Comprehensive Trauma Training for Social Workers: Enhancing Your Practice

by Tim Cassidy | Jul 23, 2024 | Educational

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that nearly 70% of people worldwide will experience severe trauma during their lifetime. This makes trauma a pervasive issue affecting anyone, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status.

As a result, social workers often find themselves dealing with individuals and families with various forms of trauma. That’s why specialized trauma training is necessary to equip social assistants with the skills and knowledge to support their clients.

What Is Trauma Training?

A trauma training program focuses on what trauma is and how it impacts people. It explores levels, types, and examples of trauma and how to use a trauma-informed approach in different settings.

What Is Trauma-Informed Care in Social Work?

According to Florida State University, a trauma-informed clinical practice provides a supportive environment for individuals with a history of trauma. It’s not a therapeutic intervention. So it lets social workers recognize the effect of trauma on a person’s life.

And the UK government defines it this way:

Trauma-informed practice is an approach to health and care interventions that is grounded in the understanding that trauma exposure can impact an individual’s neurological, biological, psychological, and social development.

What’s the Role of Social Workers in Trauma-Informed Care?

Counselors play a crucial role in the healing process for trauma survivors. Their work involves addressing the client’s immediate needs and understanding the underlying trauma that impacts their lives.

Trauma-informed care is an approach that emphasizes safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. Welfare workers can create a supportive environment that fosters healing and resilience by adopting a trauma-informed approach

What Are the Key Elements of Trauma Training?

Specialized trauma training includes several key components, each vital for effective practice. They include:

Trauma Theory and Types of Trauma:

Understanding the different types of trauma, including acute, chronic, and complex trauma, and how they affect individuals differently

Neurobiological Impact of Trauma:

Knowledge of how trauma affects the brain and body, influencing behavior, emotions, and physical health

Assessment and Diagnosis:

Skills for accurately assessing and diagnosing trauma-related conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety

Evidence-Based Interventions:

Training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Somatic Experiencing

Cultural Competence:

Understanding how cultural factors influence the experience and expression of trauma and ensuring culturally sensitive care

Self-Care and Vicarious Trauma:

Strategies for social workers to maintain their well-being and prevent burnout

Trauma Theory and Types of Trauma

An in-depth understanding of trauma theory is the foundation of effective trauma training. Trauma can be acute, chronic, or complex. Acute trauma results from a single distressing event, such as a car accident or a natural disaster.

Chronic trauma involves repeated and prolonged exposure to stressful events, such as ongoing abuse or domestic violence. Complex trauma refers to exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature.

The Neurobiological Impact of Trauma

Trauma has a far-reaching effect on the brain and body. Knowledge of neurobiology helps social workers understand how trauma impacts their clients’ behavior and health.

Trauma can disrupt normal brain development, leading to changes in brain structure and function. This disruption can result in difficulties with emotional regulation, memory, and executive functioning.

Training that includes the neurobiological aspects of trauma provides guidance counselors with insights into the physical and psychological symptoms their clients may experience.

Assessment and Diagnosis of Trauma

Accurate assessment and diagnosis are an integral part of trauma-informed care. Social assistants must identify trauma-related symptoms and differentiate them from other mental health conditions.

Extensive trauma training includes education on standardized assessment tools and diagnostic criteria for conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. This knowledge allows social workers to develop appropriate treatment plans tailored to their client’s needs.

Evidence-Based Interventions for Trauma

Implementing evidence-based interventions is essential to treating trauma effectively. Training programs should cover various therapeutic approaches, including:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

Focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with trauma

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):

Uses bilateral stimulation to help clients process and integrate traumatic memories

Somatic Experiencing:

Emphasizes the connection between mind and body, helping clients release trauma stored in the body

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT):

Specifically designed for children and adolescents, addressing both cognitive and emotional aspects of trauma

Cultural Competence in Trauma Care

Cultural competence is a vital aspect of a trauma-informed clinical practice. Social workers must understand how cultural factors influence the experience and expression of trauma.

This understanding develops a respectful and sensitive response to clients’ diverse backgrounds. Training should include cultural humility, awareness of one’s biases, and strategies to engage with patients from various cultural backgrounds.

