What's the difference between Psychoeducational Evaluations at UCEBT vs. through the school district?

1. The primary focus of the school district’s evaluation is to determine eligibility for special education services.  The data obtained through these evaluations is used by a school-based team to determine eligibility for special education services as defined by federal law. 
2. A psychoeducational evaluation offered through the school district is considered an “educational classification” and not a medical diagnosis.
3. Psychoeducational evaluations through UCEBT determine specific clinical diagnoses. 
4. Psychoeducational evaluations at UCEBT go beyond the scope of academic skills and examine other areas that may be impacting academic functioning.   
5. Evaluations conducted by UCEBT include recommendations and referrals for services that are both relevant to you or your child’s academic needs and related to other resources that may be helpful.

Testing for college students

Colleges and Universities may request updated testing that may not have been completed during the client’s high school years. UCEBT is happy to provide clients with evaluations of their current needs prior to and during the client’s college or university years. 

Using UCEBT's evaluations in school

Diagnoses and intervention recommendations can be used by a school-based team to determine eligibility for special education services or a 504 plan. Your assessment clinician at UCEBT can coordinate with school officials to develop education plans based on results of testing. 

Learn more about psychoeducational evaluations at UCEBT

UCEBT Trauma, Stress, and Resilience Licensed Clinical Staff Open Position

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: Variable Based Upon Hourly; $60,000 - $120,000 annually

Hours: 40 hours per week

Education: Doctorate (Required)

License: Psychologist, Eligible in Utah

Work authorization: United States (Required)

About Us: Utah Center for Evidence Based Treatment (UCEBT), a growing outpatient practice, is seeking one or more licensed outpatient therapists for our Trauma, Stress, and Resilience (TSR) Clinical Program. Specifically, we are looking for professionals with specialized training in evidence-based therapies for trauma treatment such as intensive training or certification in EMDR, PE, CPT, etc. Our TSR team is a thriving program with community ties to support the care of a range of individuals including DV survivors, sexual trauma, medical professionals, among others.

We are a multidisciplinary team of expertly trained professionals, including psychologists, nurse practitioners, doctoral trainees, and expert consultants. Our work is based on a core set of values including specialized care, scientific rigor, accountability, and data-based results. UCEBT staff have access to extensive training and experience in the treatment and management of a wide range of mental health difficulties ranging from depression and anxiety to suicidality. In addition to providing clinical services, many of our staff provide supervision to trainees and hold faculty appointments at the University of Utah.

UCEBT is committed to fostering a diverse, vibrant, and responsive work environment. We adapt to support the individual and family needs of our staff, including flexible work schedules and opportunities for advancement. Employee happiness and work-life balance are regularly discussed in meetings and supported through our center policies.

Benefits: After the therapist successfully completes the trial period, the following benefits will become available:

• • 100% premium covered by UCEBT for Personal Health Insurance
  • Monthly wellness benefit
  • Flexible schedule
  • Costco membership
  • Monthly phone reimbursement
  • Paid time off
  • Ongoing didactic training
  • Licensure renewal assistance and CEU tracking
  • Paid annual training stipend
  • Paid holidays
  • Short Term Disability
  • Sabbatical Leave
  • Option to work in multiple locations, including remote telepsychology practice
  • Company Retreats (e.g. Moab)
  • Retirement savings opportunity

Responsibilities include:

• • An ideal applicant will be willing to see a range of clients, co-lead therapy groups, conduct diagnostic assessments and see clients on one or more of our other clinical teams. The clinician will have the opportunity to see clients in the age range of their interest(s), including youth and families, young adults, and/or adults
  • Managing a caseload within UCEBT ranges for full-time status (i.e. 24 clinical hours per week)
  • Maintaining individualized self-care practices with support from a supervisor
  • Participation in two of our clinical programs (Anxiety and Mood, Assessment and Testing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or Trauma, Stress and Resilience Team)
  • Willingness to engage in outreach including providing expert talks, presentation of clinical data, or other forms of collaboration with our community partners
  • Willingness to see some short-term EAP clients on-site at local businesses to balance caseload
  • Serve on one or more administrative teams as a clinical representative to support the functioning and ongoing improvement of care at our center
  • Completion of charting in a timely manner
  • Regular use of outcome assessments and responsive treatment planning
  • Clinical Supervision of practicum students and/or postdoctoral fellows
  • Fulfillment of on-site clinician hours to support trainees and other clinicians in a consultation role
  • Conduct that exemplifies UCEBT values of professionalism, collaboration, and compassionate care

Qualifications:

