Rehabilitation Psychology Annual Conference

Translating Research into Practice

Feb. 27 - March 2, 2014
San Antonio, Texas

The 16th annual Rehabilitation Psychology continuing education program is organized by the American Board of Rehabilitation Psychology (ABRP) and the Division of Rehabilitation Psychology (Division 22) of the American Psychological Association (APA). As noted on the Division 22 website, Rehabilitation Psychology is a specialty area within psychology that focuses on the study and application of psychological knowledge and skills on behalf of individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions in order to maximize health and welfare, independence and choice, functional abilities, and social role participation across the lifespan. This conference is specifically designed to provide the opportunity for Rehabilitation Psychologists to network and to enhance their knowledge and skills across the broad range of activities that they participate in.

Specific program content is being developed by the program committee for the 2014 Rehabilitation Conference in the areas of: translational research methods; outcomes measurement; evidenced-based practice; diversification of clinical practice; training and supervision; professional development; and legal and ethical issues.

By the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

1. Identify current trends and learn new skills in rehabilitation psychology practice.
2. Discuss recent clinical and research findings and their potential impact on service delivery.
3. Describe the key elements of ABPP/ABRP eligibility, the practice sample submission and review, the oral examination process, and characteristics of effective mentoring.
4. Discuss key issues for training in Rehabilitation Psychology.
5. Understand fundamental issues in ethics, cultural diversity, and evidence-based practice as applied to rehabilitation psychology.

This conference is designed for psychologists in practice and/or academic settings who focus on rehabilitation with individuals having chronic diseases, impairments and / or physical and cognitive disabilities as well as for trainees (students, interns, and postdoctoral residents) with interests in rehabilitation psychology. Program content will be directed at basic, intermediate and advanced skill levels.

• Adult Burn Injuries: Psychosocial Issues and the Role of the Rehabilitation Psychologist (PDF, 1.7MB)
• Interventions to Reduce Substance Misuse after Injury: Traumatic Brian Injury as an Example (PDF, 1.39MB)
• Emotional Self-Regulation and Problem-Solving Interventions for Outpatients with Acquired Brain Injury (PDF, 1.19MB) 
• How Animal-Assisted Therapy Can Improve Services to Veterans (PDF, 1.59MB)
• Advancing the Psychology of Disability and Chronic Illness (PDF, 6.59MB)
• A Person-Centered Approach for Cancer Rehabilitation (PDF, 2.06MB)
• Psychotropic Medication Reduction in Patients with Neuropsychiatric Disorders (PDF, 6.88MB)
• Syndromes of Impaired Consciousness: Expanding Psychology's Role (PDF, 4.54MB)
• Factors that Predict Community Integration Outcomes for Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury (PDF, 351KB)
• Philosophy of Mind, Neuroanatomy, and Brain Injury (PDF, 8.56 MB)
• Hypnosis and Mindfulness in Pain Management (PDF, 818KB)
• Microaggressions Panel (PDF, 2.6MB)
• Self-Management, Self-Regulation and Problem Solving Approaches in Rehabilitation (PDF, 933KB)
• An Interdisciplinary Perspective on Workplace Factors Impacting Employment Outcomes for People with Disabilities (PDF, 2.2MB)
• Interprofessional Teamwork in Pain Management (PDF, 3.69MB) 
• The Future is Upon Us: How to Prepare for Mandated Changes in Training and Practice Standards (PDF, 0.98MB)
• Pediatric Rehabilitation Psychology: State of the State (PDF, 2.07MB) 
• Identifying the Needs of OEF/OIF Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury and Co-Occurring Behavioral Health Issues (PDF, 2.51MB)
• Preconference Focused on Military Personnel & Veterans (PDF, 457KB) 
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Translating Research to Practice (PDF, 1.98MB)
• Treating PTSD in TBI Patients Using Cognitive Processing Therapy (PDF, 1.78MB)

The 8-hour pre-conference workshop on rehab psychologists and critical care was well-attended (N = 63) and well-received. This underscored the need for psychological services to optimize outcomes for critically ill patients, aiming to prevent or mitigate long-term cognitive and emotional co-morbidity and support the work of critical care providers. The synergy between presenters and audience around these compelling topics showed that rehabilitation psychologists are ready to continue expanding their presence in intensive care units and other critical care settings.

The Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 19 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC) and planning committee developed a comprehensive pre-conference program directed toward meeting the needs of Veterans and military personnel. The thoughtful and enthusiastic interaction between the presenters and attendees was an exciting opportunity for Rehabilitation Psychologists to discuss culturally-competent and evidence-based care to meet the unique needs of those that serve. We had a tremendous day and look forward to continuing to work and grow together to advance our science through rigorous implementation and dissemination.