1 Hour / 1 CE

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Behavioral Health Aspects of Tobacco Exposure is presented by Jerrod Brown, PhD.

This unique program offers an in-depth understanding of the multifaceted impacts of tobacco and secondhand smoke on human health, with a special focus on behavioral health populations.

Delve into a wide array of risk factors, warning signs, and the short and long-term repercussions of tobacco exposure. Participants uncover the immediate effects, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, bronchial and respiratory problems, and long-term impacts that include heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Participants also delve into the profound influence tobacco exposure has on cognitive functions, leading to reduced attention span and memory loss, behavioral changes, and escalated levels of criminality.

This program also brings to light the effects of prenatal tobacco exposure, a critical topic often overlooked. Learn about the latent impacts it could have on fetal development and the resulting health complications, thereby enabling you to become an advocate for change in your professional sphere.

The program is rooted in empirical research, ensuring that you're exposed to evidence-based findings and methodologies. The presenter provides an integrative view, addressing the implications of screening and intervention from a behavioral health perspective. 

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe tobacco exposure and other related constructs
  • 2 Describe the risk factors and warning signs of tobacco use dependence
  • 3 Describe the impact tobacco exposure has on mood, behavior, cognition, and criminality
  • 4 Describe screening and intervention considerations through a behavioral health lens
  • 5 Describe up-to-date research findings

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for mental health professionals who want to deepen their understanding of the behavioral and cognitive impacts of tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure. It is relevant for those working in behavioral health, clinical psychology, forensic mental health, and related fields. Participants will gain insights into how tobacco affects mental health, learn evidence-based intervention strategies, and explore the unique challenges faced by individuals in diverse clinical and community contexts.

    Examples of Relevant Professionals:

    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Psychologists (clinical, counseling, and forensic)
    • Social Workers (clinical and community-based)
    • Counselors (mental health, substance use, and behavioral health)
    • Behavioral health professionals in community programs
    • Professionals working in forensic mental health settings
    • Public health agency staff involved in mental health initiatives

  • Experience Level

    This training is designed for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at various stages of experience with tobacco exposure and behavioral health.

    • Beginner: Participants are new to the topic and seek foundational knowledge about tobacco exposure, risk factors, and its impact on behavioral health populations.

    • Intermediate: Participants have some experience with behavioral health or substance use issues and are looking to deepen their understanding of evidence-based screening, intervention strategies, and the nuanced effects of tobacco exposure.

  • Practice Setting

    Professionals apply these skills in clinical, community, and public health environments, working within multidisciplinary teams to deliver assessment, screening, brief interventions, and care coordination. Practice contexts span general behavioral health and forensic systems, serving diverse populations across urban and rural communities through in-person and telehealth modalities.

    Examples of Practice Settings:

    • Outpatient mental health clinics
    • Inpatient psychiatric units
    • Community mental health centers
    • Integrated primary care/behavioral health programs
    • Correctional health and forensic evaluation services
    • Public health departments and community health programs
    • Substance use treatment programs
    • Telehealth behavioral health services
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 

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Tobacco exposure

  • Risk factors and warning signs of tobacco use

  • Impact of tobacco exposure

  • Screening and intervention considerations through a behavioral health lens

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.