NP 110: Introduction to Nutritional Psychology Methods

From The Center for Nutritional Psychology

This is the first university-level Continuing Education course consolidating the world’s research in how dietary intake affects psychological, behavioral, cognitive, perceptual, interoceptive and psychological functioning and mental health.

This course is for mental health professionals, researchers, university students, and those seeking to develop an understanding of the concepts, language, terms and methods used within the field of NP, and who wish to develop a better knowledge of the Diet-Mental Health Relationship (DMHR).

Program cost, units, and accrediting information coming soon! For more information, download our flyer below, or sign up for the CNP Newsletter.

Course Flyer

ABOUT NP 110

Globally, depression is a leading cause of disability and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease (WHO).  It is imperative that mental health professionals receive formal training to understand the role that diet and nutrients play in supporting mood, behavior, and psychological processes. 

NP 110 provides participants with the conceptual framework, language, and evidence-based research necessary to better understand the Diet-Mental Health Relationship, and to use this knowledge to improve psychological, cognitive, behavioral, perceptual, interoceptive, and psychosocial health.

This is a university-level course available online beginning in March 2021.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

  • • Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, Mental Health Counselors
  • • Undergraduate, Graduate, and Post-Doctoral students
  • • Dietitians, Nutritionists, Culinary Chefs, Health Coaches
  • • Case Managers, Social Workers, School counselors, Educators
  • • Physicians,  Psychiatrists
  • • Substance Use Counselors
  • • Physician Assistants, Nurses
  • • Anyone interested in learning about the field of Nutritional Psychology

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • • Define key terms used within the field of NP
  • • Explain basic concepts, terms, and methods used in Nutritional Psychology
  • • Recite the six elements informing the conceptualisation of NP
  • • Describe key research studies supporting the field of NP
  • • Master the introductory knowledge necessary to proceed to future courses in NP
  • • Demonstrate the ability to identify type of research methods generally used in NP
  • • Cite the Scope of Practice Guidelines for using information in this course within the clinical setting
  • • Identify 3 key research studies demonstrating the connection between dietary intake and psychological health

Instructor Credentials

Ephi Lu holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Washington in Seattle, an M.S. in Psychology from the University of Illinois, and a Diploma in Comprehensive Nutrition. Ephi has combined her dual education in Psychology and Nutrition to develop the first university-level courses in Nutritional Psychology beginning in 2008. Joining with Dr. Amanda Hull and other coauthors, Ephi led the development of the first 7-course Continuing Education Certificate Program in NP through JFK University from 2008-2020.

Dr. Kristine Lokken is a neuropsychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology at the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) Medical Center. Dr. Lokken’s background is in clinical research, medical neuropsychology, and health psychology. Dr. Lokken is supporting the development of the Diet and Cognitive Relationship (DCR) element of Nutritional Psychology included in NP 110. She also serves on the CNP Educational Planning Committee.

Chelsea Louise-Doswell received her B.A. in Strategic Communication from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL. Ms. Doswell has a Certificate in Nutritional Psychology from JFK University, and is currently completing an internship with The Center for Nutritional Psychology. She is assisting in the development of the Interoceptive element of NP, and hopes to one day incorporate her knowledge of the Diet-Mental Health Relationship into her graduate/clinical work supporting those suffering from various eating disorders.

Dr. Protogerou is an applied health psychologist. She works as a Lecturer and Researcher at the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA), and Health Sciences Research Institute (HSRI), University of California, Merced, USA. Her research focuses on exploring psychological and societal determinants of health and risk-taking behavior and evaluating the efficacy of health behavior interventions. Cleo has contributed her expertise in research methods to NP 110.

Stephanie Greunke, MS, RD, CPT, PMH-C is a Registered Dietitian specializing in Maternal Nutrition and Mental Health. She holds additional certifications in Perinatal Mental Health, Behavioral Psychology, and Nutritional Psychology, and is an internationally recognized speaker. Stephanie has contributed her expertise in NP 110 by developing materials within the course that explain the different dietary patterns traditionally used in Diet-Mental Health Research.

Course Administration

Joe Booth is CNP’s Online Education Developer. Joe brings a unique blend of professional experience in technology, education, and mental health. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Sacramento State in 2005, and went on to run corporate Learning and Development programs for global software companies. Joe is currently the Executive Director of Class Five Mind, a substance abuse recovery platform that blends technology with mindfulness and holistic wellness.

Olga Baryshnikova serves as the NP 110 Administrative Editor, assisting with all aspects of course development, administrative implementation, and management. She has a background in psychology and professional experience in education and marketing. She is also CNP’s Development and Organizational Outreach Coordinator.

Continuing Education Planning Committee

Dr. Sam Scarnato

Dr. Kristine Lokken

Dr. Nicole Beurkens

Course Specifics

A: Yes, this course is taught fully online through the CNP website and can be completed at your own pace.

A: Yes, the course has open enrollment and students can begin this course at any time.

A: The units in this course will be from 7-11, meaning it will take approximately 7-11 hours to complete. A final unit count will be available by mid-March 2021.

A: You can stop or start the course at any time, and you have up to 6 months to complete it.

A: You can communicate with your course instructor through their contact information, provided in the course.

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A NUTRITIONAL COMPONENT TO MENTAL HEALTHCARE BY 2030

CNP’s vision for the future of mental healthcare includes the role of diet in supporting mental health. We are working to fill the void in our current mental healthcare model by consolidating research, creating methods and developing curriculum through which we can better understand and improve our Diet-Mental Health Relationship.

Read More