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 those seeking to develop an understanding of the concepts, language, and methods used within the field of Nutritional Psychology, and wish to improve their understanding of the Diet-Mental Health Relationship.
This course is fully online, self-paced, 8 hours in length, and costs $329.00 (USD). CNP is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CNP maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Mental health professionals whose licensing organization accepts APA-approved continuing education credits are also eligible to receive CE credits.
By registering for NP 110, you indicate that you have read and agreed to CNP’s Course Policy.
When you step into an intersection of fields, disciplines, or cultures, you can combine existing concepts into a large number of extraordinary ideas.” — Frans Johansson.
It is imperative that mental health professionals receive formal education in understanding the role that diet and nutrients play in supporting mood, behavior, and psychological processes.
However, students and professionals have had virtually no access to university-level education* in how nutrition and psychological processes interconnect. A multidisciplinary body of science exists illuminating these connections, yet until now it has not been unified and conceptualized.
NP 110: Introduction to Nutritional Psychology Methods is the flagship course linking the disciplines of psychology and nutrition together and laying the foundation for this formalized area of specialty. This course provides 8 CE credits. For more information on accreditation and CE credits, view the FAQ below.
NP 110 is structured into seven modules. Following the introduction, each module introduces the six different elements encompassed by Nutritional Psychology: the psychological, behavioral, cognitive, interoceptive, sensory-perceptual, and psychosocial elements. Language and concepts are introduced, and current research findings informing each element are examined.
This introductory course is not designed to provide intervention, diagnosis, assessment, or skills for application within clinical practice. Rather, it is academically oriented and aims to provide the foundational concepts necessary for developing knowledge in Nutritional Psychology.
NP 110 is the first of six accredited courses that will culminate in a Nutritional Psychology Certification. The other five courses are currently in development and will be published at the rate of one course per semester beginning Fall of 2021. For an overview of NP 110, download the course flyer.
* The first educational courses in Nutritional Psychology were part of the original certificate developed by CNP and taught through JFK University from 2008 to 2020.
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
• Psychologists and Mental Health Professionals
• 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 and methods used in Nutritional Psychology
• Recite the six elements informing the conceptualization of NP
• Describe key research studies supporting the field of NP
• Master the introductory knowledge necessary to proceed to future courses in NP
• Review the types of research methods generally used in NP-related research
• Cite the Scope of Practice Guidelines for using the information in this course within the clinical setting
• Identify 3 key research studies demonstrating the connection between dietary intake and psychological processes
Instructor/Contributor 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 within 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.
A. NP 110 costs $329.00 USD. This price includes all course content, videos, download kits, knowledge checks, quizzes and the final exam plus your Certificate of Course Completion.
A NUTRITIONAL COMPONENT TO MENTAL HEALTHCARE BY 2030
CNP’s vision for the future of mental healthcare includes the role of diet and nutrients 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 that allows us to better understand and improve our Diet-Mental Health Relationship.
A. NP 110 costs $329.00 USD. This price includes all course content, videos, download kits, knowledge checks, quizzes and the final exam plus your Certificate of Course Completion.
A: If you are a professional who receives CE credits through the APA, once you complete NP 110, simply notify the course administrator (or email contact@nutritional-psychology.org) and you will receive your CE-specific certificate electronically within 4-5 business days.
A: No. Prospective NP 110 students have access to an extensive course description, and should know what to expect from the course prior to registering and submiting payment information. If you are unsure whether or not NP 110 is suitable for you, please contact us.
A: Yes! CNP is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CNP maintains responsibility for NP 110 and its content. This course is also valid for other professionals whose licensing bodies accept APA credits.
A: We are happy to consider applying for accreditation in your field of expertise. Please contact us at contact@nutritional-psychology.org with the name of your accrediting organization and a link to their accrediting application.
A: While this course is designed primarily for college/university students and professionals, we feel that it can be benefical for anyone interested in Nutritional Psychology. If you are unsure, email us at contact@nutritional-psychology.org and we will be happy to help you determine if this is the course for you.
A: Please contact info@nutritional-psychology.org with proof of completion of your previous NP Certificate coursework. Consideration will be granted on a case-by-case basis.
A: This course does not provide tools for use within clinical practice. Rather, it provides students with education in the science of how diet and nutrients interconnect with psychological functioning.
A: We are currently developing additional courses, some of which will culminate in a Certificate in Nutritional Psychology. We expect to release a second course by early fall of 2021.
A. NP 110 is estimated to take 8-10 hours to complete, depending on your learning style and previous exposure to similar material. If this information is new to you, it may take more time to cover.
