Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an increasingly common diagnosis. Yet most behavioral health providers are unaware that they can play a role in both the assessment and treatment of OSA in their patients. Today we’re joined by an expert in the subfield of sleep psychology, Dr. Phil Gehrman. He shares basic information about what OSA is, how providers can effectively screen for it, and how they can facilitate treatment for this dangerous condition. Despite what you might have heard before, Dr. Gehrman posits that behavioral health providers can play “a huge potential role that really is untapped.”

Dr. Phil Gehrman is Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He directs the Sleep, Neurobiology and Psychopathology lab at Penn. He has an active research program exploring the mechanisms and treatment of sleep and circadian dysregulation in the context of mental health disorders. Dr. Gehrman’s clinical specialization is on the delivery of cognitive behavioral and chronotherapeutic interventions for insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and other sleep disorders. The overarching goal of his work is to advance the understanding of the links between sleep and mental illness through translational research that spans biology to therapeutics.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• STOP Screening tool for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: https://deploymentpsych.org/content/insomnia-tools
• Motivational Interviewing for CPAP Adherence: Rapelli G, Pietrabissa G, Manzoni GM, Bastoni I, Scarpina F, Tovaglieri I, Perger E, Garbarino S, Fanari P, Lombardi C and Castelnuovo G (2021) Improving CPAP Adherence in Adults With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Scoping Review of Motivational Interventions. Front. Psychol. 12:705364. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.705364
• Motivational Interviewing resources: https://deploymentpsych.org/Clinical-Skills-Resources
• Systematic desensitization: https://www.veterantraining.va.gov/insomnia/docs/PAP_Desensitization.pdf
• Practical for Your Practice voice mail: speakpipe.com/cdpp4p
• Practical for Your Practice email: cdp-podcast-ggg@usuhs.edu

Calls-to-action:

• Incorporate the STOP into your practice
• Become familiar with behavioral and motivational approaches listed above
• Connect with your local sleep medicine clinic
• Reach out to us via Speakpipe with your questions and comments
• Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast
• Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email at https://deploymentpsych.org/CDP-MED-Opt-In

Evidence-based psychotherapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy, are the best tools we have to treat PTSD for most people–at least as long as those in need are able to access these therapies. A number of barriers may exist, such as availability of trained therapists, insurance coverage (or lack thereof), or even life stressors standing in the way. During the COVID-19 pandemic, trauma exposure exploded exponentially while at the same time access to care due to lockdowns and social distancing was severely diminished. In this episode of Practical for Your Practice, we chat with Dr. Sheila Rauch, one of the authors of the Prolonged Exposure Therapist Guide, about her many exciting projects to expand access to effective care for PTSD. As she explains, “the more doors that we have for people with PTSD to enter and get effective treatment, the more people are going to actually do that.” Join us for one of our new favorite episodes to hear about self-help approaches, PE in primary care, immediate interventions in emergency departments, and shifting the name of PE to “Processing Emotions.”

Sheila A.M. Rauch, Ph.D., ABPP, co-led design and now serves as Deputy Director of the Emory Healthcare Veterans Program and Director of Mental Health Research and Program Evaluation at the Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center. For over 20 years, Dr. Rauch’s work in VA and Academic Medical settings focuses on developing programs, conducting research, and providing PTSD and Anxiety Disorders treatment with the goal to improve access to effective mental health treatment. Her research focuses on examination of mechanisms involved in the development and treatment of PTSD and improving access to effective interventions. She has led several PTSD treatment outcome and mechanisms trials including pharmaceutical and therapy trials focused on moving interventions for PTSD into medical and primary care settings. She has published over 220 peer-reviewed scholarly articles as well as many chapters and six books on anxiety disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She developed an effective primary care based PTSD intervention that is in use across VA and many civilian settings and has also worked to get treatment out of the clinic and into the hands of those who need it with apps, self-guided workbooks, and web-based interventions. Her work examines neurobiology and factors involved in the development, maintenance, and treatment of anxiety disorders, psychosocial factors in medical settings, and the relation between physical health and anxiety. Her recent books include Retraining the Brain and Making Meaning of Difficult Experiences.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Rauch, S. A. M., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2023). Making Meaning of Difficult Experiences: A Self-Guided Program. Oxford University Press.
• Virtually Better. (2024). Messy Memories [Mobile app]. Available on Google Play and Apple App Store
• PE in Primary Care training: VA and military providers can reach out to Margaret.venners@va.gov for training, and civilian providers can reach out to jgarlick@med.umich.edu
• Practical for Your Practice voice mail: speakpipe.com/cdpp4p
• Practical for Your Practice email: cdp-podcast-ggg@usuhs.edu

