarize the developing research on their use for treatment
  • List 3 ways in which these substances can be potentially helpful in treatment of MH and SUDs

 "The Ethical Practice of Psychology within Systems & Organizations" Presented by OPA Ethics Committee

Presenting 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM, April 20, 2024.

Description:

Ethical behavior is an important part of professional identity. This presentation explores potential dilemmas that may arise when practicing psychology within a system or organizational setting.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify ethical dilemmas that may arise when practicing psychology within a system or organizational setting
  • Understand ways in which laws and policies may contradict ethics
  • Identify the characteristics of an ethical organization
  • Apply ethical decision-making model to ethical dilemmas

"Medication Management for Mood and Anxiety Disorders" presented by Josephine McNary

Presenting 1:15 PM - 3:15 PM, April 20, 2024.

Description:
This is an overview on the use of psychiatric medications in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. This is an adjunctive program to assist psychologists in monitoring their clients. It will also help psychologists determine when it is appropriate to consider recommending medication to their clients. We will also discuss the different types of medication used, their efficacy in treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, and common side effects. We will also address personal/social/cultural stigmas surrounding use of medications.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe three different classes of psychiatric medications used for the treatment of mood/anxiety disorders
  • Identify the most common side effects (at least two in each class) of medications used to treat mood and anxiety disorders
  • Demonstrate in three different case vignettes when it is appropriate to refer a client for psychiatric evaluation

 

The Ethics of Assessment presented by Dr. Jeffrey Fry

Presenting 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM, April 20, 2024.

Description:

In this hour presentation, participants will learn ethical considerations when performing psychological testing across three broad categories: Access to services, best practices, and issues across provider disciplines. Examples from each category will be discussed including topics like test selection, test interpretation, communicating results, user qualifications, safeguarding testing materials, and more.  Time will be allotted for questions and comments following the presentation of each category.

Objectives:

  • Participants will become familiar with ethical issues related to access to psychological testing services.
  • Participants will become familiar with ethical issues related to best practices in assessment.
  • Participants will become familiar with ethical issues related to assessment across provider disciplines.