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 Describe 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 specialize in behavioral health, clinical psychology, counseling, integrated care, and trauma-informed interventions.

    Examples of Relevant Professionals:

    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Psychologists
    • Social Workers
    • Counselors
    • Marriage and Family Therapists
    • Mental Health Clinicians

  • Experience Level

    This training is designed for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at various stages of experience with HPA axis concepts and clinical applications.

    • Beginner: Participants are new to the HPA axis and seek foundational knowledge about its basic components, processes, and relevance to mental and physical health.

    • Intermediate: Participants have some familiarity with the HPA axis and are interested in expanding their understanding of its role in stress, trauma, psychopathology, and evidence-based intervention strategies.

    • Advanced: Participants have substantial experience with neurobiological concepts and are looking to deepen their expertise in integrating HPA axis assessment and intervention into complex clinical cases and multidisciplinary treatment planning.

  • Practice Setting

    Practitioners work in clinical and healthcare environments that emphasize behavioral health assessment, integrated mind–body care, and trauma-informed interventions. They operate within multidisciplinary systems and private practice contexts where screening, goal planning, and evidence-based treatments are delivered across the lifespan, both in person and via telehealth.

    Examples of Practice Settings:

    • Outpatient behavioral health clinics
    • Community mental health centers
    • Integrated primary care and medical homes
    • Hospital-based psychiatry and consultation-liaison services
    • Private practice (solo or group)
    • Telehealth/virtual care platforms
    • School and campus counseling centers
    • Residential and intensive outpatient 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. 


Jerrod has also completed specialized trainings and certifications in the following areas: 

Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor (CFNC) through Functional Nutrition Alliance 

Integrative Adult Sleep Coach Certification Program. A 12-month, in-depth, comprehensive training program 

Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies. A 7-month online post-graduate training program 

Certified Neurodiversity Professional 

Professional Certification in Trauma & Resilience: Level One 

Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist 

Certification as a Tobacco Treatment Specialist through Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center Rochester, Minnesota 

Brain Health Coaching Certification Course 

Certified Digestive Health Specialist through the Institute of Transformational Nutrition 

Gut Health Specialist Certification 

Stress and Mindset Coach Certification 

Holistic Health Coach Certification 

Certified Sleep Science Coach

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.
View Certificates

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.