Calls-to-action:

• Remember that emotions aren’t dangerous
• Get training in brief treatment models (e.g. PCPE. see above)
• Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast
• Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email at https://deploymentpsych.org/CDP-MED-Opt-In

Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10 through 14. It’s a horrifying fact that has spurred providers into action. One of those providers is our guest on today’s episode. Allison Hannah, MSW, LCSW, has delivered evidence-based suicide prevention interventions to youth, from elementary school-aged children to teens. Listen in as she provides us with the basics of CBT for Suicide Prevention and ways to adapt it effectively for youth. Her experiences inspire hope for providers, clients and families.

Allison Hannah, MSW, LCSW, is a Military Behavioral Health Social Worker for the Center for Deployment Psychology (CDP). She assists in the implementation and expansion of the Star Behavioral Health Providers Program (SBHP). SBHP trains civilian behavioral health providers to work with service members, veterans, and their families. Allison is a veteran of the United States Army and United States Army Reserves and provided clinical services within the Child and Family Behavioral Health Services section at an active-duty Army base. She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is a Registered Play Therapist specializing in using evidence-based approaches to address trauma, adjustment and attachment related disorders.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• CBT for Suicide Prevention Training and Consultation at CDP. Visit our website to register: https://deploymentpsych.org/training
• Asynchronous trainings through the DoD Child Collaboration Study. Complete the courses here: https://deploymentpsych.org/DoDKidsStudy
• The 988 Lifeline website includes resources for youth in crisis. https://988lifeline.org/
• Practical for Your Practice voice mail: speakpipe.com/cdpp4p
• Practical for Your Practice email: cdp-podcast-ggg@usuhs.edu

Calls-to-action: For example:

• Get training and consultation in CBT for Suicide Prevention
• Increase your knowledge in adapting evidence-based treatments for youth
• Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast
• Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email at https://deploymentpsych.org/CDP-MED-Opt-In

Most digital media is designed to be addictive, and young brains are especially susceptible. Successful digital media content is stimulating, engaging, and targets the brain’s natural reward centers. This creates an unfair advantage over young brains, which have not yet fully developed their executive functioning. In today’s episode, Dr. Amanda Giordano introduces us to the “Four C’s” model of addiction, healthy vs unhealthy engagement with digital media, and interventions for youth and their families. She also shares who has her “six” and Actionable Intel to hone your skills.

Amanda L. Giordano, PhD, LPC is an associate professor at the University of Georgia who specializes in addictions counseling. She is the sole author of a clinical reference book titled, A Clinical Guide to Treating Behavioral Addictions and co-author of a textbook titled, Addiction Counseling: A Practical Approach. Dr. Giordano works to advance the counseling field with rigorous research and has published over 65 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. In 2024 she was awarded the Garry R. Walz Trailblazer award from American Counseling Association in recognition of her innovative work in the field of behavioral addictions.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Register now for Dr. Giordano’s pre-meeting institute at the 2025 EBP Conference! https://deploymentpsych.org/EBPConference
• Practical for Your Practice voice mail: speakpipe.com/cdpp4p
• Practical for Your Practice email: cdp-podcast-ggg@usuhs.edu

Calls-to-action: For example:

