4 Hours / 4 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Methamphetamines: An Overview for Forensic Mental Health Professionals is presented by Shawn Acheson, Ph.D. in partnership with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP).

This program provides an in-depth overview of methamphetamine with implications in forensic psychology and mental health. This topic is of relative importance for those working in forensic and/or correctional settings where many residents have a history of abuse or misuse.  

This program provides a history of psychostimulant use before taking a deep dive into the mechanism of action of these drugs. Particular attention is given to methamphetamine and newer-generation synthetic drugs with methamphetamine-like properties. Methamphetamine abuse and its subsequent effects are commonplace in forensic and correctional settings. The knowledge gained in this should provide a better understanding of those who misuse or abuse methamphetamines or related synthetics.

This program is devoted to understanding these drugs' short- and long-term effects on cognition and behavior and the risk factors associated with adverse outcomes. Research concerning the impact of pre-and peri-natal exposure is discussed.

This program is intended for mental health professionals at various stages of their careers who are seeking a better understanding of methamphetamines and related synthetic compounds. The presentation is provided from a forensic perspective, but an in-depth understanding of or experience in forensic mental health is not required. This program should be well suited for those working in forensic or correctional settings.

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe the history and culture of psychostimulant use
  • 2 Describe the pharmacology of psychostimulants, including methamphetamine and synthetics
  • 3 Describe the effects of methamphetamine and synthetics on mental states

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for mental health professionals seeking a deeper understanding of methamphetamines and related synthetic compounds, with a particular focus on forensic perspectives and substance use issues. It is especially relevant for those specializing in forensic psychology, correctional mental health, or addiction treatment, and is designed to enhance knowledge for professionals who encounter individuals with a history of substance use and related challenges.

    Examples of Relevant Professionals:

    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Forensic Psychologists
    • Addiction Counselors
    • Correctional Mental Health Clinicians
    • Substance Use Disorder Counselors
    • Clinical Social Workers
    • Licensed Professional Counselors
    • Psychiatrists
    • Case Managers working with justice-involved populations

  • Experience Level

    This program is designed for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at various stages of their careers who seek a foundational to advanced understanding of methamphetamine and related synthetic compounds, particularly in forensic and correctional settings.

    • Beginner: Participants with limited prior knowledge of psychostimulants or forensic mental health, seeking to understand the history, pharmacology, and basic effects of methamphetamine and synthetics.

    • Intermediate: Participants with some experience in mental health or forensic settings, looking to deepen their understanding of the mechanisms of action, risk factors, and behavioral effects associated with methamphetamine use.

    • Advanced: Participants with substantial experience in forensic or correctional mental health, aiming to expand their expertise on complex topics such as pre-/peri-natal exposure, long-term cognitive and behavioral outcomes, and the latest research on synthetic psychostimulants.

  • Practice Setting

    Professionals typically work in secure or court-affiliated environments serving justice-involved individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use needs. These are structured, multidisciplinary settings that prioritize risk assessment, stabilization, and continuity of care across inpatient, residential, and community-based services.

    Examples of Practice Settings:

    • Jails and prisons
    • Forensic state hospitals and secure psychiatric units
    • Court clinics and problem-solving/drug courts
    • Probation/parole and reentry programs
    • Community mental health centers serving justice-involved clients
    • Residential and outpatient substance use treatment programs
    • Juvenile detention and youth forensic services
    • Emergency departments and crisis stabilization units
Presented By

Shawn K. Acheson, PhD

Dr. Acheson completed his graduate training in Clinical Psychology at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL and received specialized training in Clinical Neuropsychology as an intern and post-doc at Duke University Medical Center. During his post-doc he also spent time conducting research in behavioral pharmacology studying the neurodevelopmental effects of recreational drugs such as alcohol and marijuana. From 1998 – 2007 he was a faculty member in the Department of Psychology at Western Carolina University. He returned to Duke and the Durham VA Medical Center in 2007 and in 2010 he joined the Duke Center for Psychiatry and Law where he served as Lead Psychologist from 2015 - 2017. Dr. Acheson is currently in private practice in Asheville, NC where his work is devoted to forensic neuropsychology in criminal and civil proceedings; worker’s compensation and independent medical evaluations; litigation support and consulting; and didactic training and clinical supervision. Dr. Acheson is also actively engaged in presenting workshops and training on neuropsychology, traumatic brain injury, and the pharmacology of recreational drugs to attorneys, legal nurse consultants, psychologists, and other mental health professionals.


We are proud to partner with

American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP)

American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP)

We are proud to partner with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP) for this training. AAFP is a non-profit organization of board-certified forensic psychologists whose mission is to contribute to the development and maintenance of forensic psychology as a specialized field of study, research, and practice. The Academy does this by providing high-quality continuing education workshops, providing a forum for the exchange of scientific information among its members, and conferring awards upon outstanding students and practitioners in the field of forensic psychology.

Learn More About Our Partner

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.