3 Hours / 3 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Behavioral Health Aspects of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Dysfunction is presented by Jerrod Brown, PhD.

This badge-earning program can be shared digitally on platforms like LinkedIn or your resume and counts towards a certificate. Enroll in this program to earn credit towards the Integrated Behavioral Health Certificate and share your new digital credentials with prospective employers and colleagues.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a critical role in communication between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. This includes the regulation of hormones and neurotransmitters that influence everything from digestion and metabolism to mood and stress response. For instance, the HPA axis regulates the release of the hormone cortisol in response to the experience of physiological and/or psychological stress. Any dysfunction in the HPA axis may manifest in health consequences, including chronic stress, mental health, physical health, and sleep problems. Causes of such HPA axis dysfunction could include trauma, infections, toxins, or poor diet. Careful consideration of the HPA axis during the screening and assessment process can help inform the individualization of interventions. Such interventions could include addressing environmental or psychological stressors, sleep improvement strategies, improved diet, and other healthy living practices, all of which can improve short- and long-term health outcomes for the individual. 

This program is intended for professionals who are interested in learning more about HPA axis dysfunction and its implications for mood, behavior, cognition, and physical health. Practical tips, strategies, and solutions are shared throughout this program with the goal of improving screening, goal planning, and intervention practices. Empirically-based research findings and case study examples are highlighted throughout this program.

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe the basic components and processes of the HPA axis
  • 2 Describe the physiological and psychological consequences of increases and decreases in HPA axis activity
  • 3 Describe how exposure to stress, trauma, and adversity early in life can impact the functioning of the HPA axis
  • 4 Identify the causes, symptoms, and conditions of HPA Axis dysfunction
  • 5 Describe the role of HPA dysfunction in the manifestation of psychopathology across the lifespan
  • 6 Describe methods to improve and maximize the functioning of the HPA axis
  • 7 Describe the implications of HPA axis functioning in mental health and chemical health treatment settings

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for behavioral health professionals—including psychologists, social workers, counselors, and related practitioners—who work in a variety of clinical and community settings. It is especially relevant for those specializing in behavioral health, clinical psychology, counseling, integrated care, and trauma-informed interventions. The program is suitable for professionals at any stage of their career, from early-career to experienced practitioners.

  • Experience Level

    This training is applicable for all career stages: entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professionals.

  • Practice Setting

    • Psychologists
    • Social workers
    • Counselors
    • Other behavioral health professionals (e.g., marriage and family therapists, mental health clinicians)

    • Professionals working in:
    • Mental health clinics
    • Hospitals
    • Community health centers
    • Schools
    • Private practice settings

Presented By

Jerrod Brown, PhD

Jerrod Brown, PhD, is the Treatment Director for Pathways Counseling Center, Inc., the lead developer of an online Master of Arts degree in Human Services with an emphasis in Forensic Behavioral Health from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota, the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS), and the Editor-in-Chief of Forensic Scholars Today (FST) and the Journal of Special Populations (JSP).

View More Programs from this Presenter
Jerrod Brown, PhD

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Basic components and processes of the HPA axis.

  • Physiological and psychological consequences of HPA

  • Methods to improve and maximize the functioning of the HPA axis.

  • Implications of HPA axis functioning in mental health an

Earning a Certificate

This is a badge-earning program, which means it will help you earn a certificate that can be showcased on digital platforms like LinkedIn.
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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).



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) maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 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), SW CPE 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 and 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. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6811. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CONCEPT Professional Training, #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. CONCEPT Professional Training 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.