• Register now for Dr. Giordano’s pre-meeting institute at the 2025 EBP Conference! https://deploymentpsych.org/EBPConference
• Incorporate a few questions about addictions (besides substances) in your intake assessment.
• Create a family digital media plan. Many templates exist.
• Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast
• Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email at https://deploymentpsych.org/CDP-MED-Opt-In

If you’ve been side-eyeing the rise of AI in mental health, this episode of Practical for Your Practice is one you don’t want to miss. Dr. David Cooper, Executive Director of Therapists in Tech and member of the APA's Mobile Health Tech Advisory Committee (AND one of our EBP Conference 2025 PMI workshop presenters), joins us for a down-to-earth and engaging deep dive into what AI actually means for therapists. Spoiler: it’s not Skynet. Dr. Cooper breaks down the basics of generative AI, including what GPT really stands for and why therapists shouldn’t fear it—but should understand it. He explains how AI is being used in the behavioral health field with a focus on doing so ethically. This episode is your permission slip to play. Whether you’re AI-curious or totally intimidated, you’ll walk away with practical tips, reassuring insights, and a renewed sense of purpose. So go ahead—press play, stay curious, and start exploring how AI can actually help you do your job better.

David Cooper, PsyD. is a digital health expert who is currently the Executive Director of Therapists in Tech, the largest organization of clinicians in digital mental health. He has worked with organizations like the US Department of Defense, the AMA and FDA, Teladoc and many top hospitals in the US on their digital health strategies and portfolios.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Therapists in Tech
• Dr. Cooper’s PMI workshop: Ethics in Digital Health: A Guide on How to Approach the New Way We Practice Pre-Meeting Institute (May 6th, 1pm - 4pm ET)
• Practical for Your Practice voice mail: speakpipe.com/cdpp4p
• Practical for Your Practice email: cdp-podcast-ggg@usuhs.edu

Calls-to-action:

• Check out Therapists in Tech
• Register for Ethics in Digital Health: A Guide on How to Approach the New Way We Practice Pre-Meeting Institute (May 6th, 1pm - 4pm ET)
• Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast
• Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email at https://deploymentpsych.org/CDP-MED-Opt-In

Complex cases… The rule? Or the exception? In this episode of Practical for Your Practice, we sit down with Dr. Aaron Brinen, who argues that complexity is often the norm when it comes to client cases. Dr. Brinen shares valuable insights on how to effectively serve clients with complex issues, emphasizing the importance of a thorough case formulation. We dive deep into how this process can lead to more effective strategies for change. Tune in to learn why taking the time to understand a client’s “perpetual motion machine” can enhance your evidence-based practice and lead to better outcomes.

Aaron P. Brinen, PsyD, is a primary developer of recovery-oriented cognitive therapy (CT-R) along with Aaron T. Beck, MD. Under the guidance of Dr. Beck, Dr. Brinen has worked to formalize and standardize the CT-R protocol for individual and group therapy settings, as well as for use in team-based psychiatric care and during inpatient treatment. He is a co-author of the manual of CT-R for serious mental health conditions, and has been active in the training of community therapists from around the world.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Living Well with Psychosis Practical Strategies for Improving Your Daily Life (PROMO CODE: AU2E)
• Dr. Brinen’s presentation in CDP’s 2024 EBP Conference: Strategy for Change: Using Conceptualization to Drive Evidence Based Treatment Choices in Complex Cases
• Practical for Your Practice voice mail: speakpipe.com/cdpp4p
• Practical for Your Practice email: cdp-podcast-ggg@usuhs.edu

Calls-to-action:

• Watch Strategy for Change: Using Conceptualization to Drive Evidence Based Treatment Choices in Complex Cases
• Get a dry erase board or have plenty of paper on hand for case formulation
• Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast
• Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email at https://deploymentpsych.org/CDP-MED-Opt-In

Traumatic invalidation, a powerful and often misunderstood concept, occurs when a person’s emotions, behaviors, or identity are repeatedly dismissed, belittled, or rejected by important people in their lives. It can manifest as emotional neglect, severe criticism, unequal treatment, or outright denial of one’s reality. In this P4P episode, we sit down with Dr. Robin Brody who shares her insights on how traumatic invalidation can directly challenge a person’s sense of self-worth and belonging in the world and can play a significant role in the development and maintenance of PTSD. If you are interested in learning more about traumatic invalidation, and specifically what YOU can do to better assess and address it directly in your practice, take a listen to this episode. Helping individuals understand and name their experience of traumatic invalidation can be a profound step in their recovery!

