Originally published: . Volume 7, No. 5. Source pages: 15, 16.
The Louisiana Psychological Association will hold its Annual Convention and business meeting May 20 and 21, at the Doubletree Hotel in Kenner, Louisiana. The theme will be “Psychology Across the Spectrum.” The program is designed to address current issues and science matters for psychologists, and programs are structured for continuing education level credits, including options for Ethics/Forenics. Attendees can enjoy lunches, a cocktail reception, the state board presentation, vendor presentations, and interest area chat groups.
Gerald LaHoste, PhD, University of New Orleans Biopsychology and genetic researcher, will deliver the keynote address on epigenetics in health and behavior. LaHoste will discuss how science shows that while our genes are our health blueprints, the genes are in ongoing communication with the inner and outer environments of the individual. Psychological, social, and physical environments can all work to switch genes on or off – a process called epigenetics. These multiple feedback loops show a direct influence on health outcomes, for better or for worse. Psychology finds a warm welcome in emerging epigenetic science. Backed by his discoveries of the link between the dopamine D4 receptor gene and ADHD, and also of the novel gene, Rhes, he will describe the foundations of epigenetics related to psychological health.
This is followed by panel on current issues in psychology: “New Directions in Health Service Psychology.” Chris Leonhard, PhD, from the Chicago Professional School at Xavier, will review the new training model of the American Psychological Association (APA) for Health Services Psychology and blend with new challenges for healthcare practitioners under the Affordable Care Act and other advancements.
Mary Lou Kelley, PhD, Professor and Director of Pediatric Psychology Service at Baton Rouge Clinic will discuss the role of the consulting psychologist; Sarah Moody- Thomas, PhD, Professor at the LSU School of Public Health and director of the Community Health Program, will review public health and the Tobacco Cessation Initiative; and Deborah Palmer-Seal, PhD, with the Health & Education Alliance of Louisiana will present the CDC Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model. The panel will engage in candid discussions about the roles and opportunities for independent psychologists and options in their careers as the healthcare landscape changes.
Also on Friday, Kristopher Kaliebe, MD, will present: “ADHD Overdiagnosis in Louisiana: A Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist’s Perspective.” Dr. Kaliebe will discuss the high degree of variation in ADHD stimulant prescribing within Louisiana and multidisciplinary strategies that ensure appropriate use of stimulant medications.
“Advances in Psychological Testing in Legal and Scientific Arenas,” looks at current issues for assessment in medical and legal areas. Presenters are Michael Chafetz, PhD, Kevin Greve, PhD, and Alan Taylor, PhD. This roundtable presentation, moderated by Dr. Chafetz, reviews recent advances in forensic psychological and neuropsychological assessment, with applications for those working in health, disability, custody and other areas of neuropsychological and psychological evaluation.
“Ethical Considerations in the Treatment of Transgender and Gender Variant Individuals Across All Facets of Psychology,” will be presented by Bobby Kizer, PhD. Dr. Kizer will discuss recent developments in gender identity theory, gender dysphoria treatment and political climate, and how these developments affect all types of psychological practice.
“Professional Standards for Psychological/Neuropsychological Assessments and Acceptance in the Courts & Dealing with Opposing Expert Evaluations,” will be presented by Richard Ivins, PhD. Dr. Ivins will outline an approach to help inoculate an expert’s report from being discredited and having a Daubert challenge. He will review a fixed vs flexible battery, court rulings, and standards for transferring information to other experts.
“The Katrina 10 Project: Individual & Community Resilience,” will be presented by, Darlyne Nemeth, PhD. Dr. Nemeth will review stress and resilience, and how psychologists can promote well-being using the Katrina 10 Wellness Workshops as examples.
Devi Miron-Murphy, PhD, will present, “Youth PTSD: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children. Dr. Murphy will provide an overview of Youth PTSD Treatment (YPT) – a theory-based, 12- session, manual-driven protocol for individual cognitive-behavioral treatment for children and adolescents with PTSD.
Darlyne Nemeth, PhD, Fernando Pastrana, PhD., Jennifer Volz, PhD., and Julia Hussey, BA., will review “Interventions for Children with Neurological/ Neurodevelop- mental Disorders including ADHD, LD, BD. & the 504 Process.” The panel will review medication management and behavioral interventions that may benefit children with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, including, but not limited to, ADHD, LD, and Behavioral Disorders.
“It’s Just Not that Simple: Why a DSM-5 Diagnosis is Never Sufficient for Special Education Eligibility,” will be presented by Jennifer Maynard, PhD. Mental health professionals providing evaluations to schools and school administrators who are required to judge the compliance requirements of evaluations must adhere to the requirements of Louisiana Bulletin 1508. If an evaluation is not 1508- compliant, schools find the information largely useless. Participants will leave the session with a clear understanding of the role of a clinician in adjusting their evaluation to assist with 1508 compliance when their report is being submitted to schools.
Early Career Psychologist Panel, with Moderator, Amy Henke, Psy.D and panelists Michelle Moore, PhD., Sarah Gray, PhD., Chavez Phelps, PhD., Courtney Lewis, PhD., Elizabeth Carey, PhD., Corrin Johnson, PhD., Aaron Armelie, PhD. and Alyssa Lee, MA, will look at practical advice for students, interns, postdocs, and early career psychologists. Topics such as transitioning from pre- doctoral intern to post-doctoral fellowship, developing and marketing a private practice, negotiating the first job, and life in academia, will be covered. A Q&A time will also be available and attendees are encouraged to actively contribute to the discussion.
More information and registration can be found at louisianapsychologist.org.
Dr. Michelle Moore (back left, speaking) guided psychologists in the fun and therapeutic use of stuffed animals in therapy with youngsters at a previous year’s convention.
Psychologists at a fall conference last year. Left to right, Dr. Beverly Stubblefield, Dr. Kim Van Geffen, Dr. Charles Burchell, and Dr. Constance Patterson (facing away.).
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