The Neuroplastic Window: Integrating TMS and Psychological Interventions for Enhanced Clinical Outcomes
with Dr. Khashayar Nattagh
Date: Friday, May 15th, 2026
Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm
Check-in/Networking from 11:30 am - 12pm. Presentation from 12pm - 1:30pm.
Networking time does not count toward CE credit.
Zoom Link: provided after registration.
CE: 1.5 Participants must attend 80% of the presentation to earn continuing education credit.
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COURSE DETAILS
This presentation explores the neurobiological synergy between transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and psychological interventions for psychiatric disorders. We will examine evidence that suggests how TMS may serve as a way to re-tune hyperactive neural circuits, creating a temporary window of heightened neuroplasticity that allows evidence-based therapies, such as ERP and CBT, to take hold more effectively than with medication alone. By integrating insights from a current randomized controlled trial with practical clinical vignettes, this talk provides a roadmap for MFTs to collaborate in a multi-disciplinary model that bridges the gap between biological "hardware" updates and psychological "software" interventions.
EDUCATIONAL GOALS
a) to demystify TMS and interventional psychiatry
b) to see evidence of how biology and psychology can be linked
c) to stimulate ideas about how different mental health specialists can collaborate
AUDIENCE
Course is designed for mental health professionals of all levels.
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ABOUT OUR SPEAKER
Dr. Khashayar Nattagh, MD is a psychiatrist and a volunteer Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at USC’s Keck School of Medicine. Dr. Nattagh earned his medical degree from UCSF and completed psychiatry residency at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. He also received specialized training in OCD and OC-related disorders at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. Dr. Nattagh joined the Frank OCD Lab at USC to help advance knowledge on how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and psychotherapy can be combined to improve treatment outcomes for those who suffer from OCD. He is curious about how TMS might be able to enhance neuroplasticity, and thus help individuals receiving psychotherapy make long-lasting improvements. In addition to his work at the lab, he also sees clients in his private practice.
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SYLLABUS
a) Introduction (5 minutes)
– my background
– disclosure
– agenda
– learning objectives
b) Brief overview of interventional psychiatry (20 minutes)
– what is TMS?
– How does it work?
– what is it helpful for?
– what is it not helpful for?
– other interventional psychiatry treatments
c) Current state of interventional psychiatry (5 minutes)
– discussion of how most practices exist in isolation
d) Integrative mental health (20 minutes)
– discussion of why it may benefit to integrate psychotherapy and interventional psychiatry.
– presentation of scientific research
– discussion of the “neuroplastic window” and the biological rationale for using interventional techniques to "prime" the brain for cognitive-behavioral changes.
e) My research at USC (10 minutes)
– an introduction to our clinical trial which tests whether or not adding exposure therapy to a TMS treatment will improve the efficacy of the TMS.
f) Looking to the future (15 minutes)
– what is the current state of TMS research
– what are promising new indications for TMS in mental health?
– A discussion around how therapists might be able to collaborate with psychiatrists.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
List 2-3 FDA approved indications for TMS
List 2-3 limitations to TMS treatment
Know when would be a good time to refer a client
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REGISTRATION
Pre-Licensed OC CAMFT Members - $5
OC-CAMFT Members (Early Bird Pricing until May 8th) - $20
OC-CAMFT Guests (Early Bird Pricing until May 8th) - $30
OC-CAMFT Members (after May 8th) - $30
OC-CAMFT Guests (after May 8th) - $40
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CE INFORMATION
Certificates will be sent within 2 business days of CEPA director receiving the evaluation.
Course meets the qualifications for 1.5 hour of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Networking time does not count toward CE credit.
Orange County Chapter of CAMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (Provider #59405) to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs. Orange County Chapter of CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.
Course completion certificates will be awarded at the end of the program to those attendees who sign-in within 10 minutes of the commencement of the program, sign-out after the program is concluded, and complete and return an evaluation form.
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ADA POLICY
Please review our policy HERE.
If you have a special need or need special accommodations, please click HERE. Please advise us of your needs no later than 7 days prior to the event so that we may be able to accommodate you.
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PAYMENT, CANCELLATIONS, REFUNDS, GRIEVANCES
Please make a separate transaction for each and every reservation requested. If you are paying by credit card, the receipt you receive at the end of your payment is your confirmation reservation. Any payments not received by the deadline are not reserved and will be considered walk-in status.
Cancellations are made by leaving a message at 714-556-7129 no later than two (2) days prior to the event by 12 PM. A refund less $5.00 processing fee will be returned to you. There are no refunds for cancellations made past this time
GRIEVANCES
For grievances, please leave a message at 714-556-7129 or email admin@occamft.org
EVENT SPONSORS
Please contact us at sponsorship@occamft.org if you are interested in sponsoring this event.
