2025 Annual Virtual Conference

Workshop Details

Download a PDF copy of the Conference Brochure here

Friday, April 25 Workshops

KEYNOTE

Human rights and underserved populations: Addressing the needs of vulnerable communities

Presenter: Kelley Haynes-Mendez, PsyD

Friday, April 25, 2025

8:15 am- 9:15 am

 CE Hours: 1

Workshop level: Introductory

 

Workshop Description:

This keynote will explore how psychology intersects with human rights, focusing on underserved and vulnerable populations. The presentation will draw on APA’s 5 Connections Human Rights Framework to highlight key principles for promoting equity and human rights within psychology and broader societal contexts. Participants will learn about APA’s approaches to tackling systemic inequities, providing care to marginalized populations, and the psychological impact of human rights violations. The keynote will conclude with actionable strategies for psychologists and advocates to promote equity and human rights for underserved and vulnerable communities.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  1. Build a climate of psychological safety and belongingness, through the application of the guiding principles from APA’s EDI Framework, to create a culture that fully includes and supports issues affecting underserved populations.

  2. Apply the APA 5-connections framework between psychology and human rights to their respective contexts.

  3. Identify APA policies and guidelines related to the psychological well-being of vulnerable and underserved populations.

  4. Develop advocacy strategies aimed at advancing human rights and equity for vulnerable communities.

Dr. Kelley Haynes-Mendez has more than 20 years of academic and clinical experience specializing in topics related to ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, intersectionality, and global issues. Kelley received a PsyD degree in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, USA, and is a licensed clinical psychologist. Kelley is Senior Director of the Human Rights Team at the American Psychological Association (APA). The APA Human Rights Team supports inquiry into critical issues of human rights, fairness, and dignity for all segments of society in order to advance one of APA’s guiding principles to respect and promote human rights.

 

In 2022, Kelley was elected to Fellow status in the APA by the Society for the Teaching of Psychology (APA, Division 2). Fellow status is an honor bestowed upon APA members who have shown evidence of unusual and outstanding contributions or performance in the field of psychology. Kelley also received a presidential citation from the Society for the Teaching of Psychology for her ‘forward and innovative’ work and served as Vice President for Diversity and International Relations 2019-2021, after previously having roles with the Diversity and International Relations committees.

 

Kelley received a doctorate in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. Her psychotherapy practice was primarily oriented toward culturally affirming care with diverse populations. Her scholarship and academic interests have included topics of multiculturalism, intersectionality, and teaching for global citizenship in higher education. As an associate professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, she chaired the Diversity Advisory Board and was selected as a member of the President’s Diversity Advisory Council. Kelley has also collaborated with the United Nations University for Peace, to foster professional development in human rights and global citizenship for higher education faculty, staff, administrators, and other professionals.

Workshop 1

Essential Guidelines and Information for Working with Transgender, Gender Diverse, & Gender Questioning Adults

Ren Massey, PhD

Friday, April 25, 2025

9:30 am- 12:45 pm

CE Credits: 3

Workshop Level: Intermediate


PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:

Attendees will learn some of the latest research relevant to transgender, gender diverse, and Questioning (TGDQ) people. Minority stress related to being TGDQ and intersecting identities and social realities will be addressed. Dr. Massey will cover some essential information clinicians should know, such as the WPATH SOC 8, and specific clinical approaches to supporting TGDQ people. Working with TGDQ people’s families of origin, partners, and children will also be discussed. Coming out and knowing when to refer or seek consultation will also be covered. Attendees are encouraged to interact, with over 30 minutes dedicated to case discussion and Q&A.

Learning objectives:

At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:

  1. Be able to use appropriate, affirming language when working with TGDQ people and loved ones

  2. Be able to describe significant social stressors

  3. Be able to apply 3 pieces of information or approaches to support TGDQ people and loved ones

  4. Be able to distinguish TGDQ people they have skills & knowledge to work with and those they need to refer or seek further education or consultation for

Workshop 2

Artificial Intelligence 101: An Introduction to Digital Mental Health Interventions

Page Lyn Anderson, PhD, ABPP

Friday, April 25, 2025

9:30 am- 12:45 pm

CE Credits: 3

Workshop Level: Introductory


PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:

Wary of technology, but think you should know more about it? Curious about how technological advances could be used in mental health? This introductory workshop is for you! We will review types of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) and the empirical evidence for their use - including the rapidly growing developments in cultural adaptation. We will discuss the basics of how artificial intelligence works and do hands-on exploration of DMHIs – so be sure to bring your smart phone. Although the presenter has conducted research on digital technologies for anxiety for 20+ years, she is ‘not a technology person.’ 