Self-Care and Managing Vicarious Trauma

Working with trauma survivors can be emotionally taxing for welfare workers. Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary traumatic stress, can occur when social workers are repeatedly exposed to their clients’ traumatic experiences.

Specialized trauma training zeroes in on self-care and provides techniques to cope with vicarious trauma. Methods such as mindfulness, regular supervision, peer support, and professional development can maintain the social worker’s well-being.

Enhance Your Skills In Trauma-Informed Practice

Want to kickstart your knowledge of trauma? Online CE Credits offers a range of training programs in continuing education at a fraction of the cost. You can complete the certifications anytime, anywhere. No due dates. No deadlines.

And you can gain valuable insights from leading experts in trauma-informed certificate programs. Here are some courses to upskill yourself and boost your confidence:

• Trauma in the Family: Concrete Skills to Achieve Long-term Healing & Stability
• Trauma Treatment Without Retraumatization: Ethical Considerations
• Trauma Exposure and Sleep Disturbances
• Trauma Assessment and Treatment Planning: Ethical Considerations

What Are the Benefits of Trauma Training for Social Workers?

Investing in advanced trauma training offers many benefits for social assistants and their clients. They include:

Enhanced Professional Competence:

You’re better prepared to handle complex cases and provide high-quality care.

Improved Client Outcomes:

Clients receive more effective and targeted interventions, leading to better mental health and overall well-being.

Increased Job Satisfaction:

Because you feel competent and confident in your role, you can experience job satisfaction and remain longer in your work.

Reduction in Burnout:

Proper training and self-care strategies help prevent burnout and promote longevity in the profession.

How To Implement Trauma Training in Your Practice

Integrating comprehensive trauma training into your practice involves several steps. Start by identifying reputable training programs that offer an extensive curriculum. It must cover the essentials of trauma-informed care.

Secondly, look for programs that provide certification or continuing education credits and meet professional standards.

How To Choose the Right Training Program

When selecting a trauma training program, consider the following factors:

Accreditation and Credibility:

Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized professional organization

Experienced Instructors:

Choose programs taught by experts with extensive experience in trauma-informed practice

Practical Application:

Select courses with practical exercises, case studies, and role-playing to improve learning

Flexibility:

Consider online or hybrid programs with flexibility for busy professionals

Embrace Continuing Education and Professional Development

Trauma training should be an ongoing process. Continuing education and professional development help you stay current with the latest research and best practices in trauma care.

Be sure to attend workshops, conferences, and webinars to expand your knowledge and skills. Also, join professional organizations, such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), to get more resources, networking opportunities, and additional training.

Trauma training is a vital investment for social workers dedicated to providing the best possible care for their clients. Trauma theory, understanding trauma’s neurobiological impact, and using evidence-based interventions can advance your practice and support your clients’ healing journeys.

Have You Selected a Trauma-Informed Practice Training Approach?

Online CE Credits offers nationally approved trauma training programs to enable you to fulfill licensure requirements. You can choose from more than 250 certifications from experienced therapists. You don’t need to attend a physical venue to complete the courses since you can do them wherever and whenever.

And it’s as easy as ABC to get started with your CEU credits. Online CE Credits provides flexible payment plans. Stop putting your dream career on hold. Get the credentials you need to excel in your niche.

FAQ

What is trauma training?

Trauma-informed practice is a framework for understanding, responding to, and preventing the effects of all types of trauma.

How do you deal with trauma as a social worker?

Trauma-informed care focuses on recognizing signs of trauma in the client and responding with empathy and understanding. It also involves providing the client with resources and support to help them heal from their trauma.

What are the 5 principles of trauma-informed practice?

The five principles of trauma-informed practice are safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. The four C’s of trauma-informed care are calm, contain, care, and cope.

How To Elevate Your Practice with Comprehensive Counseling Supervision Training

by Tim Cassidy | Jul 23, 2024 | Educational

Training in counseling supervision can be a game-changer for your career, whether you’re an experienced practitioner looking to enhance your supervisory skills or a budding therapist becoming a supervisor.

