Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common and often debilitating mental health condition characterized by unwanted intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repeated distress-reducing behaviors (compulsions). Frequently misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and mistreated, this series of lectures will demystify OCD and related disorders and the most effective protocols for helping those who suffer from them. Attendees new to or heavily experienced in treating OCD and related disorders will gain knowledge from multiple perspectives. This unique format features six lectures from top experts in the field, scheduled across three sessions over the Spring season. This series includes experts presenting on the treatment of comorbid OCD and PTSD, the role of the “self” in OCD treatment, how to motivate OCD patients in treatment, recent updates in novel neurosurgical treatments of OCD, understanding and treating Panic Disorder, and the diagnosis and treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder.

LSCI Certification Training is for professionals interested in turning problem situations into learning opportunities for children and youth who exhibit chronic patterns of self-defeating behaviors. Teachers, school personnel, social workers, counselors, youth care workers, administrators, psychologists, and any professionals in direct contact with youth will gain from the advanced intervention skills offered in this course. Upon successful completion of the training, participants receive a Certificate of Competency in Life Space Crisis Intervention from the LSCI Institute.

Depressive and anxiety disorders are the most prevalent treatable mental disorders in older adults. Recovery from these disorders can occur in almost all patients and makes a dramatic difference in their level of functioning and quality of life. The proportion of older Americans being treated with an antidepressant (19%) has more than sextupled over the past two decades. However, most older patients do not appear to benefit from their antidepressant treatment. This lecture will review the evidence supporting the efficacy and the risks of antidepressant and other psychotropic medications in older adults. It will address some of the major issues that impede pharmacotherapy in older adults. Based on the substantial knowledge accumulated during the last three decades, this lecture will present a practical approach to overcome these clinical problems and maximize the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy when treating older patient with depressive and anxiety disorders.

LSCI Certification Training is for professionals interested in turning problem situations into learning opportunities for children and youth who exhibit chronic patterns of self-defeating behaviors. Teachers, school personnel, social workers, counselors, youth care workers, administrators, psychologists, and any professionals in direct contact with youth will gain from the advanced intervention skills offered in this course. Upon successful completion of the training, participants receive a Certificate of Competency in Life Space Crisis Intervention from the LSCI Institute.