Learning objectives:

At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:

  1. Describe a taxonomy for digital mental health interventions

  2. Name two types of digital mental health interventions

  3. Summarize the empirical support for their use

  4. Explain how they mitigate known barriers to service

  5. Discuss the empirical support for culturally adapted digital mental health interventions

  6. Explain (in very general way) how artificial intelligence works

Workshop 3

Psychology's Role in Advancing Human Rights for Underrepresented Communities

Kelley Haynes-Mendez, PsyD

Friday, April 25, 2025

2:15 pm- 5:30 pm

CE Credits: 3 ETHICS

Workshop Level: Introductory


PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:


In its resolution on human rights APA states “by adopting a human rights framework, APA will integrate its longstanding concerns for human welfare, public interest, and social justice within a broader international consensus-building process, which will provide clearer guidance and structure for organizational decision-making, including accountability, on issues related to societal good”. During this workshop we discuss APA’s specific framework and existing philosophical and legal definitions for human rights and introduce the 5 connections framework for psychology and human rights. We will also discuss human rights based approaches and applications for human rights and psychology.

Learning objectives:

At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:

  1. Understand the foundational human rights framework in psychology: Participants will explore the definitions and legal foundations of human rights as established by international treaties and conventions, particularly how these are connected to the practice of psychology.

  2. Examine the ethical responsibilities of psychologists in upholding human rights: Participants will learn how ethical imperatives, such as “do no harm,” intersect with human rights principles and how psychologists can guard against human rights violations in their research and practice.

  3. Apply the Five Connections framework to integrate human rights into psychological practice: Participants will use the Five Connections framework to analyze how psychology can respect, promote, and advocate for human rights at both individual and societal levels, and develop strategies to incorporate these connections into their professional roles

Workshop 4

Competence with sexual, gender & relational minorities as an ethical obligation

Rachel Anne Kieran, PsyD

Friday, April 25, 2025

2:15 pm- 5:30 pm

CE Credits: 3 ETHICS

Workshop Level: Intermediate

PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:


Broad diversity in sexual desire, behaviors, & relationship agreements are common, yet misunderstandings & pathologizing assumptions persist. This is despite revisions depathologizing consensual power exchange; APA-guidelines calling for reduction of this stigma, & data supporting positive outcomes. Therapist reactions can negatively impact clients & endanger our goals of nonmaleficence, autonomy, justice & respect.

This program examines best practices working with diverse sexual & relational lives, through the lens of the APA Ethics code & relevant GA Statutes. We will examine parallels between therapeutic & relationship consent, the meaning of cultural competence in these areas, & questions of access & equity for sexually marginalized populations.

Learning objectives:

At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:

  1. Describe sexual and relational diversity as alternatives to heterocentric, monocentric and gender binary stereotypes promulgated by many social norms.

  2. Discuss strategies for investigating the nature of power differentials in relationships - both inherent and negotiated – and how these may be helpful or harmful in therapy.

  3. Identify strategies for reducing stigma on demographic forms, and how this is related to ethical responsibilities for autonomy and respect.

  4. Describe calls to action from APA guidelines relevant to practice with sexually marginalized populations

  5. Identify ethical principles relevant to practice with sexually marginalized populations

  6. Identify ethical standards relevant to practice with sexually marginalized populations

  7. Discuss techniques for addressing consent concerns with sexually marginalized populations

  8. Examine ideas for safety planning (and responding to duty to protect) with sexually marginalized populations

  9. Identify techniques for indicating sex positive and affirming spaces for marginalized populations in physical locations and online modalities.


Saturday, April 26 Workshops

Workshop 5

Diagnostic Evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan

Celine Saulnier, PhD

Saturday, April 26, 2025

9:00 am- 12:15 pm

CE Credits: 3

Workshop Level: Introductory


PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:


Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) impact multiple areas of functioning, demanding a multidisciplinary approach to detection and diagnosis. Clinicians need to learn about the nature and course of ASD and to be aware of the impact of socio-cultural factors on effective detection. This workshop will help practitioners identify, assess, and diagnose symptoms of ASD from infancy through adulthood using a comprehensive developmental approach to evaluation, focusing on state of the art measures and standards of best practice in the field. Translating assessment results into recommendations for treatment and intervention will be discussed.

