- Evaluate mood and behavior in clients using micro-and macronutrients.
- Justify how macronutrients and micronutrients affect mood and behavior in clients.
- Determine how gluten and casein sensitivity may influence the presentation of depression, psychosis and ASD in clients.
- Apply integrated and nutritional medicine safely and ethically within your professional discipline’s scope of practice.
- Correlate assessments to differentiate between a clinical presentation of mental illnesses vs. nutritional and/or hormonal imbalances.
- Construct treatment plans through six unique nutritional methods for clients with mood lability.
- Determine key nutrients that support the function of both the brain and the gut, the “second brain.”
- Implement evidence-based protocols for nutritional approaches for six DSM-5 categories
- Evaluate how client eating patterns may influence their mental health by using a food-mood assessment tool
- Develop a Cultural Formulation tool using the DSM-5 to inform your treatment planning process
- Apply at least one stage-specific nutritional method to assist clients in all stages of life.
- Distinguish practical tools to assist clients in understanding comprehensive non-pharmaceutical treatment strategies and protocols and how they can use those to help manage their mental health.
- Evaluate nutrition-based alternatives to psychotropics for ADHD.
- Utilize at least one strategy to enhance digestion to decrease anxiety.
- Inspect the presented research on how essential fatty acids can help clients diagnosed with mood disorders alleviate symptoms (as is within your scope of practice)
- Design a plan to increase serotonin through nutrition and exercise.
- Evaluate the impact of blood sugar and genetic variation on mental health disorders.
- Analyze the efficacy of comprehensive elimination diets in order to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety and fatigue.
- Create an integrative health team to improve clinical outcomes.
Join us atop the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains at Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, NC for 5 days of integrative treatment skills-building and personal rejuvenation!
Board-certified and experienced nutrition and mental health expert, Vicki Steine, DSc, LCSW, BCHN, IFNCP, will leave you with the confidence to immediately utilize nutritional and integrative medicine with your clients.
PLUS, earn up to 19 CE Hours and become a Certified Mental Health & Nutrition Clinical Specialist (CMNCS)!*
Board-certified and experienced nutrition and mental health expert, Vicki Steine, DSc, LCSW, BCHN, IFNCP, will leave you with the confidence to immediately utilize nutritional and integrative medicine with your clients.
PLUS, earn up to 19 CE Hours and become a Certified Mental Health & Nutrition Clinical Specialist (CMNCS)!*
When your client’s whole health is the focus of treatment, they’ll make more progress, faster.
But as a therapist in today’s world – it’s vital you know how to support your clients beyond talk therapy – all while staying within your scope of practice.
When your anxious clients are still jittery and tense despite your best CBT – should you start working with them on their food and beverage choices?
When your depressed clients are sluggish and sleeping all day – can you suggest a supplement?
When your traumatized clients just aren’t recovering – could there be nutritional deficiencies lurking in the background?
Traditional therapy strategies don’t work with every client. You must be prepared to offer more.
Join renowned nutrition and mental health expert Vicki Steine, DSc, LCSW, BCHN, IFNCP, over 5 days as she helps you develop the skills you need to create effective treatment plans that harness the power of nutritional and integrative medicine.
Learn about the complex relationship between food and mood while also taking advantage of opportunities for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The daily schedule allows for plenty of time for yoga, meditation, nature walks, and even spa treatments – all in a peaceful, beautiful, mountain setting.
PLUS, after attending you’ll be eligible to become a Certified Mental Health & Nutrition Clinical Specialist (CMNCS) through Evergreen Certifications, a $249.99 value, for no additional charge!* This professional investment will increase your expertise in nutrition for mental health and transform your practice.
PESI retreats fill up fast, so secure your spot today!
*Professional and clinical experience standards apply. See below for more information.
Mental Health & Nutrition Certification Retreat
LIVE in the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains:
Wednesday, September 18th – Sunday, September 22nd
Single Occupancy: $2,899
Plus, earn up to 19 CE Hours — included in your tuition. Click here for Credit details
Don't see your state profession listed? Contact us. Credit hours may vary by board and profession.
