National Psychology Training Consortium

Introductory --- Designed for psychologists who may have little to no background in a specialized skill or content area. The learner can become acquainted with the theoretical underpinnings, principles, methods, and perspectives of a content area. Although it can be used as a foundation for more advanced learning, a program may simply focus on breadth, enrichment or general knowledge.

Course Description and Target Audience

This presentation is an introductory overview of the history and scope of clinical psycho-oncology with particular attention to providing psychological services to individuals in survivorship of cancer. The presentation will identify common concerns experienced by cancer survivors as well as the evidence-based interventions for helping people with these concerns. Additionally, examples of ethical issues as well as concerns of individual and cultural diversity relevant to cancer will be introduced. The target audience for this presentation is mental health professionals who may encounter individuals with a history of cancer in the primary care clinic or other generalist settings. 

Information presented is primarily drawn from peer-reviewed writings publishes in the last 10 years, many of which are systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Notations are made in the presentation materials to identify times when standard psychological diagnoses and/or treatments should be modified when working with people with cancer and/or cancer survivors. For example, controversy in the field regarding PTSD in cancer patients and survivors is highlighted. There are no known risks other than those typically encountered in the conduct of standard educational activities in psychology training.

Diversity is addressed through clinical case examples, ethics case example, and discussion of religion/spirituality and cancer disparities.

Learning Objectives

• Participants will be able to identify the four (4) primary medical treatments for cancer and their possible side effects.
• Participants will be able to describe five common psychological concerns in cancer survivors.
• Participants will be able to implement evidence-based behavioral interventions for common psychological concerns in cancer survivors.

Presenter Information

Dr. Gates obtained her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counseling Psychology in 2014 from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX. She completed specialty training in health psychology with an emphasis in psycho-oncology through a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center in 2015. Since 2015, Dr. Gates has practiced clinical psycho-oncology in academic medical centers; first at the Simmons Cancer Institute in Springfield, IL and currently at the Bloch Cancer Center at University Health in Kansas City, MO. Dr. Gates also provides pre-surgical and pre-procedural psychological evaluations in collaboration with University Health’s Pain Management and Orthopedics departments.

Video Homestudy Format

CE’s for this homestudy training will be earned through completing the following tasks:

• Watch the presentation video and review all provided documents in their entirety.
• Pass the post-test questionnaire with at least 80% correct.

A program evaluation form will be provided to all who registered following the training. Please be sure to complete this form since your feedback helps direct future CE programming from our organization.

Registration Cost

This cost includes video links, materials, and tests required to obtain CE’s. Your CE certificate will be made available to you upon successful completion of the training (80% or higher on exam).

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.