A Brief Overview of Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD - Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Training Program Northern California

Presented by Veronica Ochoa, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Supervisor, KP NorCal, MHTP

Presenter Bio

Veronica Ochoa, LCSW, BCD (she/her)

Clinical Supervisor

NorCal Mental Health Training Program and Counseling Centers

Veronica Ochoa, LCSW, BCD, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Patten University in Oakland, California, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, East Bay, with a specialization in Community Mental Health.

Ms. Ochoa began her career at La Clinica de La Raza in Oakland, where she provided mental health services to diverse communities. She then joined San Mateo County Mental Health and Recovery Services, where she served for six years, gaining extensive experience in crisis intervention and therapeutic modalities. In 2017, Ms. Ochoa joined the Kaiser Permanente Department of Psychiatry in Oakland as a psychotherapist, contributing to key programs such as the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) team, the Trauma Recovery Program, and Couples Therapy Program.

Ms. Ochoa’s commitment to professional development led her to become actively involved in the department’s Training Program, where she provided secondary and primary supervision to Postmaster Fellows. In February 2023, she assumed the role of Co-Director of the Bilingual Training Program, where she worked to train and mentor Spanish-speaking therapists entering the mental health field.

Ms. Ochoa is certified as a Social Work Diplomate and Clinical Supervisor by the American Board of Social Work and holds additional certifications in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).

In November 2023, Ms. Ochoa transitioned to her current role as Clinical Supervisor at the NorCal Mental Health Training Program (NCAL-MHTP). In this capacity, she provides didactic training and clinical supervision to Pre-Master’s and Post-Master’s trainees. She is also an active member of the Bilingual and Trauma Specialty teams, where she continues to support the delivery of culturally responsive mental health care to diverse populations.

This seminar offers a concise overview of Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy, an evidence-based, manualized treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Participants will develop an understanding of the theoretical foundations, core techniques, and clinical application of PE.

Key components—such as imaginal and in vivo exposure—will be examined, along with modifications designed to enhance emotional engagement. The seminar will also address criteria for assessing patient suitability and offer practical guidance for tailoring treatment to individual needs.

Video demonstrations will illustrate the delivery of foundational interventions and provide clinical insights into recognizing and managing both over- and under-engagement in therapy.

Course Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

Articulate the foundational principles and therapeutic objectives of Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy for PTSD.
Describe the essential components of the PE treatment protocol, including their theoretical rationale and clinical application.
Identify common barriers to treatment engagement and apply evidence-informed strategies to address challenges encountered during the course of therapy.
Evaluate clinical indicators of patient suitability for PE, including factors influencing treatment readiness and engagement.

Instructional Level

Advanced

This CE program is free to Kaiser Permanente employees.
Instructional Methodology
Lecture
Audio/Visual
On-line Presentation

Continuing Education Information

Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Training Programs (KPMHTP) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. KPMHTP maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Kaiser Permanente Northern California Mental Health Training Programs designate this live activity for 3 hours continuing education credits for the above-identified licensed professionals.

Refund and Attendance Policy

This session is free to all Kaiser Employees. There is no known commercial support for this program. For questions and requests for information, please contact our program evaluator: supria.k.gill@kp.org

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Those who attend the program in full and complete the appropriate evaluation form will receive CE credits. Please note that credit will only be granted for those who attend the entire lecture.