Events

OPA Continuing Education Programs

The Oregon Psychological Association sponsors many continuing education programs that have been developed to meet the needs of psychologists and other mental health professionals. The Continuing Education Committee works diligently to provide programs that are of interest to the wide variety of specialties in mental health.

 The Oregon Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.  The Oregon Psychological Association maintains responsibility for the program and its content.

 

All OPA educational events are provided in a virtual format only. If you are unable to attend virtually the day of the webinar, you can now register for the recorded only version and a link to the recording of the webinar will be emailed to you approximately one week after the webinar concludes.

In order to register for OPA webinars on-line you will need a credit card for payment to complete your order.  Please review the cancellation policy for each event carefully. 


 

 Monday, April 3, 2023

Let's Talk About Sex: Increasing Comfort and Reducing Bias Around Sexual and Gender Health Concerns

Presented by
Dr. Jennifer Vencill

Register Now
Click Here to Download Event Flyer

 

Description

Most mental health professionals have been well-trained and feel comfortable assessing mental health symptoms and histories, including difficult topics such as suicidality or trauma. But what about addressing a client’s sexual or gender health concerns? Although clients commonly have concerns related to sex, sexuality, and gender, they often feel embarrassed, ashamed, and reluctant to discuss them. Many will struggle with sexual difficulties for years before seeking professional help. Compounding the problem, clinicians consistently report that they are uncomfortable discussing topics related to sex, sexuality, and gender, and feel inadequately trained to approach these client concerns. This workshop will address the importance of attending to sexual and gender health concerns in the therapeutic context. Participants will explore the role of mental health providers in assessing and treating sexual and gender health concerns, including sexual function difficulties (e.g., sexual desire discrepancies, sexual pain, anorgasmia) as well as clients’ exploration of their sexual and gender identities.
 
Registration Fees
OPA Member: $75
Non-Member: $100
Student: $0

Learning Objectives 

  • Explore the role of mental health providers in the promotion of sexual and gender health. 
  • Compare and contrast evidence-based strategies for conducting an ethical, inclusive, and thorough sexual health history.
  • Assess personal biases/fears that have arisen (or might arise) related to addressing sexual and gender health concerns. 
  • Identify and discuss potential ethical pitfalls in addressing sexual and gender health concerns.

Speaker

Jennifer A. Vencill, PhD, ABPP

Jennifer A. Vencill, PhD, ABPP, is an assistant professor, board certified clinical health psychologist, and AASECT certified sex therapist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where she spends the bulk of her time providing integrated sexual health care and educating fellows, residents, and medical students about the importance of sexual and gender health. Dr. Vencill’s research focuses on sexual health and health disparities in marginalized communities. She sits on the editorial board of the International Journal of Sexual Health and Psychology of Sexual Orientation & Gender Diversity, and recently helped to revise and update the APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Sexual Minority Persons. Dr. Vencill also co-authored the popular press book, Desire: An Inclusive Guide to Navigating Libido Differences in Relationships 

 


Diversity CE Offerings

Cultural Competence Homestudy courses are offered by the New Mexico Psychological Association (NMPA) to OPA members for a fee. Questions should be directed to the NMPA. Courses include: Cultural Competency Assessment (1 CE), Multicultural Counseling Competencies/Research (2 CEs), Awareness-based articles (3 CE), Knowledge based articles (3 CE), Skills-based articles on counseling (3 CE) and Skills-based articles on assessment (3 CE).  Click on the link above to get started.

OBOP Information

For an overview of OBOP CE information, please click here.  For full information from OBOP regarding CE and licensure please click here.

APA Approval

The Oregon Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. OPA maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Letters of completion will be awarded to participants who attend the entire workshop.  No partial credits are given.

Other Mental Health Agency Approvals

OPA workshops should be satisfactory for Oregon Licensed Social Workers' and LPC's continuing education requirements. Approval for any other licensing or regulatory bodies must be completed by the individual attendee.

Each OPA workshop is classified according to the following system:

Level 1: general or introductory content aimed at a diverse audience.

Level 2: psychologically sophisticated content, at either introductory or more advanced levels, aimed at general professional audiences.

Level 3: highly advanced theoretical or technical content, aimed at expert audiences.

Level 2 and 3 presentations will typically warrant CE credit for a licensed psychologist. Both level and number of hours for each workshop are indicated for each workshop and official letters of completion will be awarded to participants who attend the entire workshop. APA guidelines specify that no letter of attendance will be awarded for partial workshop attendance.

Level 2 and 3 offerings are typically accepted by the Oregon Board of Psychologists (OBOP). However, Oregon licensed psychologists should consult with the Oregon Board of Psychologists regarding the state laws and rules regarding continuing education in Oregon, and note that there is no pre-certification of continuing education credit by the Oregon Board of Psychologists. If you have questions about whether or not OBOP may accept a class for CE credit you can contact them at 503.378.4154.