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 and criminal justice professionals, who want to deepen their understanding of executive dysfunction and its implications in both clinical and forensic contexts. The program explores how executive dysfunction affects risk assessment, behavioral outcomes, and decision-making, making it relevant for those involved in assessing and managing risk, supporting at-risk populations, and navigating complex behavioral and legal issues.

    Examples of Relevant Professionals:

    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Forensic psychologists and clinical psychologists
    • Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses
    • 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

  • Experience Level

    This training is appropriate for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals with varying levels of experience in understanding and addressing executive dysfunction in forensic and criminal justice settings.

    • Beginner: Participants are new to the concepts of executive function and dysfunction, and have limited experience with assessment or intervention in forensic or criminal justice populations.

    • Intermediate: Participants have some familiarity with executive dysfunction, including its assessment and impact on behavior, and may have applied basic interventions or worked with affected individuals in mental health or criminal justice contexts.

    • Advanced: Participants have extensive experience assessing and treating executive dysfunction, are familiar with current research, and may contribute to program development or research in forensic or criminal justice settings.

  • Practice Setting

    Practice occurs across clinical, forensic, and justice-system environments focused on assessing and managing risk, supporting at-risk populations, and informing behaviorally driven decisions.

    Providers work in both high-acuity and community-based contexts, collaborating in interdisciplinary teams while navigating legal processes and security protocols.

    Examples of Practice Settings:

    • Outpatient mental health clinics and integrated primary care
    • Inpatient psychiatric units and forensic hospitals
    • Jails, prisons, and juvenile detention centers
    • Specialty courts (mental health, drug, veterans)
    • Probation/parole and community supervision programs
    • Community-based diversion and reentry services
    • School-based programs for at-risk youth
    • Substance use treatment and dual-diagnosis programs
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. 


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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.