Jennifer Van Gorp

Jennifer Van Gorp

Friday, June 11, 2021

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. MST

1.5 CE hour (UPA & NASW-UT) 

Register* here: https://form.jotform.com/211016371639148

*If you cannot attend the live event, you can still receive the video recording, presentation slides, and CE credit so long as you register beforehand.

About the presentation:

With Utah having one of the highest rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the United States, the community relies on clinicians to provide early identification and intervention for this pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder. Although the last several decades have witnessed an increase in awareness and support for individuals on the spectrum and their families, many people with ASD are not receiving diagnoses and subsequent services until they are older children, adolescents, or even adults.

As research continues to grow, the field is discovering complexities that alter our recognition and understanding of ASD. This presentation will discuss demographic characteristics impacting identification, such as the “female autism phenotype,” autism in racial and ethnic minorities, and the intersection of ASD and LGBTQA+ identities. Furthermore, this talk will present evidence-based guidelines for differential diagnosis and present specific disorders that mimic or mask underlying ASD, including ADHD, OCD, and personality disorders.

Following the hour-long presentation, there will be a 30-minute Question and Answer period.

About the presenter:

Laura Rowley, Ph.D., licensed clinical psychologist. Laura obtained her doctorate from Wayne State University. She completed her APA-accredited internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Primary Children’s Hospital. Laura is currently the Program Coordinator for the Assessment and Testing Team and Utah Center for Evidence Based Treatment, where she provides testing services for children and adults.

Originally presented: Friday, March 12, 2021

1.0 CE hour (UPA & NASW-UT)

To receive presentation recording, slides, and evaluation form for CE credit, register here: https://form.jotform.com/210403657446150

About the presentation:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence based therapy designed to increase psychological flexibility through the use of acceptance skills, mindfulness strategies, and commitment and behavioral change planning.  This presentation is designed to give therapists and counselors practical skills and strategies to help young people increase overall psychological flexibility and live a life that is meaningful and fulfilling to them.  Dr. Hopkins will emphasize developmental considerations to the core components of ACT.  

At the conclusion of this presentation, attendees should be able to describe Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and its core components using age appropriate language to kids and their families, adapt ACT metaphors and tools to a younger population, and increase openness to experiential exercises.

About the presenter:

Rachel Hopkins, Psy.D. is a clinical psychologist with broad interests in providing therapy and assessment for anxiety and mood disorders, trauma and bereavement, behavioral dysregulation, and family systems issues across the lifespan.  Dr. Hopkins is presently the Program Director for UCEBT's Anxiety and Mood Team and enjoys providing supervision and consultation to trainees and other therapists, particularly in further developing ACT expertise.  

Originally presented: Tuesday, November 17, 2020

NOTE: This is a non-CE event.

To receive the link to the live presentation, register here: 

https://form.jotform.com/202996653710158

About the presentation:

Therapists in training experience frequent exposure to traumatic material during both coursework and clinical work. This exposure, especially when combined with the many other stressors of graduate school, can result in emotional, health, and relational problems. Both students and their supervisors in training would benefit from incorporating safeguards for students based on the most recent research findings.

This presentation will provide a review of the most recent research on psychology/social work graduate student responses to trauma exposure, bring greater awareness to graduate students' vulnerabilities to vicarious traumatization and provide direction for building resilience as a novice psychotherapist.

While no traumatic material will be presented, attendees may experience some discomfort at recognizing, in their own lives, current effects of trauma exposure.

About the presenter:

Shelle Welty, PsyD specializes in trauma therapy and works as the Director of the Trauma, Stress, and Resilience program at UCEBT. Prior to her work at UCEBT, she spent a decade working in college mental health, where she was invested in improving the lives of students through multiple roles--as a therapist, a consultant to university faculty and staff, and a professor. 

Originally presented: Friday, October 30, 2020

1.0 CE hour (UPA & NASW-UT)

To receive presentation recording, slides, and evaluation form for CE credit, register here: 

https://form.jotform.com/202726500319145

About the presentation:

Suicide rates in youth have been steadily increasing in the United States, with Utah having one of the highest incidences of youth suicides. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed a collective stress on the community and healthcare system.

