Physical and mental health are strongly inter-related and mental health conditions are highly co-morbid in medical populations. However, few mental health providers have received formal training in the relationship between physical and mental health and how to simultaneously address both experiences in the clinical setting. This workshop is designed to provide therapists of various backgrounds with an introduction to the sub-discipline of Health Psychology. The presentation will cover theoretical models related to understanding factors that contribute to physical and psychological conditions, as well as health related behaviors. Common medical conditions that often co-occur with mental health concerns (and thus are likely to present to mental health providers) will be addressed. Participants will learn strategies to differentiate between physical illness and psychological distress. Challenges unique to being a mental health provider working with patients with co-morbid medical conditions will be discussed.

*This workshop is hosted by the Center for Mental Health & Aging

Over 20% of individuals living in the USA experience chronic pain. Chronic pain is associated with increased risk for depression, anxiety, and disability, as well as significant changes in sense of self and overall well being. Due in part to the impact of pain on mental health, as well as the reduction of reliance on opioid pain medications, more and more individuals with chronic pain are looking to psychologists for alternative ways to manage the impact of their pain. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) is considered the gold standard in terms of psychological interventions for chronic pain. This workshop will emphasize learning how to apply the CBT model to the unique physical experience of chronic pain; specifically, how to conceptualize and intervene on pain-related behaviors such as pain avoidance and addressing common pain-related thought patterns. Finally, this presentation will touch on ways in which biased medical decision-making based on race, SES, and gender impacts referrals to mental health. as well as ways in which disparities in pain care may impact engagement in psychological interventions for pain, such as CBT-CP.

*This workshop is hosted by the Center for Mental Health & Aging

This intermediate program will review the scholarly research on the use of ACT with a population experiencing chronic pain. Emphasis will be placed on learning how to apply the ACT model of emotional pain and suffering to the unique physical experience of chronic pain; specifically, how to conceptualize pain behaviors, avoidance of pain, and emotional experiences (i.e. depression, anxiety, and fear) from an ACT perspective. Special attention will be paid to the ways in which ACT approaches may need to be modified for the chronic pain population. The presentation will cover ways to adapt treatment for both individual and group formats. A focus will be placed on how to tailor specific ACT interventions for the chronic pain population, and participants in this workshop will learn these techniques first hand through participation multiple experiential exercises.

*This workshop is hosted by the Center for Mental Health & Aging

This presentation aims to highlight the ethical obligation to strive toward unbiased pain care for all. There are gross discrepancies in the quality and type of pain treatment that is provided in the United States; empirical research indicates that social factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status account for the much of the inequity in care. Scholarly research indicates that these disparities in pain care are present across all healthcare settings in which pain treatment occurs. Although healthcare providers may be broadly aware that health inequity exists; few are well versed in this as it related to pain care. It is the ethical responsibility of any healthcare provider involved with pain care to be aware of these disparities and the factors, both on the part of the patient (i.e. social identity variables) and on the part of the provider (biases). Furthermore, awareness in and of itself does not produce behavior change. Evidence on factors that contribute to inequitable care will be reviewed, and strategies to combat biased medical decision making will be discussed.

*This workshop is hosted by the Center for Mental Health and Aging

This workshop is designed to provide mental health providers of various backgrounds with an introduction to the subdiscipline of Health Psychology and give insight into how mental health providers can play a pivotal role in treating clients with chronic medical conditions. This workshop will cover the role of stress as a contributor and exacerbator of both physical and mental health. We will review common chronic medical conditions that may present in a mental health practice (including chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, ME/CFS, Long-COVID, and auto-immune disorders) and discuss how to differentiate between physical illness and psychological distress. Importantly, we will discuss ways to incorporate evidence-based strategies, including CBT interventions and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, into work with people with co-morbid medical conditions.

*This workshop is hosted by The Knowledge Tree

The training will cover how to identify pain behaviors, navigate avoidance of pain, and address emotional experiences such as depression, anxiety, and fear through an ACT perspective. By the end of this workshop, you'll be equipped with the tools & strategies they need to help clients end the emotional suffering associated with chronic pain and improve their overall well-being.

*This workshop is being hosted by eCare Behavioral Health Institute