There has been limited guidance for mental health clinicians about how COVID can impact the body, brain, and mental health—and how this fits into clinical practice. Research shows that COVID can cause significant changes to the brain, bringing on new mental health issues as well as exacerbating existing ones. As clinicians, you may already have COVID-related issues showing up in your practice, even if you are not aware of them. As more people are infected and re-infected with COVID, we will continue to see these problems increasingly in the therapy room. In this training you will learn about the different ways that COVID can alter brain structures, common mental health issues associated with long COVID, social justice considerations, and clinical implications for working with those who have been impacted by long COVID, including marginalized groups such as LGBTQ+ clients.
Olivia Belknap has a Bachelor of Science in Psychological and Brain Sciences, with an Applied Psychology minor; she earned her Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Northridge in 2023. Olivia’s primary clinical experience is with elementary school aged children and their families. She currently works as an Associate MFT in private practice. She has a background in research and is living with long COVID. Olivia is passionate about Neurodiversity and the impacts of COVID-19 on mental health.
Erin Batali has a Bachelor of Science in music from the University of Oregon and will graduate in May 2024 with a Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Northridge. Erin currently provides telehealth therapy services to individual adults and couples, with a focus on neurodivergence. Erin is a COVID-conscious advocate both personally and professionally.