Don't see your state profession listed? Contact us. Credit hours may vary by board and profession.
The Art of Living Retreat Center located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Boone, NC offers a stunning mountain landscape and peaceful grounds for rejuvenation and self-improvement.
Stimulate your body with a daily yoga class or wander the nature trails. Free your mind during a daily group meditation, at the labyrinth, or around an evening bonfire with colleagues and new friends. You can even simultaneously treat both your body and mind with an Ayurvedic treatment at the on-site spa.
This is your opportunity to make this time your own. Improve your overall well-being by reducing stress, increasing your focus, and nourishing your body with nutritious meals and engaging activities. And, with all-inclusive pricing, your lodging, meals, and training are all covered in one simple price.
Leave renewed – transformed on both a personal and professional level – and empowered to integrate nutrition confidently and ethically into your treatment.
Are you ready? Register today and we’ll see you in the mountains!
Mental Health & Nutrition Certification Retreat
LIVE in the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains:
Wednesday, September 18th – Sunday, September 22nd
Single Occupancy: $2,899
Plus, earn up to 19 CE Hours — included in your tuition. Click here for Credit details
Don't see your state profession listed? Contact us. Credit hours may vary by board and profession.
Don't see your state profession listed? Contact us. Credit hours may vary by board and profession.
Retreat Schedule
All Times Listed in Local Time
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
4:00–6:00 pm
Check-In
4:15–5:15 pm
Group Yoga (optional – time subject to change)
5:30–6:00 pm
Group Meditation (optional – time subject to change)
6:00–7:00 pm
Dinner
7:00–7:30 pm
Orientation & Property Overview (required)
7:45–9:15 pm
Training*
Thursday, September 19, 2024
7:30–8:30 am
Breakfast
8:30 am–12:30 pm
Training*
12:30–1:30 pm
Lunch
1:30–6:00 pm
Restoration and Relaxation
4:15–5:15 pm
Group Yoga (optional – time subject to change)
5:30–6:00 pm
Group Meditation (optional – time subject to change)
6:00–7:00 pm
Dinner
7:00–8:30 pm
Training*
8:30pm
Bonfire (optional – time subject to change; weather permitting)
Friday, September 20, 2024
7:30–8:30 am
Breakfast
8:30 am–12:30 pm
Training*
12:30–1:30 pm
Lunch
1:30–3:00 pm
Training*
3:00–6:00 pm
Restoration and Relaxation
4:15–5:15 pm
Group Yoga (optional – time subject to change)
5:30–6:00 pm
Group Meditation (optional – time subject to change)
6:00–7:00 pm
Dinner (*No Training After Dinner This Evening)
7:30pm
Meditative Chants/Kirtan (music; optional – time subject to change)
Saturday, September 21, 2024
7:30–8:30 am
Breakfast
8:30 am–12:30 pm
Training*
12:30–1:30 pm
Lunch
1:30–6:00 pm
Restoration and Relaxation
4:15–5:15 pm
Group Yoga (optional – time subject to change)
5:30–6:00 pm
Group Meditation (optional – time subject to change)
6:00–7:00 pm
Dinner
7:00–8:30 pm
Training*
8:30pm
Bonfire (optional – time subject to change; weather permitting)
Sunday, September 22, 2024
7:30–8:30 am
Breakfast
8:30–9:30 am
Training*
9:30–11:00 am
Check-Out (Lunch available at 12pm, if desired)
*CE is awarded during these specified times. Licensing boards require full attendance to the entire retreat, including departure day, to receive any credit for the entire retreat. Please plan travel accordingly.
Who Should Attend?
The target audience includes:
- Counselors
- Case Managers
- Psychotherapists
- Social Workers
- Dietitians
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Psychologists
- Addiction Counselors
- Therapists
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Other Mental Health Professionals
See What Others Have Said...
