PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

PANS/PANDAS:
An Evidence-
Based Approach for Mental Health Professionals

This professional training provides an in-depth overview of Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS).
2 Continuing Education Credits Available*
  • 1 hr 50 min
  • On-demand
Complete the training at your own pace. CE credits are awarded following successful completion of all course requirements.

$60

Single course enrollment

1 hr 50 min

Approximate course duration

2 CEs

Available to eligible NYS professionals

On-demand

Complete at your own pace

$60

Single course enrolment
COURSE OVERVIEW

Understand PANS/PANDAS through a clinical mental health lens.

This professional training provides an in-depth overview of Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS).

Key areas of focus include:-Historical context and ongoing diagnostic controversies-Clinical presentation and identification of symptoms in children and adolescents-Evidence-based psychological treatments, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Interventions-The role of mental health professionals in multidisciplinary care and physician collaboration-Family impact, caregiver burden, and advocacy within school systems-Implications for future research and best practices in clinical care.

2 CEs available to NYS LMHCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, LMSWs, LCATs, NYS Licensed Psychologists and NYS Licensed Psychoanalysts provided by Hudson Valley Professional Development, LLC upon successful completion of training.

What You'll Explore

A focused look at the clinical issues surrounding PANS/PANDAS.

Understanding PANS & PANDAS

Explore definitions, historical development, key research findings and recent clinical developments.

Clinical Presentation

Recognise hallmark symptoms, patterns of acute onset and clinical red flags that may warrant medical referral.

Current Biological Understanding

Examine the proposed relationship between infection, immune processes and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Evidence-Based Psychological Care

Explore appropriate applications of ERP, Habit Reversal Training, CBT and SPACE.

Multidisciplinary Practice

Understand the role of mental health professionals when working alongside physicians, schools and other professionals.

Families, Schools & Advocacy

Consider caregiver burden, family impact, educational challenges and the support families may require.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, you will
be able to:

01

Define PANS and PANDAS, including historical context, key research findings and recent clinical developments.

02

Differentiate between PANS and PANDAS based on triggers.

03

Identify hallmark symptoms and recognize clinical red flags that warrant medical referral.

04

Explain the role of infection in the current biological understanding of PANS/PANDAS.

05

Identify appropriate evidence-based psychological interventions, including ERP, HRT, CBT and SPACE.

06

Describe current limitations, controversies and future directions within PANS/PANDAS research and clinical practice.

How It Works

Advance your clinical knowledge in
three steps.

step 1

Watch

Complete the on-demand professional training presented by Barb Shepard, LMHC.

step 2

Demonstrate your understanding

Complete the online test following the training.

step 3

Complete your evaluation

Submit the course evaluation to fulfil the training requirements.

Successful completion of all three components is required for eligible participants seeking CE credit.

Instructor

Barb Shepard, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor | ERP Practitioner | PANS/PANDAS Clinical Educator

Barb Shepard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has worked in the helping profession since 2010, providing support to children, adolescents, adults, and families.

She specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, anxiety, and related disorders, with a commitment to evidence-based, compassionate care. Her professional experience spans residential treatment facilities, foster care, outpatient substance abuse programs, special education settings within schools, and private practice.

Her advanced clinical training in pediatric OCD includes completion of the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) intensive, hosted by the International OCD Foundation. She also brings advanced training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), completed through the Linehan Behavioral Tech Institute at Columbia University.

A specialized focus on PANS/PANDAS

Barb has a specialized professional interest in PANS/PANDAS, a subset of pediatric OCD. She is regarded as a local expert in Central New York, providing ERP treatment for PANS/PANDAS-related OCD and collaborating closely with physicians, schools, and community professionals. In addition to clinical services, she offers consultation on appropriate mental health assessment, interdisciplinary diagnosis, and mental health treatment for this complex condition.

In October 2025, Barb organized Syracuse, New York’s first-ever World PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day event. Children, families, pediatric clinicians, and educators gathered downtown as the National Grid Building lit green for PANS—marking a meaningful moment of advocacy, connection, and community education.

Barb remains dedicated to closing the gap between research and clinical practice and is passionate about expanding training, awareness, and access to effective care for this underserved population.
Continuing Education

Earn 2 Continuing Education Credits.

CE credits are provided by Hudson Valley Professional Development, LLC following successful completion of the training requirements.

2 CEs are available to eligible:

  • NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselors
  • NYS Licensed Master Social Workers
  • NYS Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
  • NYS Licensed Creative Arts Therapists
  • NYS Licensed Clinical Social Workers
  • NYS Licensed Psychologists
  • NYS Licensed Psychoanalysts
Important Clinical Context

An evolving area of clinical practice.

This training addresses both current evidence and areas of continuing clinical debate. Participants will examine
established psychological approaches alongside limitations in the existing evidence base, diagnostic controversies
and areas requiring further research.

Professional Development

Build greater confidence supporting children and families affected by PANS/PANDAS.

Develop a clinically informed understanding of presentation, referral, psychological intervention
and multidisciplinary support.
1 hr 50 min  •  On-demand  •  2 CEs available*
Immediate online access after enrollment.
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