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 seek to deepen their understanding of executive dysfunction and its impact in both clinical and forensic settings. The program explores how executive dysfunction affects risk assessment, behavioral outcomes, and decision-making across a variety of environments, including forensic psychiatric facilities, correctional institutions, mental health clinics, social service agencies, healthcare, educational, and legal contexts. The content is suitable for professionals at all stages of their careers, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

  • Experience Level

    This training is applicable for all career stages: entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professionals.

  • Practice Setting

    • Forensic psychologists and clinical psychologists

    • Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses

    • Social workers and case managers

    • Social workers and case managers

      • Counselors and therapists
    • Legal professionals (e.g., attorneys, judges, probation officers)

    • Correctional and criminal justice professionals

    • Healthcare providers in mental health or forensic settings

    • Educators and school psychologists working with at-risk populations

Presented By

Jerrod Brown, PhD

Jerrod Brown, PhD, is the Treatment Director for Pathways Counseling Center, Inc., the lead developer of an online Master of Arts degree in Human Services with an emphasis in Forensic Behavioral Health from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota, the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS), and the Editor-in-Chief of Forensic Scholars Today (FST) and the Journal of Special Populations (JSP).

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.