Learning objectives:

At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:

  1. Define the key features of ASD

  2. Identify common diagnostic differentials and co-occurring conditions

  3. Explain the components of a comprehensive developmental evaluation for ASD

Workshop 6

Supporting BIPOC Trainees/Learners: Strategies for Success in Graduate School, During Internship, and During Postdoctoral Fellowship

Leandra Prempeh, PsyD; Justin L. Williams, PhD; Abigail O. Akpobiyeri, MA; Kimberly Resendiz Chavez, MAT, BCBA; Gail N. Kemp, PhD, MPH; Meena Khowaja, PhD; Millicent Phinizy, MS, EdS

Saturday, April 26, 2025

9:00 am- 12:15 pm

CE Credits: 3

Workshop Level: Intermediate

PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:

Despite efforts to develop a diverse psychology workforce through initiatives aimed at recruitment, retention, and training, racial/ethnic minorities remain underrepresented in psychology (APA, 2022, 2023; Cheng et al., 2023). This workshop aims to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for BIPOC-identified graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, ultimately enhancing their success and well-being throughout their academic and professional careers. The presenters will identify anecdotal and systemic inequities faced by trainees at different levels of their academic and professional career journey, then guide participants through culturally responsive reflections and strategies aimed at offering practical support at the individual through institutional level.

Learning objectives:

At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:

  1. Participants will identify two specific challenges faced by BIPOC-identified graduate students and postdoctoral fellows within psychology.

  2. Participants will be able to list one practical strategy at the individual level to enhance culturally responsive, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive mentorship, sponsorship, and/or professional development with BIPOC-identified graduate students and postdoctoral fellows within psychology.

  3. Participants will generate two institution-level action steps that could advance inclusive practices in their institutions, training programs, or professional practices.

Workshop 7

Risky Business: The Ethical, Legal, and Clinical Aspects of Violence Risk Assessment

Glenn J. Egan, PhD; Tomina J. Schwenke, PhD, ABPP

Saturday, April 26, 2025

2:15 pm- 5:30 pm

CE Credits: 3 ETHICS

Workshop Level: Intermediate


PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:


Offenses such as school shootings, sexual assaults, and domestic violence are now frequently blamed on mental illness while the factors that support and encourage the violence are often ignored. Often the backgrounds of persons who have committed violence reveal histories of being underserved and vulnerable, of childhood abuse, and of therapists unskilled in violence assessment. Assessing people with violent ideation can be a risky business for psychologists. One wrong call can erase the memory of many right ones. This presentation will discuss the history and accuracy of violence risk assessment, the tests used, and the structure of the assessment report.

Learning objectives:

At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:

  1. Indicate three APA ethics codes especially pertinent to a violence risk assessment. For example: Competence (Standard 2), Privacy and Confidentiality (Standard 4), and Assessment (Standard 9)

  2. Identify three tests that were specifically designed for Violence Risk Assessment. For example: HCR-20, VRAG, PCL-R

  3. Describe three elements that should be present in a Violence Risk Assessment report. For example: the sources of information, the current clinical functioning of the person, the history of and the circumstances related to the past offenses, observations about the person’s competence to exercise interrogation rights, description of and the results of the psychological tests administered, the evidence for and against future acts of violence.

Workshop 8

Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Care for Underserved Youth

Allison LoPilato, PhD; Nori Lim, PhD; Joya Hampton-Anderson, PhD

Saturday, April 26, 2025

2:15 pm- 5:30 pm

CE Credits: 3

Workshop Level: Introductory


PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:


This workshop will explore essential considerations and effective strategies for delivering culturally responsive care to youth with diverse backgrounds pertaining to race, geography, and sexual orientation. Drawing upon the latest research and direct clinical experience, we will delve into the nuances of providing responsive care to these often marginalized populations. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by underserved youth, the limitations of current evidence-based approaches, and strategies to adapt these approaches for greater effectiveness. Through engaging case examples and role plays, participants will review real-world scenarios and gain practical tools for providing culturally-responsive care.

Learning objectives:

At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:

  1. Identify the unique mental health needs of underserved youth.

  2. Describe the limitations of current evidence-based approaches in meeting needs of diverse youth

  3. Implement adaptations to current evidence-based strategies to enhance cultural responsiveness of care

Sunday, April 27 Workshops

Workshop 9

Psychologist, Heal Thyself: Being Well While Meeting the Needs of Others

Chanequa Walker-Barnes, PhD

Sunday, April 27, 2025

9:00 am- 12:15 pm

CE Credits: 3

Workshop Level: Introductory


PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:


This workshop explores how psychologists can support and maintain personal and professional wellness while meeting the mental health needs of others. Participants will discuss the meaning and determinants of wellness, and the ways in which the professional demands of psychologists can hinder or contribute to their health and well-being. Specific emphasis is placed upon the challenges of working with marginalized and vulnerable populations, and the concomitant risks of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious/secondary traumatization. A combination of self-assessments and experiential exercises will help participants develop a personalized wellness plan to support long-term resilience and wellbeing.

