1 Hour / 1 CE

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Executive Dysfunction and Trauma in Psycholegal Settings is presented by Jerrod Brown, PhD.

Executive function is a set of higher-order cognitive abilities that enable an individual to identify and pursue goals. The cognitive skills that compose executive function are typically thought to include attentional control, flexibility to switch between tasks, inhibition, and working memory, to name a few. Exposure to trauma and other forms of adversity has been found to negatively impact executive function capabilities. 

Designed for professionals working in psycholegal settings, this training examines the impact trauma and other forms of adversity have on executive function abilities. This program focuses on increasing awareness of the impact trauma has on executive function capabilities and the implications these topics have on criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings. Special emphasis is placed on interviewing, screening, intake, intervention, and discharge planning implications. 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 executive function and learn about its building blocks and various dimensions
  • 2 Describe red flag indicators, warning signs, and consequences of executive function deficits
  • 3 Describe how trauma and other forms of adversity can negatively impact executive function capabilities
  • 4 Describe screening and intervention approaches
  • 5 Describe key research findings, statistics, and concepts associated with executive function deficits and trauma in psycholegal settings

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for psychologists, social workers, counselors, and other professionals who want to deepen their understanding of how trauma and adversity impact executive function, with a particular emphasis on psycholegal and forensic contexts. It is especially relevant for those specializing in forensic mental health, clinical psychology, behavioral health, psycholegal assessment, and professionals involved in criminal justice–informed interventions.

    Examples of Relevant Professionals:

    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Clinical Psychologists
    • Forensic Psychologists
    • Behavioral Health Specialists
    • Social Workers (including forensic and criminal justice settings)
    • Counselors (mental health, behavioral, and forensic)
    • Professionals specializing in forensic mental health or psycholegal assessment
    • Practitioners involved in criminal justice–informed interventions

  • Experience Level

    This training is appropriate for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at various stages of experience working in psycholegal settings.

    • Beginner: Participants new to executive function and trauma will gain foundational knowledge of executive function concepts, trauma impacts, and basic screening and intervention strategies.

    • Intermediate: Participants with some experience will deepen their understanding of trauma’s effects on executive function, enhance their ability to identify red flags, and apply empirically supported approaches in psycholegal contexts.

    • Advanced: Participants with extensive experience will refine their skills in complex case analysis, integrate advanced research findings, and contribute to best practices in forensic mental health and legal settings.

  • Practice Setting

    Practice occurs in psycholegal and forensic mental health environments that interface with courts and the criminal justice system across inpatient, outpatient, and community-based services. Professionals apply trauma- and executive-function–informed assessment, consultation, and intervention in multidisciplinary teams during interviewing, screening, intake, treatment planning, and discharge.

    Examples of Practice Settings:

    • Forensic hospitals and secure psychiatric units
    • Correctional health services (jails and prisons)
    • Court-affiliated clinics and problem-solving courts
    • Community behavioral health programs serving justice-involved clients
    • Juvenile justice programs and detention centers
    • Probation and parole services
    • Private practices or clinics conducting psycholegal evaluations
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. 

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Defines executive function as higher-order cognitive abilities essential for goal identification and pursuit

  • Examines how trauma and adversity negatively affect executive functioning

  • Focuses on the impact of impaired executive function within criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings

  • Emphasizes practical implications for interviewing, screening, intake, intervention, and discharge planning

  • Incorporates empirically based research findings and case study examples to illustrate key concepts

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.