1 Hour / 1 CE

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Executive Dysfunction in Clinical and Forensic Settings is presented by Jerrod Brown, Ph.D.

Executive function is conceptualized as the skills that enable an individual to plan, organize, and complete goal-directed behaviors and tasks. These skills can include cognitive flexibility, attentional control, inhibitory control, working memory, and problem-solving. However, problems with executive function have been linked to psychiatric disorders like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), substance use, and negative life outcomes, including low educational attainment, employment problems, and antisocial behavior. For example, executive dysfunction is characterized by impulsivity and difficulty linking one’s behavior to consequences, both of which increase the risk for antisocial behavior. As such, executive dysfunction problems are commonplace among those in forensic psychiatric and correctional facilities. Because addressing executive dysfunction is essential in decreasing the risk of future antisocial behavior, this program increases the understanding of executive dysfunction-related problems among mental health and criminal justice professionals.

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe the risk factors, etiology, and definitional features of executive dysfunction
  • 2 Describe how executive dysfunction can contribute to antisocial behavior and criminal justice-involvement
  • 3 Describe appropriate screening and assessment options for executive dysfunction
  • 4 Describe evidence-based interventions and treatments for executive dysfunction
  • 5 Describe the current state of criminal justice and forensic mental health research literature on executive dysfunction along with gaps in knowledge

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for mental health and allied professionals, as well as legal professionals, who want to deepen their understanding of executive dysfunction and its implications in both clinical and forensic settings. The program explores how executive dysfunction affects risk assessment, behavioral outcomes, and decision-making, making it relevant for those specializing in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, and related fields where assessing and managing risk is essential. The content is suitable for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in managing executive dysfunction across a range of clinical and legal contexts.

    • Mental Health Professional
    • Forensic Psychologist
    • Clinical Psychologist
    • Psychiatrist
    • Psychiatric Nurse
    • Social Worker
    • Case Manager
    • Counselor
    • Therapist
    • Legal Professional (e.g., attorney, judge, probation officer)
    • Correctional or Criminal Justice Professional
    • Healthcare Provider in mental health or forensic settings
    • Educator
    • School Psychologist

  • Experience Level

    This training is designed for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of executive dysfunction in clinical and forensic settings.

      Beginner: Participants may have limited prior exposure to executive function concepts, are new to working with populations affected by executive dysfunction (e.g., ADHD, FASD, substance use), or are seeking foundational knowledge on assessment, risk factors, and evidence-based interventions related to executive dysfunction and its role in antisocial behavior and criminal justice involvement.

  • Practice Setting

    Professionals who participate in this training typically work in environments where assessment, intervention, and management of individuals with executive dysfunction are central to their roles. These settings often involve multidisciplinary teams and may include clinical, forensic, educational, legal, and correctional contexts.

    These professionals regularly encounter individuals with complex behavioral, cognitive, and psychosocial needs, requiring specialized knowledge to assess risk, inform decision-making, and implement effective interventions.

    Examples of practice settings:

    • Forensic psychiatric hospitals and secure treatment centers
    • Outpatient mental health clinics and private practices
    • Correctional facilities and juvenile detention centers
    • Court systems (e.g., family, criminal, or mental health courts)
    • Community mental health agencies
    • Schools and educational support services
    • Probation and parole offices
    • Social service organizations
    • Inpatient psychiatric units
    • University counseling centers
    • Law enforcement agencies with mental health liaison programs

Presented By

Jerrod Brown, PhD, Pathways Counseling Center, Inc.

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.

View More Programs from this Presenter
Jerrod Brown, PhD

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Understanding of executive dysfunction

  • Discuss problems related to behavior

  • Discuss cognitive flexibility

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.