• • Ability to obtain a mental health license in the state of Utah or currently have one is required
  • Have means of transportation
  • Intensive training or certification in trauma-focused treatments such as EMDR, PE, CPT, etc.
  • Formal training and expertise in evidence-based treatments (e.g., CBT, ACT)
  • Ability to read and communicate effectively in English
  • Strong written and verbal skills
  • Basic computer knowledge
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills to work effectively on interdisciplinary projects
  • Critical decision making/problem-solving skills
  • Knowledge of DSM-5 diagnoses/disorders

Workplace Requirements:

• • Sitting 70-75% and Standing 25-30%
  • Occasionally lifting objects such as boxes or client charts
  • Walking up and down stairs
  • Need access to Telehealth compliant work area, laptop, private internet access

This position requires a thorough knowledge of law, regulations, and ethics related to the provision of mental health services. The candidate will be expected to acquire this knowledge immediately if hired:

• • The operations manual of UCEBT, particularly issues of client relations and privacy.
  • HIPAA- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)- Regulations & Standards Utah State Law regarding mental health, particularly related to consent to treatment and maintenance of health care information-Title 62A Utah Human Services Code: Chapter 15 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Act.
  • The American Psychological Association Ethics of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (or field-appropriate equivalent).

Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, CV, and the names/contact information of 2-3 references to Karina Hess at . 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will continue until one or more positions are filled.

Books:  

• “What Every Mental Health Professional Needs to Know About Sex” by Stephanie Buehler, PsyD 
• “Come As You Are”  by Emily Nagoski, PhD
•  “The Elusive Orgasm” by Vivienne Cass, PhD
• American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, & Therapists (AASECT) book list: https://www.aasect.org/books
  • Find a variety of book recommendations regarding sexual health and wellness

Handy handouts, worksheets, or infographs:

• WPATH guide for Trans Affirming Care: https://www.wpath.org/publications/soc
• Lube Guide:  Smitten Kitten Lube Guide
• Sensate Focus: sensate-focus.pdf
• The Gender Unicorn by Trans Student Education:  https://transstudent.org/gender/
• Emily Nagoski: Worksheets: https://www.emilynagoski.com/come-as-you-are-worksheets
• Gas & Brakes worksheet: adapted from Emily Nagoksi’s (2015) work: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DWJa9ksL1AL2nF3dL7Wf9POQDNzWa4H1/view?usp=drive_link
• HRC Safer Sex Packet: https://hrc-prod-requests.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/files/documents/SaferSexGuide.pdf

Websites: 

• Our Bodies Ourselves: https://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/
• The Association fo Black Sexoligists and Clinicians https://www.theabsc.com/publication/
• Guttmacher Institute : https://www.guttmacher.org/
• Sexual Medicine Society of North America https://www.smsna.org/patients/blog
• World Sexual Health :  https://worldsexualhealth.net/
• Human Rights Campaign: https://www.hrc.org/resource
• The National Coalition for Sexual Health (NCSH) https://nationalcoalitionforsexualhealth.org/
• The Kinsey Institute: https://kinseyinstitute.org/
• Sex Products & Education: https://www.smittenkittenonline.com/

Videos/ Educational Videos

• Come as You Are Podcast : Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFMgKjO8ygk&list=PLnNTXBPQiHiRnx2Vsd9n1J7tPvfDO_U-H 
• Learn Sex Therapy : https://www.learnsextherapy.com/free-courses 
• Sexual Ed online workshops: Rutgers University https://answer.rutgers.edu/page/online_workshops/ 

Natasha Helfer, LSCW : https://www.natashahelfer.com/ 

Resources, podcasts, etc. 

Adolescent focused:

• Amaze. Org : https://amaze.org/us/ 
• Scarlet Teen: https://www.scarleteen.com/

Other organizations:

The Network / La Red - The Network/La Red is a survivor-led, social justice organization that works to end partner abuse in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, SM, polyamorous, and queer communities. Rooted in anti-oppression principles, our work aims to create a world where all people are free from oppression. We strengthen our communities through organizing, education, and the provision of support services.

National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) - The NCSF is committed to creating a political, legal and social environment in the US that advances equal rights for consenting adults who engage in alternative sexual and relationship expressions. The NCSF aims to advance the rights of, and advocate for consenting adults in the BDSM-Leather-Fetish, Swing, and Polyamory Communities. We pursue our vision through direct services, education, advocacy, and outreach, in conjunction with our partners, to directly benefit these communities.

