Neuroscience & Social Work: Strengthening the ‘Bio Side’ of the Biopsychosocial Perspective of Social Work Practice

CEs: 6

Overview

According to Applegate and Shapiro (2005), while social work has embraced a biopsychosocial perspective, the biological component of this three-pronged approach is often overlooked. They propose that breakthroughs in neuroscience and neurobiology should be incorporated into social work curricula and continuing and professional education programs. According to Farmer (2008), neuroscience is a “missing link” in social work.

This program will be appealing to professionals interested in direct practice. Instead of offering neuroanatomical models, the content of this course will be explored as functional systems, allowing students to understand human behaviors, predispositions to trauma, and other mental and body disorders, as well as what to do about them practically. There is no prerequisite knowledge of the biological sciences.

Aside from being necessary knowledge for social work practice, integrating neuroscience and social work will promote enhanced inter-professional communication, particularly with health-related professions, which can result in greater client continuity of care. Through this integration of knowledge, students are also prepared for policy work and advocacy in areas such as early intervention programs, early childhood developmental disorder screening programs, programs to prevent brain injuries, programs to prevent and treat substance abuse, and programs to engage older adults’ cognitive abilities.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand and integrate biological data into bio-psycho-social assessments.
2. Understand how to integrate neuroscience knowledge, a transdisciplinary practice environment, and clients’ continuity of care.
3. Understand the helping relationship from a neuroscience perspective.
4. Integrate interdisciplinary approaches to interpret findings from neuroscience research and interweave relevant theories from the fields of public health and social sciences.

Dates and Times

January 12 and January 18, 2024, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Tuition

$150 -Registration Fee

$125 – Alumni, Field Instructor, FFL, Adjunct Rate

$75- Veterans Rate/AUSSW Students

Faculty

Dr. A Maya Kaye, Instructor

Dr. A Maya Kaye is a seasoned neuroscience-informed psychotherapist, professor, and researcher. With a passion for translational research, she is dedicated to bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and clinical practice, ensuring that advancements in the fields of neuroscience and psychotherapy are implemented swiftly and effectively in patient care. In her clinical practice, Dr. Kaye specializes in working with both neurotypical and neurodiverse adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and attachment trauma. By utilizing a neuroscience-informed and compassion-focused approach, she employs evidence-based interventions to help patients achieve their therapeutic goals and experience lasting positive changes. Alongside her clinical work, Dr. Kaye has been privileged to contribute to the field of mental health through her role as a professor and mentor. Guiding and inspiring future mental health providers to develop a solid foundation in applying neuroscientific knowledge to clinical social work. By empowering aspiring professionals with the tools necessary to make a meaningful impact, she strives to foster a new generation of compassionate and knowledgeable professionals in the mental health care field. Dr. Kaye’s dedication to research allows her to stay at the forefront of emerging trends and advancements in the field. Through research and scholarship, she continuously deepens her understanding and refines her therapeutic approach. This commitment to ongoing learning ensures that she provides the highest standard of patient care, incorporating the latest scientific findings into her practice. As a firm believer in the power of collaboration and interdisciplinary work, she is eager to forge connections with other professionals and organizations. By fostering partnerships within the scientific, clinical, and non-clinical communities, she aims to contribute to a collective effort to advance mental health care. With a blend of expertise, passion, and a commitment to excellence, Dr. Kaye is driven to make a difference in the lives of those she serves, empowering individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth. 

Credentialing Information

Adelphi University School of Social Work is an approved provider for continuing education credits for the following:

• Social Workers
• LMHC
• LMFT
• CASAC Renewal
• Psychology
• LCAT

Successful completion for the award of approved continuing education credits requires attendance at the entire training/workshop and submission of a completed evaluation form.

See full credentialing information and CEUs.

New York State Office of the Professions (NYSED) regulations require that participants must be present for the entire approved educational activity in order to receive a certificate for continuing education hours. There is no accommodation in the State regulations for late arrival, late return from lunch or breaks, or early departure. According to NYSED, in order to award social work CEs; “When you offer a multi-day or multi-part course/educational activity, the learner must complete all parts in order to earn the certificate for contact hours, in the same way that a student must complete a semester-long course to receive college credit. You may not award partial credit for a program, even a one-day program, if the learner does not complete all requirements at that time.”

Cancellation Policy

Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds for cancellations made seven working days or fewer before the event for any reason—or for no-shows. We can provide credit towards a future workshop up to 24 hours before the event. After that, no credit will be issued.

Accessibility Statement

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Adelphi University require that all events be accessible. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the event host identified on the event webpage; please allow for a reasonable time frame. The event host, when necessary, will collaborate with the Student Access Office.