National Psychology Training Consortium

Intermediate --- Builds upon the learner's foundational knowledge, familiarity with the literature and/or experience in a content area. Programming at this level includes more depth than at a beginning level program. It could also serve as a refresher course for individuals who have background in a content area and are interested in learning more contemporary applications.

Course Description and Target Audience

This presentation offers a comprehensive review of behavioral interventions aimed at improving treatment adherence in healthcare settings. It begins by outlining key concepts, prevalence rates, and the impact of nonadherence on health outcomes. Major interdisciplinary frameworks for conceptualizing adherence will be discussed alongside behavioral models that inform intervention strategies. Evidence-based approaches grounded in theory will be highlighted, including practical applications for addressing adherence challenges. The session also examines recent research across diverse populations, explores barriers to implementation, and considers cultural factors and technology-based solutions that support adherence. Target audience: Mental health providers who work within a medical setting, including primary care and/or psychiatric clinic and who are involved in supporting treatment adherence and behavior change in patients with medical or psychological conditions.

The topic and materials are accurate and grounded in well-established empirical research. Conceptual frameworks such as the ABC Taxonomy (Vrijens et al., 2012) and behavioral models like the Health Belief Model and COM-B are widely validated, and interventions including psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, and CBT are supported by systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (e.g., Kedare & Faye, 2025; Zomahoun et al., 2017; Safren et al., 2014). These evidence-based approaches ensure the utility of the content for clinical practice across diverse populations. While the topic and materials are grounded in empirical research, limitations include variability in the effectiveness of behavioral interventions across different populations and settings. Many frameworks and models are theoretical and may not fully account for real-world complexities such as systemic barriers, cultural differences, and resource constraints. There are no known risks associated with this training or materials presented.

Diversity is meaningfully incorporated by addressing cultural factors that influence adherence and tailoring interventions to individual needs. The presentation emphasizes frameworks and models that account for patient-specific beliefs, socioeconomic factors, and health literacy, which are critical for equitable care.

Learning Objectives

• Participants will be able to describe broad frameworks that conceptualize issues related to adherence.
• Participants will be able to demonstrate implementing various behavior change models that address adherence.
• Participants will be able to discuss interventions that support adherence and nonadherence.
• Participants will be able to explore application of interventions across research and discuss related considerations towards implementation.

Presenter Information

Dr. Kelsey Gnade Coulthard is a licensed pediatric psychologist who is part of the Fairmount Rehabilitation Programs at Kennedy Krieger Institute. Currently, Dr. Coulthard is the pediatric psychologist for the Specialized Transition Program, Kennedy Krieger’s day rehabilitation hospital. Dr. Coulthard specializes in the treatment of chronic health management (e.g., FND, POTS, EDS, chronic pain, etc.) for youth through a multidisciplinary framework and behavior management for complex medical presentations. She is also supporting the Pediatric Medical Psychology Program at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Live Training Format

Attendance for this live training will be tracked by attendees completing the following tasks:

• Attend the live training in full and review all provided documents in their entirety.
• The Live CE Training Evaluation will be provided to all attendees. Please be sure to complete this evaluation in addition to attending the training.
• Downloading the CE Certificate.
   

CE Certificate

This course includes the materials required to obtain a CE Certificate. Your certificate will be made available to you upon completion of the training course. 

Questions or Concerns?

Contact [email protected] for assistance.

National Psychology Training Consortium (NPTC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. NPTC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.