In a time when hospitals are overburdened, and the risk of exposure is high in healthcare settings, inpatient hospitalization and Emergency Department visits for suicidal patients should be minimized. However, the rapid shift to practicing psychotherapy via telehealth encompasses unique challenges for providers treating youth at risk for suicide.

Dr. Rowley will present research-based practice guidelines on assessing and treating suicidality in youth via telehealth, with a focus on safety planning and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills. Ethical concerns will be discussed, as well as special considerations for treating diverse populations that are at risk for suicide, including LGBTQA+ and black adolescents.

About the presenter:

Laura Rowley, Ph.D., licensed clinical psychologist. Laura obtained her doctorate from Wayne State University. She completed her APA-accredited internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Primary Children’s Hospital as a member of the Dialectical Behavior Therapy team for adolescents and families. She is currently on the DBT team at the Utah Center for Evidence Based Treatment providing services for adolescents and adults.

Originally presented: Friday, June 26, 2020

1.0 CE hour (UPA & NASW-UT)

To receive presentation recording, slides, and evaluation form for CE credit, register here: https://form.jotform.com/201625563955157

Here are the two articles referenced in this presentation: (Carter, 2007Jones, et al., 2020)

About the presentation:

With the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, as well as the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 in Black and African-American communities, the need to address race and racism in the context of clinical care, including case conceptualization, intervention, consultation, and supervision. This presentation will present a review of race and racial identity from a developmental lifespan perspective, and highlight promising directions in research and clinical care related to providing care for Black American communities in response to racially charged media events. 

About the presenter:

Kimberly Applewhite, PsyD, School-Clinical Child Psychology. Dr. Applewhite is a primary member of the dialectical behavioral team at UCEBT, and has clinical and research interests in cultural adaptations for evidence-based treatments in Black/African-American communities. 

Originally presented: Tuesday, June 16, 2020

1.0 CE hour (UPA & NASW-UT)

To receive presentation recording, slides, and evaluation form for CE credit, register here: https://form.jotform.com/201528274844155

About the presentation:

The purpose of the presentation is to (1) examine the main structures and function of the brain and neurotransmitters and how the affect our mental health; (2) to review the main types of psychiatric disorders, their presentations/symptoms, neurotransmitters and how they can be treated/managed with psychiatric medications; (3) explain the effect of psychotropic medications on the brain and how they can be therapeutic to the patient/client; (4) and to explain the potential side effects and signs/symptoms that may be observed by other mental health professionals working with the patient.

About the presenter:

Darin Principe, APRN. Darin is a psychiatric/addiction nurse practitioner who trained with the SLC VA prior to joining UCEBT. He is also part of the medical staff at Recovery Ways Treatment Center in Murray, UT for dual diagnosis treatment.

Originally presented: Friday, May 29, 2020

1.0 CE hour (UPA & NASW-UT)

To receive presentation recording, slides, and evaluation form for CE credit, register here:  https://form.jotform.com/201205940165143

About the presentation: ADHD is a complicated disorder with a fairly high degree of individual variation.  This lecture will present a broader conceptualization of ADHD across the lifespan and the role it plays in everyday life with this population, raising questions of its frequent placement as a secondary diagnosis. Dr. Pflieger will also discuss evaluation for ADHD and introduce some therapeutic strategies and resources for working with this population.

About the presenter: Dr. Pflieger is a neurodivergent practitioner who follows the social model of disability and is radically open about her neurodivergent identity and experience. She frames ADHD as less of a disorder and more of a dialectic and way of being. This lecture will present the beauty and diversity of ADHD, breaking from the traditional deficit model. Courtney Pflieger, Ph.D. NCSP, school psychology. Dr. Pflieger was a graduate student at the University of Utah and completed her internship training in public school settings with an emphasis on evidence-based interventions for children with disabilities. Dr. Pflieger now works with people of all ages, many with ADHD, and is continuing her postdoctoral training at UCEBT.