“I was impressed by Dr. Steine’s knowledge, passion for her work, and care for her clients. She is an excellent and inspirational speaker!”
—Nicolas C., Psychologist
“Vicki was very professional, knowledgeable, personable, and attentive to questions.”
—Jessica B., Counselor
“Vicki is an excellent presenter and teacher! I…learned a lot that I can apply directly to my practice.”
—Regina D., Social Worker
“The speaker is very knowledgeable and I learned so much!”
—Suzette B., Nurse
“Vicki Steine was a terrific presenter – personable, knowledgeable, great use of research and materials, and had an amazing grasp of all of the content.”
—Deborah I., Social Worker
“I am an RD and LMFT. I learned a great deal and will integrate what I have learned into my practice!”
—Sharon D., Marriage & Family Therapist
Mental Health & Nutrition Certification Retreat
LIVE in the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains:
Wednesday, September 18th – Sunday, September 22nd
Single Occupancy: $2,899
Plus, earn up to 19 CE Hours — included in your tuition. Click here for Credit details
Don't see your state profession listed? Contact us. Credit hours may vary by board and profession.
Don't see your state profession listed? Contact us. Credit hours may vary by board and profession.
Retreat Content
The Complex Relationship between Mental and Physical Health
Physiological Factors of Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar and ADHD
- Transcending mind-body separation: Understanding the complex relationships
- The factors that cause “chemical imbalance”
- Beyond pharmaceutical management
- Balancing circadian rhythm
- Applying breathing exercises for mental health
- Enhance sleep and address insomnia
- Carbohydrates – A new way to think about cravings
- Effects protein may have on depression and anxiety
- Fats for mental health (depression, ADHD, bipolar)
- The connection between food, depression, diabetes and obesity
- Physiological causes of fatigue, depression and anxiety
- Vitamins: B-Vitamins, 5-MTHF, Vitamin D
- Minerals: Magnesium, calcium
- Food as “brain-mind-medicine”
- Fats: Essential fatty acids, toxic fats, fish oil
- Protein: the building blocks of happiness
- Nutrients to improve mental health and cognitive function
- Vitamins, minerals, glandulars, and special nutrients for the non-nutritionist
- Regulate hormonal imbalance
- Balance blood sugar to balance mood
- Cultural and genetic variations
- Enhance digestion for mental health
- Thyroid function and mental health
- Seven major herbs for PTSD, anxiety, depression, sleep and cognitive health
- Endocannabinoid deficit theory
- Cannabis and psychedelic medicine
- THC versus CBD
- Evidence for medical cannabis for mental health
- PTSD and chronic pain
- Adaptogens: Ginseng, licorice, ashwagandha
- Melatonin
- Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Assessments and Evidence-Based Research
Recognizing When “Mental Illness” is Something Else
- Hormonal imbalance
- Anxiety vs. hypoglycemia
- Inflammation
- Digestion
- Depressed, fatigued or malnourished
- Side effects of medications
- Strategies to reduce inflammation
- The major factor in depression, anxiety, bipolar and ADHD
- Anxiety and digestion
- The Second Brain: Microbiome, probiotics and GABA, and anxiety
- Sleep, adrenal health, and rhythms
- Alcohol abuse
- Genetics, depression and brain
- PTSD and autoimmune, addictions and cognition
- ADHD, ASD and food sensitivities
- Integrative approach to recovery from addictions
Simple Screening Tools to Identify Nutritional Deficiencies Contributing to:
- Anxiety and PTSD
- Depression
- ADHD
- Fatigue
- Anger
- Bipolar disorder
- Lack of mental clarity
- Other mental health concerns
- Conduct a basic nutritional food/mood assessment
- Conduct an adrenal stress and biological rhythm assessment
- The Cultural Formulation Interview
- Basic lab tests for optimal mental health
Clinical Applications – Non-Pharmaceutical Treatment Strategies
Comprehensive Non-Pharmaceutical Treatment Plans and Protocols
- Depression & Seasonal Affect Disorder
- Anxiety, PTSD and complex trauma
- Bipolar
- ADHD
- Body dysmorphia
- OCD
- Bulimia
- Insomnia
- Addictions
- Obesity
- Psychosomatic symptoms
- Pre-menstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms
- Food: The Good, the Bad and the Fake
- Sleep: The 4 habits critical to refreshing sleep
- Exercise: Elevate serotonin and regulate stress hormones
