1 Hour / 1 CE

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Anosognosia: Clinical and Forensic Implications is presented by Jerrod Brown, PhD.

Anosognosia is a condition where a person genuinely lacks insight or awareness of the fact that they suffer from a disorder, disease, or disability. This is distinct from denial, as the symptoms of the person’s condition may limit or prevent thought processes that would enable the conscious choice of denial. Anosognosia has been observed among those with a history of strokes, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, mood disorders (e.g., depression and bipolar disorder), and traumatic brain injuries. Regardless of the condition, such a lack of insight or unawareness can contribute to both behavioral and memory problems. Behavioral problems could include impulsivity, obsessions, compulsions, aggression, and self-harm. Memory problems may include short- and long-term memory impairments along with a vulnerability to confabulation. Together, the consequences of anosognosia can (a) increase the risk of criminal justice involvement and (b) undermine a person’s capacity to participate in the legal and mental health systems. The seriousness of criminal justice consequences and mental health treatment compliance issues emphasize the importance of advanced programs on anosognosia among clinical, forensic, and criminal justice professionals.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Describe the warning signs, risk factors, and definitional features of anosognosia
  • 2 Describe how anosognosia can affect experiences in mental health and criminal justice systems
  • 3 Describe screening options for those with anosognosia
  • 4 Describe appropriate techniques and approaches to manage and support anosognosia
  • 5 Describe cutting-edge research and current gaps in knowledge of anosognosia

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for mental health and allied professionals who work with individuals experiencing anosognosia—a condition characterized by a lack of awareness of one’s illness—particularly in contexts where impaired insight has significant legal, clinical, or behavioral implications. The program is especially relevant for those specializing in forensic psychology, psychiatry, neurology, clinical social work, and related fields, with a focus on conditions such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological or psychiatric disorders. Participants will gain specialized knowledge applicable to forensic, clinical, and community contexts, supporting effective assessment, intervention, and management of anosognosia.

    Examples of Relevant Professionals:

    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Psychologists (clinical, forensic, neuropsychologists)
    • Psychiatrists
    • Neurologists
    • Clinical social workers
    • Psychiatric nurse practitioners
    • Counselors and therapists working in mental health
    • Allied health professionals (e.g., occupational therapists, case managers) in mental health or forensic settings

  • Experience Level

    This training is designed for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at various stages of experience with anosognosia in clinical and forensic contexts.

    • Beginner: Participants are new to the concept of anosognosia and seek foundational knowledge about its definition, warning signs, risk factors, and basic impacts on mental health and criminal justice systems.

    • Intermediate: Participants have some experience working with individuals affected by anosognosia and are looking to deepen their understanding of screening options, management techniques, and the implications for treatment compliance and legal involvement.

  • Practice Setting

    This training supports clinicians who practice in clinical, forensic, and community-based environments where impaired insight intersects with safety, treatment engagement, and legal processes. Practice typically spans acute through long-term services with multidisciplinary collaboration, structured assessment, risk mitigation, and care coordination across health and justice systems.

    Examples of Practice Settings:

    • Forensic hospitals and competency-restoration units
    • Inpatient psychiatry and psychiatric emergency services
    • Outpatient mental health and integrated care clinics
    • Neurology, memory disorder, and movement disorder clinics
    • Traumatic brain injury rehabilitation programs
    • Assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities
    • Mobile crisis, ACT/FACT, and community case management teams
    • Correctional health and jail/prison mental health units
    • Problem-solving courts (mental health, drug, veterans) and court clinics
    • VA healthcare and polytrauma programs
Presented By

Jerrod Brown, PhD

Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma, and other life adversities, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). Jerrod has also conducted over 200 workshops, webinars, and on-demand training for various organizations and professional and student audiences. In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing a graduate certificate in Neuroscience and Law from Michigan State University. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters and recently co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs. 

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).


Sponsorship Approval Statements

Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7190. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Palo Alto University, #1480, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Palo Alto University maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits. Continuing and Professional Studies, Palo Alto University, is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0103. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies, is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073.