Kink Aware Professionals (KAP) - The Kink And Poly Aware Professionals Directory (KAP) is a service offered by NCSF dedicated to providing the community with a listing of psychotherapeutic, medical, legal and other professionals who have stated that they are knowledgeable about and sensitive to diverse expressions of sexuality.

The Alternative Sexualities Health Research Alliance (TASHRA) - TASHRA is a community-based 501(c)(3) non-profit with the important mission of improving the health and healthcare services of individuals who are involved in alternative sexualities. As champions of Kink competent healthcare,  TASHRA supports empirical research on this misunderstood and often pathologized sexual-minority. 

Community-Academic Consortium for Research on Alternative Sexualities (CARAS) - CARAS is dedicated to the support and promotion of excellence in the study of alternative sexualities, and the dissemination of research results to the alternative sexuality communities, the public, and the research community.

Kink Knowledgeable - Kink Knowledgeable eLearning Program, in partnership with the Community-Academic Consortium for Research on Alternative Sexualities (CARAS), provides courses that meet the criteria for Continuing Education for psychologists. CARAS is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

Diverse Sexualities Research and Education Institute - DSREI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, which promotes, supports, and inspires excellence in research and education on aspects of sexuality, gender, and relationships which are not accepted by the dominant culture.

Multiplicity of the Erotic Conference (MOTE) - The Multiplicity of the Erotic will address a larger range of diversity around sexuality, gender and relationships, focus on the intersections of research, clinical work and professional practice, and present the latest ideas and findings on polyamory, consensual non-monogamies, kink/BDSM sexualities and identities, transgender/genderqueer/nonbinary experiences, asexualities, sex worker studies, hierarchical (power-exchange) relationships, etc.

Robyn is a 4th year student in the clinical psychology doctoral program at the University of Utah. Originally from the West Coast of Canada, she relocated to Salt Lake City for her graduate training and is enjoying the opportunity to explore a new set of mountains. Robyn received a B.S. in math and statistics from the University of Victoria and worked in a variety of industry positions before returning to school to study psychology.

Her research interests include behavioral manifestations of emotion dysregulation (e.g., substance use, self-harm, disordered eating) and the development of just-in-time interventions targeting these behaviors. Robyn has experience supporting adolescents in crisis through youthspace.ca, providing evidence-based psychotherapy and assessment services to young adults at the University of Utah Counseling Center, and conducting PTSD evaluations for veterans at the SLC VA. She welcomes the opportunity to work with clients of all ages and backgrounds.

John Ellis is a mental health nurse currently pursuing a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner doctorate degree at the University of Utah. He has experience working as a mental health nurse, serving children, adolescents, and geriatric populations. John’s clinical interests include mood and anxiety disorders and learning whatever he can from the wonderful staff at UCEBT!

John completed his bachelor’s in science degree in nursing at Brigham Young University. His hobbies include reading science fiction and fantasy novels, playing pickleball, and spending time with his family.

Charlotte is currently a 4th year student at BYU’s Clinical Psychology PhD program. Originally from London, UK, Charlotte is both an international student and a first-generation college student. As a graduate student, Charlotte uses quantitative methods to study effective treatments for problematic pornography use, and how personality variables affect romantic relationship outcomes.  

Charlotte has worked with a variety of clients performing both comprehensive psychological assessment and psychotherapy at Balance Health & Healing, BYU’s Comprehensive Clinic and BYU’s Counselling and Psychological Services. Her training is predominantly in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and she has experience with individual, couple, and group psychotherapy. Her particular clinical interests include women’s health, trauma, personality disorders, sexual concerns, and eating disorders.  

In addition to psychotherapy and research, Charlotte loves to teach undergraduate psychology classes. 

I am a psychiatric doctoral nurse practitioner student (DNP) with the University of Utah College of Nursing. I am pleased to join UCEBT for clinical placement starting summer 2021!

I have experience as a behavioral specialist working with school-age children in the school setting and adults with severe behavioral and intellectual disabilities. My clinical interests include trauma, children, teens/adolescents, families, and behavioral problems. However, I look forward to broadening my experience and knowledge base to help individuals and their families improve their quality of life.

I am originally from Logan, Utah, where I completed my LPN from BATC before receiving my Bachelor's in Nursing from Weber State University in 2016. I moved to Salt Lake City in 2018 to work at the University of Utah Hospital in the Burn Trauma ICU, where I am privileged to care for patients of all ages. My passion for burn care was immediate. I love every moment of helping my patients overcome the tremendous difficulties and trauma associated with a burn injury. They teach me every day about the moments that matter in life, resiliency, and the beauty of the human experience.

