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.
Friday, February 24, 2023
A Role for Psychology and Psychologists in the Climate Crisis:
Reporting from the APA Task Force on Climate Change
Presented by
Dr. Sara Walker, PhD
Description
The crisis of our changing climate directly affects human health and mental health and these impacts are worsening. Not only is there increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, but the climate crisis intersects with the effects of racial and economic injustice regionally and globally. In 2020, the president of the American Psychological Association appointed a Task Force on Climate Change "to recommend goals and strategies for future APA activities that will have a strong impact on the climate change crisis." The Task Force Report recommended steps to strengthen the field of psychology within climate action and to broaden its impact through practice, education, advocacy, and research. This presentation will include direct action items for psychologists in Oregon who are motivated to mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis, and for cultivating hope and connection while doing so.
Learning Objectives
- Identify at least three ways that individual health and mental health can be affected by the climate crisis.
- Describe ways that psychologists can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation within a justice and equity framework, per the APA Task Force on Climate Change Report.
- Identify and implement at least two strategies for connecting with others and caring for oneself in times of crisis.
Speaker
Sara Walker, PhD
 Sara Walker, PhD (she/her) is a neuropsychologist at OHSU where she is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry, core faculty member in the Clinical Psychology PhD Program, and licensed psychologist in the Resident and Faculty Wellness Program. Dr. Walker grew up in Portland, earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Oregon, a Master's in Counseling Psychology and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Michigan School of Medicine. She returned to Portland to join the faculty at OHSU in 2011, where she holds clinical, administrative, and educator roles. Dr. Walker has also been active in disaster mental health, as well as sustainability efforts and climate action at OHSU, regionally, and nationally, including recent membership on the APA Task Force on Climate Change.
Friday, March10, 2023
Assessing and Responding to Suicide Risk in Youth
Presented by
Dr. Hannah Lawrence, PhD
Description
This course will discuss the prevalence of, and risk factors for, suicidal ideation, behavior, and death by suicide in youth. Evidence-based, practical tools for assessing suicide risk in youth will be discussed and collaborative approaches to safety planning will be reviewed.
Learning Objectives
- Understand risk factors for suicidal ideation and behavior in children and adolescents
- Identify evidence-based tools for assessing suicide risk in youth
- Learn how to develop a safety plan with child and adolescent clients
Speaker
Hannah Lawrence, PhD
Hannah Lawrence, PhD is a child clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the School of Psychological Science at Oregon State University. Clinically, Dr. Lawrence specializes in working with children and adolescents and has practiced in high acuity settings including psychiatric inpatient and partial programs serving youth. Dr. Lawrence’s research focuses on identifying novel risk factors for adolescent depression and suicide and developing new, scalable interventions to reduce this risk.
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
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.
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.
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