1 Hour / 1 CE

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Excessive Sugar Consumption: Implications for Mood, Behavior, Cognition, and Criminality is presented by Jerrod Brown, PhD.

This program is designed to provide professionals with a deep understanding of the significant implications that excessive sugar consumption can have on various aspects of behavioral health. In this training, participants explore the profound impact of sugar consumption on mood, behavior, cognition, and even criminality. Through a comprehensive examination of empirical evidence, this program delves into the relationship between excessive sugar intake and poor behavioral health outcomes. By highlighting the latest research findings, participants will build a solid foundation for understanding the complex interplay between sugar consumption and its consequences.

Moreover, this program emphasizes the importance of screening and intervention from a behavioral health perspective. Participants gain valuable insights into effective strategies for identifying and addressing the negative effects of excessive sugar consumption on individuals' mental and behavioral well-being. The program provides evidence-based approaches to screening individuals for sugar-related issues and implementing targeted interventions to promote healthier behaviors.

This program ensures a professional and engaging learning environment. By incorporating empirically based research throughout the program, participants are equipped with up-to-date information to inform their professional practice. Expand your understanding of the impact of sugar consumption on behavioral health, gain practical skills for screening and intervention, and enhance your professional practice. 

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe excessive sugar consumption and other related constructs
  • 2 Describe the neurobiopsychosocial factors that influence excessive sugar consumption
  • 3 Describe the impact excessive sugar consumption 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 intended for mental health professionals working in behavioral health, clinical psychology, counseling, or integrated health settings. It is suitable for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in clinical, educational, or community-based environments, including psychologists, social workers, counselors, and other behavioral health professionals.

    Examples of Relevant Professionals:

    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Psychologists (clinical, counseling, school, or health psychologists)
    • Social Workers (including clinical social workers and those in community settings)
    • Counselors (mental health, school, rehabilitation, or substance use counselors)
    • Behavioral health professionals in integrated care or primary care settings

  • Experience Level

    This training is appropriate for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at various stages of experience with behavioral health and nutrition-related topics.

    • Beginner: Participants are new to the topic of sugar consumption and behavioral health, seeking foundational knowledge about the neurobiopsychosocial factors and basic screening and intervention strategies.

    • Intermediate: Participants have some prior experience or education in behavioral health and nutrition, and are looking to deepen their understanding of the empirical research and enhance their skills in identifying and addressing sugar-related behavioral health concerns.

  • Practice Setting

    Professionals apply this training in environments that deliver behavioral health care and psychoeducation, integrating evidence-based screening and targeted interventions for nutrition-related concerns. They work within clinical, educational, and community-based systems—often in collaboration with medical providers—to assess and address how excessive sugar consumption impacts mood, behavior, and cognition.

    Examples of Practice Settings:

    • Outpatient behavioral health clinics
    • Community mental health centers
    • Integrated primary care clinics
    • Hospital behavioral medicine/consultation-liaison services
    • School-based mental health programs
    • University counseling centers
    • Substance use treatment programs
    • Correctional or forensic 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:

  • Excessive sugar consumption

  • Neuropsychological factors

  • Impact of excessive sugar consumption

  • Screening and intervention considerations

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.