Originally presented: Friday, April 10, 2020

1.0 CE hour (UPA & NASW-UT)

To receive presentation recording, slides, and evaluation form for CE credit, register here: https://form.jotform.com/200574631299156

About: Trauma Processing Treatments have advanced significantly in recent years, and this type of psychological care carries a unique set of ethical issues. This talk will provide an overview of current topics, ethical pitfalls, and resources for navigating the often complicated terrain of helping trauma survivors heal. Given the brevity of the talk, it will not provide an in-depth analysis, but rather increase awareness and provide useful follow-up resources. It is intended that the application of content will help providers avoid entering into ethically problematic situations as well as increase consultation seeking. There are no known risks to attendees beyond mild psychological distress related to exposure to trauma case examples. It is expected that this exposure is consistent with existing types of occupational stress

About the presenter:  Ashley Greenwell, Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, has worked in the field of trauma for 15 years and is the Clinical Director of UCEBT. She also previously served as a core Ethics Team member, consulting for Veterans Affairs on issues of Bioethics.

April 27, 2021

Suicide Resources

For help, call the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988

988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be:

  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Mental health or substance use crisis, or
  • Any other kind of emotion distress

People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.

Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams (MCOT)

Dial 988

The Utah Crisis Line sends out mobile crisis outreach teams (MCOT) in many areas throughout Utah. MCOTs provide support that is:

  • Fast
  • Free
  • In-person or Virtual
  • Available 24 / 7 / 365

When Should You Ask for an MCOT?

MCOT is there for you when you are feeling lost, alone, having a difficult time coping with life, or have concerns related to a loved one living with you. Their team will meet you where you’re at—whether that’s at home, at work, or anywhere in the community.

Their team arrives in unmarked vehicles to support your privacy. They do their best to keep those that we serve out of the hospitals and in their communities.

HMHI Downtown Behavioral Health Clinic (Formerly UNI)

The Downtown Behavioral Health Clinic offers therapy treatment, psychological testing, and medication management services for adults, children, and teens. Clinical staff includes: board-certified psychiatrists and triple-board practitioners (physicians who specialize in pediatrics, adult psychiatry, and child and adolescent psychiatry), advanced practice nurses, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, and senior residents.

(801) 585-1212 (for appointments)
(801) 587-3000 (for crisis)
525 East 100 South, 5th Floor, Salt Lake City, UT 84102   (Get Directions)

Suicide Safety Plan App (IOS)

This app is designed to support those dealing with suicidal thoughts and help prevent suicide.

Having a plan can help:

  • Guide you through difficult moments
  • Cope
  • Keep you safe

A safety plan is designed so that you can start at the beginning and continue through the steps. You can customize your own warning signs that a crisis may be developing, coping strategies for dealing with suicidal urges, places for distraction, friends and family members you can reach out to, professionals you can call, methods of making your environment safe, and your own important reasons for living.

If following your safety plan is not enough to stem a suicidal crisis, then this app also contains an easy-to-access list of emergency resources so that help is just a tap away. 

Crisis Nursery

The Family Support Center is happy to offer FREE Crisis Nursery care for children ages 0-11 in three locations throughout the Salt Lake Valley. You must call to reserve a space for your child before every crisis nursery visit.

SUGAR HOUSE CRISIS NURSERY
801-487-7778
2020 South Lake Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Tuesday - Friday / De Martes a Viernes: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday / Sábado: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

WEST VALLEY CRISIS NURSERY
801-967-4259
3663 South 3600 West, West Valley City, UT 84119
Monday - Saturday / De Lunes a Sábado: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

MIDVALE CRISIS NURSERY
801-255-6881
777 West Center Street, Midvale, UT 84047
Monday - Friday / De Lunes a Viernes: 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Saturday / Sábado: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

For the latest statistics on suicide: https://www.addictions.com/suicide-prevention/

April 19, 2021

Autism Evaluations

In addition to our other assessment and testing services, UCEBT offers assessments examining Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for individuals age 2 through adulthood.

This may be a component of a psychoeducational evaluation if you suspect your child has ASD and that it may be impacting academic functioning. However, not all individuals with ASD struggle academically, and ASD is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts more areas in life than academics. Furthermore, many adults may have questions about whether they have had undiagnosed ASD, which can be common for some high-functioning presentations.

Autism evaluations examine whether an individual meets criteria for ASD using evidence-based procedures, and also examines common rule-outs/co-occurring disorders such as ADHD, social anxiety, and/or OCD. Academic achievement measures may or may not be included, depending on individual needs. 