- Stress: A holistic approach
- Feed your brain
Unique Issues Across the Lifespan
- Children: Supporting sleep, focus, mood and attention
- Alternatives to psychotropics for ADHD
- Preventing cognitive decline
- Nutrition and integrative methods to support people with dementia and their caregivers
- When and where to refer clients
- How to find the right provider
- Questions to ask before referring
- Develop a niche practice as a certified specialist
- Professional organizations and more training
- Controversies and hot topics
- Ethics, law and competency
- Nutritional therapies
- Culinary medicine
- Behavioral medicine
- Nutritional supplementation
- Herbal medicine
- Integrative detoxification for addiction
Mental Health & Nutrition Certification Retreat
LIVE in the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains:
Wednesday, September 18th – Sunday, September 22nd
Single Occupancy: $2,899
Plus, earn up to 19 CE Hours — included in your tuition. Click here for Credit details
Don't see your state profession listed? Contact us. Credit hours may vary by board and profession.
Don't see your state profession listed? Contact us. Credit hours may vary by board and profession.
The Art of Living Retreat Center – Boone, NC
Set in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of Boone, North Carolina, Art of Living Retreat Center (AOLRC) is the perfect place to restore your mind and body.
AOLRC is fully equipped to help you escape the rush of the outside world and ground yourself in nature. Walk in pristine forests, or unwind with fantastic views, AOLRC is yours to experience and explore.
Retreat Highlights:- Secluded retreat, offering 380 peaceful acres
- Private or shared lodging with private bathrooms
- Healthful vegetarian cuisine (3 meals daily)
- Beautiful mountain setting with gorgeous views and vistas
- Tranquil walking trails set in ancient forests
- Award-winning spa featuring Ayurvedic treatments & therapies
- Daily yoga and group meditation classes
- Awe-inspiring sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing
- Vedic architecture, labyrinths, and fire circles
- Direct shuttle service available from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (additional fees)
Mental Health & Nutrition Certification Retreat
LIVE in the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains:
Wednesday, September 18th – Sunday, September 22nd
Single Occupancy: $2,899
Plus, earn up to 19 CE Hours — included in your tuition. Click here for Credit details
Don't see your state profession listed? Contact us. Credit hours may vary by board and profession.
Don't see your state profession listed? Contact us. Credit hours may vary by board and profession.
Meet Your Retreat Instructor
Vicki Steine, DSc., LCSW, BCHN, IFNCP, has been a social worker for more than 25 years, working in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Dr. Steine received her master’s in Social Work from the University of Georgia and her Doctorate of Science in Holistic Nutrition from Hawthorn University. She is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, a Nutrition Certified Practitioner through the Integrated and Functional Nutrition Academy, and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Dr. Steine enjoys combining her skills as a social worker and nutrition educator to help her clients who struggle with staying organized, keeping focused at work or school, and overcoming the anxiety and depression that often prevents them from fully living their lives. She integrates nutrition, mind-body exercises, and traditional psychotherapy methods, like Cognitive Behavior Therapy, to help her clients get on with living their lives optimally. She works with children and adults with ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, Tourettes’ syndrome, addiction, and trauma in her private practice. She has spoken at many conferences and delivered workshops providing education to professionals and lay people alike on the benefits of nutrition and improving mental health. Dr. Steine has had personal success using a holistic approach, including nutrition and supplements, to recover from a near death boating accident and an episode of debilitating depression.
Click here for information about Vicki Steine
Click here for information about Vicki Steine
What Does Tuition Include?
- The space to learn how to safely use nutrition & integrative medicine to go beyond talk therapy.
