Through recent research in neuroscience and psychology, we now understand that the mind is not one thing, but is composed of ongoing interactions between mental operating networks. Our minds contribute to “self”-organization—the emergence of our sense of individuality and emotion as we co-evolve within families and other relationships. What we encounter and how we respond changes our brains, immune systems, and even turns on or off genes, resulting in mental health or ill health. Since mental health and physical health can no longer be compartmentalized as areas addressed by specialists, psychotherapists need to understand the mind-brain-body feedback loops. For example, chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders are strongly associated with depression and anxiety. Dysregulations of immune system, diet, and even gut bacteria profoundly affect mental health.
Course Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the relationship between health and mental health, and the interaction between the immune system and mental health.
- Describe how the pandemic of obesity and autoimmune disorders involves chronic inflammation and mental health disorders, how the immune system is intricately connected to brain systems, and how autoimmune disorders contribute to cognitive problems.
- Describe how early adverse experiences can effect long-term health, how genes can be expressed or suppressed, and how stress systems can be turned on and are difficult to turn off.
Instructional Level
Licensed mental health professionals employed through Kaiser Permanente and psychological assistants performing under supervision of a licensed psychologist.
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 Program is approved by the California Psychological Association to provide continuing professional education for psychologists. The Kaiser Permanente Northern California Mental Health Training Program maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Refund and Attendance Policy
All programs offered on KP Learn for CE credit through the KP Northern California Mental Health Training website are free of charge to Kaiser Permanente Staff and trainees. Once a course is selected in the KP NCAL MH Training Website, the registration process begins, and it will appear in the individuals KP Learn profile for completion within 90 days.
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 to those who attend the entire program. An attestation of attendance will be given once the individual has completed viewing the program, which will then initiate the final steps of completing the evaluation forms to receive a certificate of completion.