Dr. Robin Brody is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry (Voluntary) at Weill Cornell Medicine and the founder of Dr. Robin Brody Psychological Services, a private practice specializing in the treatment of occupational trauma, PTSD, and couples therapy, and gender and sexually diverse individuals. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to helping trauma survivors, particularly those facing PTSD and moral injury.

Her expertise and demonstrated passion center on treating trauma survivors, particularly those with PTSD and moral injury. Dr. Brody has worked with diverse populations of civilians, veterans of all branches and eras, first responders, healthcare workers, and 9/11 survivors and responders across the diagnostic and demographic spectrum. Dr. Brody started and ran an EBP for PTSD program within the World Trade Center Mental Health Program, where she trained and supervised providers in PE and CPT. Before joining Mount Sinai's World Trade Center Mental Health Program, Dr. Brody served on the faculty at Weill Cornell Medicine. In that capacity, Dr. Brody oversaw Weill Cornell's Military Families Wellness Center and worked within the Program for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Studies (PATSS), where she was a co-investigator on numerous clinical research studies involving the treatment of PTSD, particularly among frontline healthcare workers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In all her efforts, Dr. Brody is committed to increasing access to, and training, in evidence-based treatments, especially for PTSD. Dr. Brody's research interests include PTSD treatment innovation and the role of shame, stigma, and identity in trauma recovery.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• https://dbtpe.org/
• Treating Trauma in Dialectical Behavior Therapy: The DBT Prolonged Exposure Protocol (DBT PE)
• Invalidating Childhood Environment Scale
• Practical for Your Practice voice mail: speakpipe.com/cdpp4p
• Practical for Your Practice email: cdp-podcast-ggg@usuhs.edu

Calls-to-action:

• Take one of CDP’s PTSD EBP trainings (PE, CPT). More info at: https://deploymentpsych.org/training
• Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email at: https://deploymentpsych.org/CDP-MED-Opt-In

No one knows better than our clients what is going on in their world - their stressors, symptoms, triumphs, values, goals… but sometimes it can also be helpful to hear additional perspectives from others in our client’s world. In this episode the P4P hosts discuss the potential relevance of collateral information in assessment, case conceptualization and treatment planning. We talk about how collateral information can sometimes enhance our understanding of our client’s environment, behaviors, and experiences as well as some of the pitfalls to avoid when involving others in the therapeutic process. Listen in for some great examples of when collateral information saved the day AND when we experienced collateral conundrums. As always we leave you with actionable intel to help support how YOU use collaterals in your EBP work.

Bios:

Drs. Ermold, Holloway and Lefkowitz are clinical psychologists who provide training and consultation at the Center for Deployment Psychology. Their specialties include military psychology, the assessment and treatment of trauma (PE and CPT), sleep disorders and more. They are passionate about delivering EBP’s effectively and creating a supportive community for providers to learn and grow in their EBP work.

Calls-to-action:

Always follow the laws and ethical guidelines of your state and discipline

Remember that the goal of gathering collateral information is to facilitate your client’s treatment. Always clarify the goals of a consultation and remember to prioritize the therapeutic relationship.

Utilize consultation

Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast

Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email - https://deploymentpsych.org/CDP-MED-Opt-In

Send us your questions, comments, stories, and/or topic/guest suggestions! We’d love to hear from you!

Practical for Your Practice voice mail: speakpipe.com/cdpp4p

Practical for Your Practice email: cdp-podcast-ggg@usuhs.edu