Counseling supervision upgrades your clinical skills, helps colleagues understand their strengths and weaknesses, and helps identify performance issues before they become problems.

In this post, we look at the role of supervision in counseling, why you need specialized training, and the subjects under this program.

What Is Counseling Supervision?

Counseling supervision is when a therapist uses the services of another psychotherapy professional trained in supervision to review their work with clients and their professional and personal development. The supervisor offers professional service as a consultant, not as a boss.

According to the American Counseling Association, a counselor supervisor should have the qualities below:

• Grounded in theoretical and pedagogical foundations for their work
• Understand supervision models
• Should conduct a fair, accurate, and honest assessment of the professional clinical work of counselors and counselors-in-training

What Are the Objectives of Supervision in Counseling?

Supervision in counseling serves multiple vital functions. It ensures clients receive the highest standard of care while simultaneously supporting the therapist’s professional development.

Supervision allows therapists to reflect on their practice, receive feedback, and explore complex cases collaboratively and safely. This process helps identify blind spots, improve therapeutic techniques, and maintain ethical standards.

Also, counseling supervision promotes self-care among mental health professionals. This is because therapy involves a lot of emotions that can lead to burnout if not managed properly. As a result, regular supervision lets practitioners express their professional concerns, process challenging emotions, and develop resilience.

Ultimately, it creates a supportive environment where clinicians can explore their feelings, creating a sustainable and healthy practice.

Why Specialized Training Matters

Formal training in counseling supervision equips practitioners with advanced techniques and expert knowledge. It focuses on the nuances of the supervisory relationship, ethical considerations, multicultural competence, and effective communication strategies.

Structured training programs can refine your skills, build confidence, and ultimately help you provide high-quality supervision.

Because formal training emphasizes evidence-based practices, it uses new research and theories to provide up-to-date information. As a result, it keeps supervisors aware of the latest developments, providing them with current knowledge. And this enhances the overall quality of care provided to clients.

What Are the Key Elements of Counseling Supervision Training?

Training programs under counseling supervision zero in on several essential topics. They include theoretical knowledge, ethical and legal considerations, multicultural competence, communication, and feedback.

Now let’s look at each of these in detail.

Theoretical Foundations

An effective supervisor must possess robust theoretical knowledge.

Counseling supervision training introduces various models and theories to guide the supervisory process. These frameworks provide a structured approach to supervision. They help supervisors navigate complex situations and tailor their approach to the supervisee’s needs.

Some common theories include developmental models, which focus on the supervisor’s growth and progression. And integrative models combine elements from different theoretical approaches to create a flexible and adaptive supervisory style.

Understanding these theories allows you to create a supportive and effective learning environment, promoting the supervisee’s professional growth.

Ethical and Legal Considerations

Ethical practice is the bedrock of effective supervision. Training programs emphasize ethical standards, confidentiality, dual relationships, and informed consent. Supervisors learn to manage ethical dilemmas to empower them to maintain the highest professional standards.

Additionally, understanding the legal aspects of supervision is crucial. Training covers relevant laws and regulations, equipping supervisors with the knowledge to handle legal issues that may arise in their practice.

Supervisors who understand ethical and legal considerations can provide safe and ethical supervision for both supervisees and clients.

Multicultural Competence

Cultural competence is essential for effective supervision in our diverse society. Counseling supervision training focuses on multicultural competence. It explores how cultural factors influence the supervisory relationship. Supervisors learn to recognize and address cultural differences, promoting an inclusive and respectful environment.

As a result, it helps supervisors understand the supervisee’s unique experiences and challenges. By developing cultural competence, you can provide more effective support. And this improves the quality of the supervisory relationship.

Communication and Feedback

Clear and constructive communication is a cornerstone of effective supervision. Training programs focus on developing advanced communication skills. They teach supervisors how to provide supportive and constructive feedback.

Effective communication produces a collaborative relationship and encourages a supervisee to engage openly and honestly in the supervisory process.

Training also covers techniques to deliver difficult feedback, helping you address performance issues to promote growth and development. You can create a positive and productive supervisory relationship by mastering effective communication skills.

What Are The Benefits of Online Counseling Supervision Training?

Online counseling supervision training offers a flexible and accessible option for busy professionals. Internet programs provide the same high-quality training as in-person courses, as you can study from anywhere. This flexibility allows you to fit training into your existing commitments.

Online training programs may incorporate interactive elements, such as live webinars, discussion forums, and virtual role-plays. This creates an engaging and dynamic learning experience. They also build a sense of community and support, letting you connect with peers and instructors worldwide.

Additionally, online training provides access to a wealth of resources. They include recorded lectures, reading materials, and practical exercises. This approach gives you the necessary tools to develop your supervisory skills, advancing your professional competence and confidence.

How To Choose the Right Training Program

When selecting a counseling supervision training program, consider several factors below:

Here are some key considerations:

Accreditation and Credentials

Choose an accredited program from a recognized professional body. Accreditation shows the training meets established quality standards and that the program is reputable.

In addition, look for courses offering credentials or certification upon completion, as these can boost your professional standing and credibility.

Curriculum and Content

Review the curriculum to ensure it covers all the key components of effective supervision. Consider programs that dive into theoretical foundations, ethical and legal considerations, multicultural competence, and communication skills.

The curriculum should provide practical, hands-on learning experiences, enabling you to apply the skills and knowledge in real-world settings.

Instructor Expertise

The instructor’s expertise influences the quality of the training program. As a result, pick a program from experienced and knowledgeable professionals with a strong background in supervision. Instructors should provide practical insights and guidance from their own experiences to enhance learning.

Learning Format and Flexibility

Consider your own learning preferences and schedule when selecting a program. Online training offers flexibility and convenience, helping you study at your own pace and on your own schedule.

However, some individuals may prefer the structure and interaction of in-person training. Choose a format that aligns with your learning style and professional commitments.

Upskill Yourself in Emerging Trends in Counseling Courses

Statista reports that about 56 million adult Americans received therapy or counseling for their mental health in 2022. And anxiety and depression are the most common reasons to seek mental health treatment.

As a result, Online CE Credits provides the latest courses for continuing education in mental health treatment. The accredited and nationally approved online programs enable you to study at your own pace and interact with reputable practitioners. Also, they explore various treatments in psychotherapy to manage anxiety, depression, complex trauma, and more.

Here are examples of counseling courses:

• Forensic Mental Health Counseling: Roles, Responsibilities, & Evidence-Based Practices
• Intro to Neurocounseling: Brain-Based Tools to Accelerate Therapy Outcomes
• Ethics CE for National Certified Counselors
• Treating Grief-Stricken Clients: Culturally Sensitive Interventions

Discover more insightful information on reintegration therapy for broken families.

Upgrade Your Profession in Counseling Provision

Counseling supervision training is a wise investment in your professional development. It provides the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for effective supervision and quality care for clients.

Whether you’re an experienced supervisor or a beginner, specialized training offers the tools and insights to elevate your practice to new heights. Training in supervision lets you stay at the forefront of best practices. And it helps you provide the highest standard of support to your supervisors.

Partner with Online CE Credits for Continuing Education

Enrolling in continuing professional development is as easy as ABC with Online CE Credits. You have the option of paying once annually or taking on a cost-effective membership plan. And the certification is available to show your credits and progress to your employer or in your private practice.

Also, the learning platform has a refund and exchange policy, which you may not need because of the high-quality courses we offer. Stop feeling stuck at your current skill level. Get advanced training and certifications to level up your career.

Effective Suicide Intervention: Advanced Training for Enhanced Patient Outcomes

by Tim Cassidy | Jul 19, 2024 | Educational

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says suicide is a serious public health issue.
For this reason, mental health professionals should consider suicide intervention training to identify, assess, and manage individuals at risk. Advanced training can enhance patient outcomes and save lives.

And because suicide is not merely an impulsive act but often results from multiple interrelated factors, training in suicide prevention is essential.

Here’s what you need to know:

Key Highlights:

1. Mental health professionals need to undergo advanced suicide intervention training to identify, assess, and manage individuals at risk.

2. Advanced training programs focus on enhancing clinicians’ ability to conduct thorough risk assessments and develop tailored intervention plans for suicidal patients.

3. Effective suicide intervention involves developing a safety plan, which includes identifying warning signs, coping strategies, and sources of support for the patient during a crisis.

4. Communication skills are crucial in suicide intervention, emphasizing active listening, validation, and non-judgmental communication to build a strong therapeutic partnership.

5. Suicide prevention training provides strategies for self-care and professional support for clinicians, helping to prevent burnout and promote long-term sustainability in the profession.

With this in mind, let’s dive into how health practitioners can take advantage of suicide intervention strategies through specialized courses.

What Are the Intervention Strategies for Suicidal Clients?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is the number one cause of death in the United States. And it affects everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or age. Because suicidal causes are complex, interventions must include various approaches to get to the root of the problem.

Here are some issues to consider:

Advanced training programs

Advanced training programs enhance clinicians’ ability to conduct thorough risk assessments. Assessing suicide risk involves evaluating various factors, such as previous suicide attempts, mental health history, current stressors, and protective factors.

Training programs teach health professionals to ask the right questions and interpret the answers accurately, ensuring they don’t overlook any critical detail. This in-depth assessment creates a robust foundation for effective intervention. It enables you to develop a tailored intervention plan for suicidal patients.

Safety Plan

Developing a safety plan is a crucial component of suicide intervention. A well-structured safety plan involves identifying warning signs, coping strategies, and sources of support the patient can rely on during a crisis. Advanced training courses guide practitioners in producing effective, individualized, and practical safety plans.

They should serve as a vital resource for patients, providing them with a clear course of action when they feel overwhelmed.

Communication Skills

Communication skills are also a key focus in suicide prevention training. Therapists must create a safe and empathetic environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.

Specialized training emphasizes active listening, validation, and non-judgmental communication. These skills help build a strong therapeutic partnership, which is essential for effective intervention.

Dealing with the Emotional Impact

Managing the emotional impact of working with suicidal patients is another important aspect of advanced training. Clinicians often experience significant stress and emotional burden in these cases.

Training courses provide strategies for self-care and professional support, helping counselors maintain their own well-being while providing the best possible care to their patients.

This aspect of training helps prevent burnout and promotes long-term sustainability in the profession.

Cultural factors

One of the critical elements of effective suicide intervention is to recognize and address cultural factors that influence suicidal behavior. Different cultures have varying beliefs, stigmas, and attitudes towards mental health and suicide.

Training at the highest level equips professionals with cultural competence, enabling them to understand and respect these differences. Ultimately, this results in culturally sensitive and appropriate communication and interventions.

Evidence-based practices

Evidence-based practices are central to advanced suicide intervention training. Therapists learn to apply effective, research-based interventions. For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based approaches are part of these programs.

These therapies help patients develop coping mechanisms, challenge negative thought patterns, and build resilience. Incorporating these evidence-based practices into treatment plans leads to positive outcomes.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations are also an integral part of suicide prevention training. Counselors must manage complex dilemmas, such as balancing patient confidentiality with protecting individuals from harm.

Advanced training guides how to approach these challenges, helping practitioners make informed and ethical decisions. Understanding the legal and ethical frameworks surrounding suicide intervention results in responsible and professional care.

Collaborations

Collaboration with other healthcare providers and community resources makes suicide intervention effective. Training programs focus on a multidisciplinary approach where suicide experts partner with psychiatrists, primary care providers, social workers, and other professionals.

This collaborative approach makes patient care comprehensive, addressing all aspects of their well-being. Program attendees also learn how to connect with patients through community resources such as crisis hotlines, support groups, and emergency services.

Ongoing education and training

Ongoing education and training are necessary to maintain proficiency in suicide treatment. This is because mental health is constantly evolving, with new research and best practices emerging regularly.

Specialized training courses encourage students to stay updated with the latest developments through continuous education. This commitment to lifelong learning equips clinicians with the most current and effective tools for suicide therapies.

Here are more benefits of continuing professional development:

• Training programs include opportunities for practical application through role-playing, simulations, and supervised practice. These hands-on experiences build confidence and competence in suicide intervention.
• Learners can apply their skills in a controlled environment, receive feedback, and refine their techniques. This practical aspect of training bridges the gap between theory and practice, preparing practitioners for real-world scenarios.
• Patients benefit from therapists with a wealth of experience through comprehensive, compassionate, and effective care. As a result, suicidal clients can feel understood, supported, and hopeful when they receive care.
• Also, specialized training can contribute to the goal of reducing suicide rates and improving mental health at a community and societal level.

Mental health organizations

Mental health organizations and institutions also support advanced suicide intervention training. Providing access to high-quality training programs, resources, and ongoing professional development opportunities is essential. Institutions that prioritize training demonstrate a commitment to excellence in patient care and advance the mental health profession.

If you want advanced training in suicide intervention, several reputable programs and organizations offer expert-driven courses. The American Association of Suicidology (AAS), the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) are excellent starting points.

These bodies provide widely recognized resources, training programs, and certification opportunities.

Make Headway into Effective Suicide Interventions

Ready to jumpstart your knowledge about suicide therapies? Online CE Credits provides one of the most up-to-date certifications from experienced instructors. Learning the lessons is a breeze since you can complete them at your own pace, anywhere, anytime.

Select your relevant course from the programs below:

1. Suicide and Parasuicide in BPD: Evidence-Based Strategies
2. Suicide Assessment and Documentation: Using the L-RAMP
3. At the Intersections: Suicide Prevention for BIPOC & 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth

Take a Leading Role in Suicidal Intervention

Ultimately, the goal of advanced suicide prevention training is to save lives.

Training courses equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to intervene effectively and make a significant impact. Also, you can create a long-lasting difference in individuals’ lives at risk of suicide as you give them hope and support during their darkest moments.
Ongoing education is a great investment in the patient’s well-being and the broader community.

Now Is the Time to Boost Your Credentials and Skills:

Advanced training in suicide intervention is a vital part of your professional development. It improves your ability to assess risk, develop safety plans, communicate effectively, manage your own well-being, and apply evidence-based practices.

Additionally, specialized courses put you on the right path to prevent suicide and promote mental health for clients. And Online CE Credits has affordable courses to help you kickstart your journey without breaking the bank. Stop feeling stuck at your current skill level. Get advanced training and certifications to level up your career today!

What Are Continuing Education Units (CEU)?

by Tim Cassidy | Jan 10, 2020 | Educational

Taking online continuing education courses in psychology or counseling is advantageous for a multitude of reasons. These online courses will often help you meet licensure deadlines, and most licensing boards will accept several of your required CE credits from online/home study courses. For individuals looking to earn CE credits, these online courses can help you stay current on the latest findings in mental health practice while efficiently earning credit to fulfill licensure renewal duties. Additionally, the course certificates are digitally signed and provided immediately upon course completion with no waiting required. This means you can present this to your board for approval as soon as your coursework is completed.

What are CEUs (Continuing Education Units)?

Continuing Education Units are awarded by many education and training programs to signify successful completion of non-credit programs and courses intended to improve the knowledge and skills of working adults. Among the most common uses of CEU’s revolve around professional workers undergoing what is called continuing professional education (CPE).

Professional Requirements for CEU Credits

Certain professions require practitioners to earn a specific number of continuing education credits per year to ensure that they are up-to-date with the most current practices in their field. Obtaining proof of credits from an accredited program or provider is necessary in order to renew a license to practice, although the number of credits required varies by industry and state.

Benefits of Online CEU Psychology Courses

1.) Advance your Mental Health Career 

Online CE Credits provides APA-approved online continuing education for clinical psychologists, counselors, therapists, social workers, and anyone who performs mental health services. Whether you’re just starting your career in counseling or psychotherapy or you’re a senior professional in your field, pursuing CE credits is both a requirement to maintain your professional license and an excellent opportunity to further your career in whichever area of mental health you practice..

2.) Learn From Dedicated Mental Health Specialists

You’ll find many benefits when looking into online courses, one of which is access to a large pool of well known trainers in your area of practice. Oftentimes, you’ll learn from some of the top scholars, psychologists, and practicing clinicians in the industry, which may not be the case with live CE events offered in your geographic area of practice. Similarly, traveling to attend live events hosted by premiere trainers may come with a much higher price tag and the opportunity cost of missed billable hours for clinicians in private practice. With online courses, you’ll be treated to fast and personal customer service with most inquiries answered same-day. You also have access to a wider breadth of material at your fingertips with new courses added frequently.

3.) Go to School Without Re-Organizing Your Schedule

One of the most practical advantages of taking online continuing education courses around counseling, psychotherapy, and psychology is that you don’t have to sacrifice billable hours  or reorganize your work day to attend training. You can take the online course anywhere and at your own pace. In the majority of these courses, you’ll be assigned a particular reading or need to watch a video of a lecture which can be done whenever your schedule allows. Many courses also come with downloadable handouts, worksheets, and slides included within the price of enrollment. With online CE courses, the only course due date you have is your state licensing board’s due date for licensure renewal, typically every year or every two years. The risk you run with attending in-person CE courses is that you must attend the event at a certain time and place, which introduces the possibility of having to cancel without a refund for sickness or an unpredictable life emergency. 

4.) Learn More Within Your Industry 

Another benefit of taking online courses in clinical mental health is that you’ll end up with a wealth of knowledge about your field which will aid you in better serving your clients and the community. Learning from the industry’s leading experts will keep you up to date on the best evidence-based approaches to mental health treatment. Earning continuing education credits from a well known and respected university or accredited CE provider will ensure your completed course certificates are accepted by your state board for credit. Be sure that you do all the necessary research on the institution or provider from which you’d like to take online courses before making your choice. 

5.) Cheaper and More Convenient

Most live CE seminars run in the upper hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars, just for registration. Oftentimes, they also require time away from clients, missed billable hours, and travel to the workshop location. With online CE courses, you can access a multitude of courses on different topics from your laptop, at your own pace. Most respectable online CE courses run about $10-$12 per CE for basic written courses and $15-$20 per CE credit for premium courses with a video lecture with included handouts or worksheets. Some of these video courses may also be offered in webinar format with the chance to ask questions of the instructor.

Would you prefer to smooth out the cost of your continuing education courses over the course of the year? Some online CE providers also offer monthly flat-fee membership programs for unlimited access to their CE course library – a slam dunk choice for clinicians who prefer the online format for the bulk of their credits required over the licensure period. The key is to find an online CE provider that publishes fresh course content on a continual basis that is relevant to your area of practice.

Important and Relevant Course Topics

For mental health workers seeking continuing education courses that will aid them in performing therapy in a clinical setting, it’s important to keep on top of the latest evidence-based therapy techniques in your area of practice. Whether you’re treating depression, performing suicide assessments for your clients, or assisting clients with healing from trauma or grief, many courses available from online mental health CE platforms bring you tools to provide your clients lasting relief from symptoms as well as strategies to address future mental health challenges. State licensing boards may also require a certain number of credits be earned within a certain category or topic. Some topics may include:

• Diagnosis and Treatment: Courses relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.
• Supervision: Courses dedicated to teaching clinicians how to be ethical, effective, and reliable supervisors to provisionally licensed clinicians or those simply seeking supervision around complicated cases.
• Ethics: Courses to help mental health clinicians maintain an ethical approach to practice, especially when handling complicated scenarios related to client confidentiality and boundaries around the client-therapist relationship.
• Suicide Prevention: Courses designed to educate mental health professionals around client suicidality and the importance of accurately assessing for it as part of an effective treatment plan.

So Is Online CE Credits Right For You? 

The number one reason most people choose to work toward furthering their careers online is because they know it’s absolutely critical to adequately invest the necessary time and effort into continuing education in order to fully progress and successfully compete in a given career field. Even if you’re working a full time job, being a parent, or just trying to juggle what unexpected situations life throws at you each week, working on maintaining and furthering your license and practice can all be done on your schedule. If you’ve been thinking about expanding on what you’ve started or starting fresh with a new set of skills, online continuing education in psychology and counseling is great pavement to help you exercise the important value of continuous learning. Get started by browsing our CE offerings today!

CEU for Psychology Professionals: 13 Tips to Take Online Continuing Education Courses

by Tim Cassidy | Jan 10, 2020 | Educational