Neuropsychological Evaluations: An Under - Used Tool in Mental Health Counseling Practice

The clinical neuropsychological evaluation is an invaluable but infrequently used tool available to the Mental Health Counselor. Using examples of PTSD, ADHD and Alcohol/Substance Disorders encountered in everyday practice, this webinar reviews applications of the field of child and adult clinical neuropsychology to Mental Health Counseling.

CE Broker Tracking # 20-555799

Learning Objectives:

This seminar provides a practical understanding of the role of neuropsychological evaluations as a key practice tool for the Mental Health Counselor. Clinical Neuropsychology is the behavioral neuroscience that assesses brain-behavior relationships but historically is used primarily by medical professionals. This presentation reviews topics of under-recognized symptoms of concussion and asphyxia ("choking" incidents) in counseling the psychologically traumatized Domestic Violence client; how misdiagnosed frontal lobe deficits and alcohol/substance induced disorders mimic Bipolar and Mood Disorders; and, explains brain areas that cause developmental ADHD and Attention Disorders acquired from toxicity and direct cerebral trauma.  In each case, the seminar provides useful information that the therapist can easily explain in a format of patient education. 

(1)     Define and explain the field of Child and Adult Clinical Neuropsychology as the practical application of brain-behavior relationships.

(2)     Understand how concussion (direct cerebral trauma) is inadequately identified as causing or contributing to PTSD symptoms in clients with Domestic Violence histories.

(3)     Learn to view Alcohol and Substance Disorders from a neuropsychological perspective - symptoms that mimic Bipolar and Mood Disorders.

(4)     Examine Child and Adult ADHD from a neuropsychological perspective - developmental ADHD vs. attention disorders acquired from fetal neurotoxicity and head injury.

(5)     Translate information gained from neuropsychological evaluations to provide crucial patient education.

About the Presenter:

Dr. Jim Lewis is an expert in Adult and Child Clinical Neuropsychology.  In his 35-plus years of practice, Jim has conducted over 7,000 evaluations of children, adolescents and adults with diverse psychological and neuropsychiatric conditions. Named the “Mid-Atlantic Child Welfare Advocate of the Year” for his work in Domestic Violence trauma, Jim now practices in St. Petersburg and focuses on evaluations that provide clear and meaningful recommendations for Mental Health Counselors.

Dr. Lewis has conducted over 200 seminars in such topics as the Neuropsychology of Domestic Violence, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Neurotoxicity and differentiating subtle “organic” from presumed psychologically caused symptoms that can otherwise perplex child, adult and family therapists.