Learning objectives:

At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:

  1. Explain the six dimensions of eudaimonic well-being and their impact upon the efficacy and ethics of psychologists' clinical work, teaching, and research.

  2. Discuss psychologist well-being and self-care as self-management strategies that support ethical decision-making and conduct.

  3. Describe the roles of emotional labor, sense of purpose, and self-care in psychologists' work and their impact on growth, burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious/secondary traumatization, particularly when working with marginalized and vulnerable populations.

  4. Create a personalized wellness plan that incorporates physical, emotional, social, and professional self-care to promote long-term resilience.

Workshop 10

Impact of Moral Injury on Veteran Family Dynamics

Daniel L. Roberts, DM/IST; Kirby Wycoff, PsyD; Gareth Bohn, B.S.; Felicia Foleno, M.S.

Sunday, April 27, 2025

9:00 am- 12:15 pm

CE Credits: 3

Workshop Level: Introductory


PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:


Military families experience many stressors, including frequent moves, the fear and worry that families feel when service members are deployed, frequent school changes for children, and the lack of attention that families sometimes get when it comes to medical and mental health care. Some service members come back from deployments with PTSD. This PTSD is often undiagnosed and untreated. Military spouses and families face a whole other range of traumas when the service member has PTSD. The results of these disturbances can result in moral injury for some family members. This presentation will help clinicians and counselors understand the family dynamics associated with moral injury, and how they can provide care to family members.

Learning objectives:

At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:

  1. Explain the definition and key concepts of moral injury.

  2. Describe how moral injury might affect individuals and family members.

  3. Explain how support providers can offer effective care to family members with moral injury.

Workshop 11

Psychologists as Agents of Social Justice in the Courts

Adriana Flores, PhD; Ashlee Zito, PhD; Holly Kaufman, PhD

Sunday, April 27, 2025

2:15 pm- 5:30 pm

CE Credits: 3

Workshop Level: Intermediate

PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:

The three presenters are licensed (in GA), forensic psychologists with private practices focused on work with criminal defendants (e.g., insanity, competency to stand trial, dangerousness risk assessment, mitigation).  Dr. Flores has extensive workshop presentation experience (e.g. at GPA, APA, Emory University School of Medicine, Federal Defenders Atlanta, Federal Defenders Middle District of Alabama, Alabama Capital Defenders, and nationally--e.g., presented three times at the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers conferences).

Psychologists play a critical role in social advocacy within the court system. Our work (e.g., evaluations of child abuse, child custody, insanity, or mitigation for sentencing purposes), educates the trier of fact (i.e., judge or jury) about issues impacting vulnerable, underserved individuals. Criminal system defendants, for example, are disproportionately persons of color, and/or disadvantaged or vulnerable (e.g., mental illness, cognitive deficits). Psychologists can make a difference in achieving more fair and equitable outcomes for underserved individuals in the criminal justice system. Presentation will focus on the role of psychology in social justice advocacy of criminal defendants.

Learning objectives:

At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:

  1. Identify three mitigating factors in sentencing.

  2. Explain the relationship between elevated adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and risk of criminality.

  3. Explain the role of psychologists in educating trier of fact about issues that disproportionately impact underserved, disadvantaged defendants.

Workshop 12

Mind the (Access) Gap: Addressing Ableism in Psychological Practice

Katlin Schultz, PsyD & Kristen Jackson, PhD, ABPP-RP

Sunday, April 27, 2025

2:15 pm- 5:30 pm

CE Credits: 3

Workshop Level: Introductory

PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:

Ableism negatively impacts the lives, health, and emotional well-being for many people with disabilities (PWD). Psychologists are susceptible to ableist biases that impact our professional roles and the lives of our disabled clients. Unquestioned ableism can contribute to internalized ableism for PWD and to inequitable healthcare practices. Due to the multiple forms and layers of ableism, support and guidance in identifying and addressing forms of ableism in psychological practice is warranted, both on the individual/client level and the systemic level. This workshop will focus on benefits of utilizing a selfassessment of ableism in clinical practice, identify and address internalized ableism within clinical practice, and identify various methods to decrease disability healthcare disparities in the workplace.

Learning objectives:

At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:

  1. Utilize a self-assessment of ableism in clinical practice

  2. Identify and address internalized ableism within clinical practice

  3. Identify methods to decrease disability healthcare disparities in the workplace