Get started with a free 15-minute consultation >

Our autism testing is not exclusively for children.

ADHD and ASD can be diagnosed in adulthood. Many adults may be experiencing chronic difficulties with meeting job expectations, organizing tasks, completing household chores, engaging in daily living activities, remembering obligations, and forming/maintaining healthy relationships. Often adult clients come to us with prior diagnoses of mood, anxiety, or personality problems, and are frustrated that previous treatments have been unsuccessful in helping them meet their goals.

Through assessment, we can determine whether there may be evidence for a missed ADHD or Autism diagnosis that accounts for pervasive lifelong problems.

We use evidence-based methodologies to examine relevant cognitive processes, behaviors, and social/emotional symptoms tailored to how neurodevelopmental disorders present in adults. However, it is also important to note that criteria for ADHD and ASD state that symptoms need to be present in childhood, even if they were mild and perhaps not as apparent until the demands of the environment exceeded individual capacities. Therefore, we also require parent/caregiver interviews, previous testing, and/or school records from childhood as part of the evaluation for adults.

We have several ways to ensure our clients are receiving the highest quality assessment and testing experience.

Autism Evaluations at UCEBT are led by our Assessment & Testing Program Director, Laura Rowley, PhD.

Our team of clinicians assesses a wide range of referral questions and keeps a consistent flow to keep our skills sharp. To build on our skills, we consult with each other -- no one conceptualizes alone, making sure everything is grounded in data and that we’re not relying too heavily on one person’s clinical judgment.

We’re lucky to be a diverse group of clinicians regarding our backgrounds and specialty areas of testing. In addition, we seek consultation from clinicians in the community, research new testing measures, and find developing evidence-based methods for assessing specific populations. It is important to us that we stay up to date with research and the collective wisdom of the profession.   

Using the "gold standard" of autism assessments.

We use the latest in evaluation measurements, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) to assess and aid in autism diagnosis. Often to access services (e.g. speech, occupational therapy, ABA), insurance companies require the use on an ADOS-2 for diagnosis. The ADOS-2 is one component of a comprehensive evaluation. Our clinicians use a variety of measures and obtain sources of information from different settings to provide evidence-based psychological assessment.

Stay at UCEBT for treatment or receive treatment elsewhere. 

Testing is a standalone service offered at UCEBT. However, if you are interested in seeking therapy services, we can refer you to the appropriate treatment team. You would not have to complete an initial intake and would be placed at the top of the list to be scheduled with an available clinician that is trained and experienced in the best evidence-based treatment for you. 

Potential treatment options include:

  • Parent Coaching or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to manage child behaviors and improve co-parenting communication.
  • Couples Therapy or Family Therapy to foster relationships for individuals on the spectrum and their families.  
  • Treatments on the Anxiety and Mood and Trauma, Stress, and Resilience Programs support common co-occurring disorders for autistic individuals. 
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program can support skills in emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness and decrease problem behaviors.

Our pricing for expert clinical evaluations of ASD.

Testing is billed per hour of service that the clinician provides. While the cost of testing may seem high, our licensed clinicians have over 10 years of education and training.  Their expertise and experience are important factors in receiving the clearest diagnosis and most useful recommendations for you.

In order to maintain excellent quality care that is based on client need rather than coverage, our center requires direct pay. We can provide you a receipt of services with diagnoses and billing codes if you would like to seek reimbursement from your insurance. Note that most insurances do not cover academic testing. 

Licensed Clinician: $190 per hour
Postdoctoral Fellow: $170 per hour*
Advanced Doctoral Student: $135 per hour*

After the initial intake session, the clinician will estimate the hours needed for services. 

Estimated average range is 12 - 16 hours. ($1,440  -- $2,720 depending on hours and evaluator).  Note: These estimates include cognitive and academic testing.

*When available. Postdoctoral Fellows and Advanced Doctoral Students are closely supervised by Licensed Clinicians and have had years of training and experience.

Get started with autism testing and evaluation today.

To get started, simply complete this online questionnaire and our front desk will contact you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.

If you still have questions or are interested in learning more about pricing and insurance, you can check out our Frequently Asked Questions of our Assessment & Testing Center page.

Learn more about autism from UCEBT's autism specialist in this Q&A video: