2 CEs* | 2 CEs for CA LAc (pending)
*2 CE: approved by CNDA
TUESDAY, November 18th | 6:30 - 8:30 pm
The Neuroimmune Link:
Chronic Illness and Mood Disorders
Naturopathic Webinar 65with Christina Cowger, MA, LMFT
NW65: The Neuroimmune Link: Chronic Illness and Mood Disorders
This lecture explores the vital intersection between inflammation, immune dysregulation, and mood symptoms. Designed for mental health and healthcare professionals, the training explores how prolonged physiological stress and systemic illness, such as post-infectious syndromes, metabolic and autoimmune conditions can disrupt key brain regions including the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.
Participants will review red flags for inflammatory driven mood dysregulation, learn how illness may impair neurotransmitter pathways, and examine how the kynurenine cascade contributes to excitotoxicity, GABA deficiency, and mood symptoms. These neuroimmune processes will be contextualized through clinical case examples and up-to-date research on central and periphery crosstalk.
The lecture also delves into novel treatment strategies aimed at restoring neurochemical balance in inflammation-linked mood disorders. From glutamate-modulating agents like lamotrigine, to immune-based therapies including TNF-α inhibitors and metabolic modulators, attendees will gain an evidence-based roadmap for considering inflammation-related emotional and cognitive dysregulation. The course also highlights non-pharmacological adjuncts such as mindfulness practice’s role in reducing inflammatory markers. Participants will explore how social determinants, including trauma, chronic stress and limited access to care can intensify vulnerability to mood disorders. This integrative training provides actionable insights for clinicians seeking to enhance outcomes in complex mood presentations influenced by neuroimmune crosstalk.
TUES, Nov. 18th, 2025
6:30 - 8:30pm
Members: $85
Non-members: $105
2 CEs
(approved by CNDA)
2 CEs for CA LAc*
(pending)
Category 1 TM Credits | CE Provider #805 | 310 670 8100 | **This course is pending approval by The California Acupuncture Board for 2 hours of continuing education *Refunds not available
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
1. Understand how chronic inflammation and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines can alter the nervous systems
2. Identify the brain regions most impacted by immune related stress
3. Examine the link between systemic illness and glutamate dysregulation
4. Review clinical considerations and red flags for inflammatory drivers of anxiety
5. Discuss emerging and off-label glutamate-modulating medication strategies targeting neuroimmune pathways
Christina Cowger, MA, LMFT
Christina Cowger, MA, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist and seasoned clinical educator specializing in the intersection of neurobiology, inflammation, trauma, and mood disorders. With over three decades of experience, she has developed and directed innovative behavioral health programs across outpatient, residential, and academic settings. Her clinical philosophy bridges neuroscience, functional medicine, and psychotherapy.
Christina has delivered Continuing Education (CE and CME) seminars nationwide, partnering with organizations such as Stanford University, Kaiser Permanente, CAMFT, Nevada Osteopathic Association and Sutter Health to train medical and mental health professionals in advanced neuroimmune concepts. She has taught psychopharmacology classes at a graduate level. Her expertise is grounded in real-world clinical client facing experience, having served as Clinical Director at Five Sisters Ranch, where she developed a trauma-informed program with somatic and biological healing models.
For over two decades Christina has spearheaded educational trainings for emerging functional medicine companies, bringing innovative diagnostic to market. She holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Sonoma State University and studied Health Education at CIIS. Christina has participated in over two dozen functional medicine trainings throughout her career.