- Training and Q&A with Vicki Steine, a renowned nutrition & mental health expert with over 25 years of experience.
- CMNCS Certification Application Fee – a $249.99 value!
- Up to 19 CE Hours, CE Certificate & course manual
- Access to Ayurvedic spa*, yoga classes, group meditation, & fire circles
- Forest trails, labyrinth & peaceful location set in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains
- Healthful (and tasty!) vegetarian cuisine
- Lodging, with private bathrooms, for the duration of your stay
*Spa requires reservations and additional cost. Paid services are not included with retreat registration – cost is the responsibility of the guest. Please contact Shankara Ayurveda Wellness in advance for more information.
Certification Made Simple
In just three easy steps, you will become a Certified Mental Health & Nutrition Specialist* (CMNCS)!
- Step 1: Attend the conference.
- Step 2: Complete the CE test and instantly print your CE certificate.
- Step 3: Submit your application to Evergreen Certifications and we’ll cover the cost of your certification fee for 2 years (a $249.99 value!)
That's it! No hidden fees, no catch. Just certification made EASY.
*Professional standards apply. Learn more at www.evergreencertifications.com/cmncs.
We partner with Evergreen Certifications to include certification with some of our products. When you purchase such a product, we may disclose your information to Evergreen Certifications for purposes of providing services directly to you or to contact you regarding relevant offers.
*Professional standards apply. Learn more at www.evergreencertifications.com/cmncs.
We partner with Evergreen Certifications to include certification with some of our products. When you purchase such a product, we may disclose your information to Evergreen Certifications for purposes of providing services directly to you or to contact you regarding relevant offers.
Retreat Location
The Art of Living Retreat Center
639 Whispering Hills Rd
Boone, NC 28607
Phone: (800) 392-6870
Travel Information
Art of Living is located within driving distance of several airports. Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, NC is recommended due to availability of rental cars and direct shuttle to the retreat center. Please visit Art of Living’s website for detailed travel information and recommendations:
Retreat Center Travel Information
Please review the retreat’s schedule above and plan flights/travel accordingly.
Accessibility
Art of Living’s campus sits on top of a mountain, so it’s important to note the grounds are spacious and hilly. The entire campus is walkable and accessible. However, those with mobility issues may encounter difficult terrain. Please visit Art of Living’s website for more information:
Retreat Center Accessibility Information
If mobility is a concern, please contact the retreat center before registering with PESI.
Non-Participating Retreat Guests
Art of Living is an all-inclusive retreat center. All reservations are per individual, not per room. All individuals staying at the retreat center incur a room and board charge whether or not they are participating in the PESI educational training. If you are considering bringing a guest with you who will not be participating in the PESI educational training, please contact PESI at 800-844-8260.
CE Information
Please review the retreat’s credit information by clicking any of the “Click here for CE credit details” links found above.
PLEASE NOTE: Most licensing boards require full attendance to the entire program to receive any credit.
Please review the retreat’s schedule above and plan your travel accordingly to ensure full attendance to the program.
Travel Advisories
All attendees are advised to purchase travel insurance that includes a cancellation for any reason option to protect your travel plans.
If for any reason you are unable to attend, please contact us immediately:
Email: retreatinfo@pesi.com • Phone: 800-844-8260
Please check with your local government to see what advisories are in place before you travel. All flights are subject to the terms and conditions of your airline carrier’s policy travel plans.
Cancellation Policy
From Purchase Date until August 18, 2024: Cancellation results in a full refund less a $100 administrative fee
From August 19, 2024 until September 18, 2024: Cancellation results in a 50% penalty of the total purchase amount
Mental Health & Nutrition Certification Retreat
LIVE in the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains:
Wednesday, September 18th – Sunday, September 22nd
Single Occupancy: $2,899
Plus, earn up to 19 CE Hours — included in your tuition. Click here for Credit details
Don't see your state profession listed? Contact us. Credit hours may vary by board and profession.
Don't see your state profession listed? Contact us. Credit hours may vary by board and profession.