I am honored and thrilled to learn from everyone at UCEBT for the next year!

UCEBT's incoming DBT clinician, Jordan Kugler, will be presenting on Thursday, June 3rd at 4:00 p.m. at the 2021 Addictions Update Conference hosted by the University of Utah:

BUILDING A LIFE WORTH LIVING: COMPONENTS OF DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY (DBT)

"Building a Life Worth Living" will discuss the key components of full-model Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and review the research supporting treatment outcomes of DBT.

In this presentation we will review the core components of DBT and discuss the function of each as they relate to treatment targets at each stage of treatment and the core philosophy of dialectics which guides the course of therapy.

We will be using case examples to illustrate these points and help participants understand how a person who is in “hell”, characterized by emotional misery and chronic suicidal behavior, can create a “Life Worth Living” that is characterized by the pursuit of values and wisdom.

Participants will be provided with handouts and other resources that summarize the presentation and will allow for further pursuit of DBT-related research.

As a result of attending this session, participants will be able to:

• Explain the role and function of the core components of treatment adherent DBT; and,
• Explore the treatment targets of each stage of treatment within DBT and explain the philosophy of dialectics and key dialectical dilemmas that guide decision making in DBT.

Information and Research about Autism Spectrum Disorder

Research and Advocacy Groups

The Asperger/Autism Network (aane.org): helps people with autism spectrum and neurodiverse profiles build meaningful, connected lives by providing individuals, families, and professionals with information, education, community, support, and advocacy

Spectrum (Spectrumnews.org): provides news about the latest autism research

Autism Speaks (autismspeaks.org): Helps individuals with autism and families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.

Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (autisticadvocacy.org): ASAN works to empower autistic people across the world to take control of their own lives and the future of their common community, and seek to organize the autistic community to ensure their voices are heard in the national conversation about Autism.

Autism Council of Utah (autismcouncilofutah.org): Advocacy group in Utah. Their page outlines several resources for families and professionals. They also link to community events aligned with their mission.

International Society for Autism Research (autism-insar.org): Scientific and professional organization devoted to advancing knowledge about autism. Their website includes past posters and presentations from events outlining the latest research

Organization for Autism Research (researchautism.org): organization founded and led by parents and grandparents of children with autism with a focus on awareness and advocacy

Synapse (autism-help.org): A website with fact sheets complied by mental health professionals about life skills, education, parent support, and resources for adults

SPARK (sparkforautism.org): landmark autism research project connecting researchers with autistic individuals and creating a community for autistic individuals and their families.

Lived Experiences

Hendrickx, S. (2015). Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding Life Experiences from Early Childhood to Old Age

Attwood, T., Grandin, T., et al. (2006). Asperger’s and Girls: World-Renowned Experts Join Those with Asperger’s Syndrome to Resolve Issues That Girls and Women Face Every Day!

Grandin, T. (2013). The Autistic Brain: Helping Different Kinds of Minds Succeed.

Finding Mikey podcast (https://www.facebook.com/FindingMikeyPodcast/) Describes one family’s journey with autism, sensory processing disorder (SPD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Asperger’s syndrome. They share their experiences as a platform for inspiring others and providing helpful strategies for coping with these disorders. Episodes contain personal accounts and expert advice from doctors, lawyers, advocates, and other influential members of the community.

ASD and Intersectionality

Twainbow (twainbow.org): education and peer support for autistic individuals who also identify as LGBTQA+

Autism Speaks LGBTQ guide: https://www.autismspeaks.org/lgbtq-information-and-resources

AANE information for gender diverse individuals and gender identity support groups https://www.aane.org/topics/adults/lgbtq/

Autism in Black (autisminblack.org): Autism in Black aims to provide support to black parents who have a child on the spectrum, through educational and advocacy services. Also a podcast.

Information for Spanish-speaking families: https://www.autism-society.org/en-espanol/

Indian Health Service: Federal Health Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives- autism resources https://www.ihs.gov/icp/autism/

Services and Resources for Autistic Individuals and Families

National Resources

The Asperger/Autism Network (aane.org): Provides online support groups for individuals across age ranges, parents of young children and teens, parents of adults and more.

ADDitude -- Focus on ADHD, but also good information on ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders because they often present together.

 Autistic Self Advocacy Network -- ASAN works to empower autistic people across the world to take control of their own lives and the future of their common community, and seek to organize the autistic community to ensure their voices are heard in the national conversation about Autism.

College Consensus -- A resource for college options for students on the autism spectrum.

