Brief Overview of Prolonged Exposure therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for the treatment of PTSD - Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Training Program Northern California

Presented by Veronica Ochoa, LCSW & Amanda Devane, PhD

Presenter Bio

Dr. Devane received her B.A. in psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, her M.A. in psychology from Boston University, and her Ph.D. in clinical psychology specializing in trauma from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She completed her doctoral internship at Kaiser, Fresno and her postdoctoral residency at Kaiser, Vallejo. Currently she provides evidence-based treatments for PTSD to adults on the trauma team at Kaiser, Fairfield, and is the co-training director for the NSA internship program.

Ms. Veronica Ochoa holds a B.A. 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.

After completing her master’s degree, Ms. Ochoa began her career at La Clínica de La Raza in Oakland, where she worked in mental health services. She later joined San Mateo County Mental Health and Recovery Services, where she served for six years. In 2017, she joined the KP Department of Psychiatry in Oakland as a psychotherapist, contributing to several key programs, including the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) team, the Trauma Recovery Program, and Couples Programming.

Ms. Ochoa quickly became involved in the department’s Training Program, providing both 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 workforce.

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

In November 2023, she 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, furthering her commitment to supporting diverse and culturally responsive mental health care.

This seminar offers a brief overview of two evidence-based, manualized treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Participants will gain an understanding of the theoretical foundations, core techniques, and practical applications of both treatments. The seminar will explore key elements of PE, such as imaginal and in vivo exposure, and the ways in which CPT targets maladaptive thoughts associated with trauma. Emphasis will be placed on practical application of basic components to deliver these interventions in a diverse patient population.

Course Objectives

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

Explain the principles and goals of Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
Describe the stages and key components of each treatment model.
Identify and address common barriers and difficulties in treatment.
Apply practical strategies for integrating PE and CPT into their clinical work with PTSD clients.

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 Northern California Mental Health Training Programs is approved by the California Psychological Association, Office of Professional Development, to sponsor continuing professional education for psychologists in California.

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

The seminars mentioned above are Free of charge to Kaiser Permanente Employees and Trainees.

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.