1 Hour / 1 CE

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: Implications for Mood, Behavior, Cognition, and Physical Health is presented by Jerrod Brown, PhD.

This badge-earning program can be shared digitally on platforms like LinkedIn or your resume and counts towards a certificate. Enroll in this program to earn credit towards the Integrated Behavioral Health Certificate and share your new digital credentials with prospective employers and colleagues.

The microbiota-gut-brain axis plays a vital role in human health and behavior. The gut microbiota consists of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast, and fungi. These microorganisms interact with one another and with the host’s cells to produce metabolites that affect intestinal function and overall health. 

Recent discoveries about gut microbiota and the ways that the gut and brain interact are fundamentally changing how professionals and researchers view various disorders and diseases. This includes the role of nervous systems, hormones, and the immune system, which is regulated in part by microorganisms within the gut. In recent years, there has been increased interest in the roles of the microbiome and gut-brain axis in human health and behavior. 

This program is designed for professionals interested in learning how the microbiota-gut-brain axis affects mood, behavior, cognition, and physical health. Implications for screening and intervention through a behavioral health lens are explored. Empirically-based research findings are presented throughout this program. 

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe microbiota-gut-brain axis and other related constructs
  • 2 Describe the neurobiopsychosocial factors that influence the microbiota-gut-brain axis
  • 3 Describe the impact microbiota-gut-brain axis dysfunction has on mood, behavior, cognition, and physical health
  • 4 Describe screening and intervention considerations through a behavioral health lens
  • 5 Describe up-to-date research findings

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for clinicians interested in the microbiota-gut-brain connection and its impact on behavioral health. It is most relevant to those specializing in behavioral health, integrative medicine, or neuropsychology, including professionals who seek to deepen their understanding of the implications for behavioral health.


    Examples of Relevant Professionals:
    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Psychologists
    • Social Workers
    • Counselors
    • Integrative Medicine Practitioners
    • Neuropsychologists

  • Experience Level

    This training is appropriate for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at various stages of familiarity with the microbiota-gut-brain axis and its implications for behavioral health.

    • Beginner: Participants are new to the concepts of the microbiota-gut-brain axis and seek foundational knowledge about its components, functions, and relevance to mental and physical health.

    • Intermediate: Participants have some prior exposure to the microbiota-gut-brain axis and are interested in expanding their understanding of neurobiopsychosocial factors, current research, and practical screening or intervention strategies.

  • Practice Setting

    Clinicians typically work in interdisciplinary, evidence-based clinical environments that integrate behavioral health with medical care and translational research on the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Care is delivered in settings that support coordinated screening, psychoeducation, and behavioral interventions, with access to laboratory data, nutrition collaboration, and both in-person and telehealth modalities.


    Examples of Practice Settings:
    • Outpatient behavioral health clinics
    • Integrated primary care–behavioral health practices
    • Hospital-based psychiatry or consult-liaison services
    • Integrative/functional medicine centers
    • Neuropsychology services within health systems
    • University-affiliated or research clinics
    • Community health centers

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

Earning a Certificate

This is a badge-earning program, which means it will help you earn a certificate that can be showcased on digital platforms like LinkedIn.
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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).



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.