How to Make Sensory-Friendly Homes with Autism in Mind

Utah Resources

Namasté Center for Healing - Neurofeedback for Autistic, ADHD Individuals with Sensory Issues, Emotional Dysregulation, and more. Neurofeedback helps to rewire your brain. There is a lot of research that this amazing holistic treatment can reduce depression, anxiety, help with communication and sensory issues.

Autism Council of Utah -- Advocacy group in Utah. Their page outlines several resources for families and professionals. They also link to community events aligned with their mission.

Brigham Young University Autism Connect -- Provides ASD testing, resources for families, and conducts ongoing research. They have a current research participation opportunity for adolescents and women who may be on the spectrum. (https://education.byu.edu/autism/research-opportunity-for-girls-and-women)

University of Utah Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic -- Provide ASD assessment, social skill and recreational groups for kids, individual/family therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Behavior intervention, school consultations, Early Intervention, research participation, and parent training

Spectrum Academy -- Spectrum Academy is the premier charter school in Utah for students with high functioning autism and others who would benefit from our unique learning environment. They provide small class sizes, with individualized instruction and innovative social skills curriculum. They help students reach their fullest potential academically, socially, and emotionally, leading to productive and successful futures.

Scenic View Academy -- A non-profit school in Provo for people with Autism

Matt’s Place -- Matt’s Place is a non-profit center focused on helping families and individuals with social and behavioral struggles, and those on the Autism Spectrum.

The Adult Autism Center (adultautismcenter.org): Gives resources for socialization, recreation, development, and involvement. Provides supports for daily living skills and vocational training.

Utah Parent Center (https://utahparentcenter.org/): Special education and advocacy service that provides information on how to access services for individuals with disabilities and can help families navigate the school system

Autism Learning Partners (website) (brochure) -- A national company with regional operations providing Center- and Home-Based ABA
 Therapy; Early 
Intervention; Diagnostic
 Services; Social Skills 
Program; Parent
 Collaboration; Speech, Occupational,
& Physical Therapy; Telehealth Services; Comprehensive
 ABA, and Focused
 ABA.

Books & Media

Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Devon Price, Ph.D.

But you don't look autistic at all by Bianca Toeps

Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome by Rudy Simone

Autism in Heels: The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum by Jennifer Cook O'Toole

Overcoming Autism: Finding Answers, Strategies, and Hope That Can Transform a Child’s Life, by Lynn Kern Koegel and Claire LaZebnik

A Parent's Guide to High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, Second Edition: How to Meet the Challenges and Help Your Child Thrive, Edition 2 by Sally Ozonoff, Geraldine Dawson, and James McPartland

Understanding Autism in Adults and Aging Adults: Improving Diagnosis and Quality of Life by Theresa Rega

Simone, R. (2010). Aspergirls: Empowering Females With Asperger Syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley.

The Autism Show podcast: http://autismshow.org/

Autism Quality of Life podcast: https://www.autismqualityoflife.com/

Girls Growing Up on The Spectrum: What Parents and Professionals Should Know About the Pre-Teen and Teenage Years by Shana Nichols

Neurodiversity in the Workplace

UCEBT's Assessment and Testing Program Director, Laura Rowley, Ph.D., recently presented this lecture on Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Strategies to Support Inclusivity. This presentation discusses ADHD and Autism, the strengths and barriers of each in the workplace, and how to facilitate enhanced inclusion and communication.

Resources & Trainings for Professionals

Sunfield Center for Autism, ADHD, and Behavioral Health -- Provides online workshops on ASD assessment tools like the ADOS-2 and ADI-R, as well as trainings on topics related to intervention, such as ASD and sexuality, and supporting adolescents with ASD transition to adulthood.

Vanderbilt Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders -- Provides online workshops on ASD assessment tools like the ADOS-2, as well as trainings/resources for educators, community professionals, and pediatric care providers. They have a series dedicated to delivering services via telemedicine for parents, educators, and clinical professionals (https://vkc.vumc.org/vkc/triad/covid19/)

Autistic Self Advocacy Network -- Engage with autistic voices to be effective allies.

International Society for Autism Research (autism-insar.org): Scientific and professional organization devoted to advancing knowledge about autism

ADDitude Provides free online webinars on topics related to ASD and neurodivergence. Professionals can register to attend live or receive links to the presentations.

Autisminblack.org for information on autism in black communities and the intersection of autism and culture. Opportunities for professional talks.

Recent Q&A from one of our psychologists

This is the full presentation from Dr. Laura Rowley regarding the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Thank you, Utah! We are thrilled to be voted runner-up for Best of Utah 2018 Mind & Body!