Introduction to Nutritional Psychology Methods

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 who seek 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 does not provide applied tools for professionals to use in clinical practice, rather it focuses on laying the academic foundation necessary for a field in Nutritional Psychology.

This course is fully online, self-paced, 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. Course meets the qualifications for 8 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

By registering for NP 110, you indicate that you have read and agreed to CNP’s Course Policy.

 

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ABOUT NP 110

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 our mental healthcare providers understand the role that nutrition plays in supporting mental health and psychological functioning. However, up until now, neither students nor professionals had extensive access to university-level education* in Nutritional Psychology.

NP 110: Introduction to Nutritional Psychology Methods is the flagship course laying the foundation of this formalized scientific field. It is worth 8 CE credits.

This course 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.

NP 110 is the first of six accredited courses that will culminate in a Nutritional Psychology certification. Additional courses are currently in development. 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.

Continuing Education Planning Committee

Dr. Sam Scarnato

Dr. Kristine Lokken

Dr. Nicole Beurkens

STUDENT FEEDBACK

"The course was fundamental for me ... I learned many new concepts that I will need for my work." (June 2021)
“I’ve read several studies on the relationship between mood and nutrition, but I knew little about the neurological background. Here, I could learn about it.” (June 2021)
"The course information is extremely useful and practical. Although the information is educational and not intervention-focused, the summarized research helps have the conversation on the importance of nutrition and its impacts on mental health. I am beginning these conversations with my professors and the need to integrate these topics into mental health-related school curriculums." (July 2021)
"It's an outstanding introductory course. A great deal of highly useful, cutting-edge information is packed into a relatively short course and it is clearly presented in a way that will reach a variety of students with varying educational backgrounds and interests." (June 2021)
"'The Nutritional Psychology connection is something Dietitians get very little training on. NP 110 expands on the huge effect psychology has on nutrition and vice versa. Specifically, learning about Interoceptive Awareness was huge and will be very important to apply in working with clients who struggle to recognize their hunger cues." (August 2021)

Course Specifics

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

A: Yes, NP 110 has open enrollment and you can begin at any time.

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.

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: Yes! NP 110 is worth 8 CE credits for psychologists and other professionals who receive CE units through the American Psychological Association (APA). It is also worth 8 CE credits for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

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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 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.

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