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Depression and Serotonin: Reexamining the Chemical Imbalance Model

Leesa M. Robertson

2 hours

Updated February 24, 2026

For decades, depression has commonly been explained as the result of a “chemical imbalance,” particularly a deficiency of serotonin. However, contemporary research has increasingly challenged this simplified model. Depression and Serotonin: Reexamining the Chemical Imbalance Model critically reviews the scientific evidence behind the serotonin hypothesis, including large-scale umbrella reviews, neuroimaging findings, genetic studies, and clinical outcome data. Participants will explore why current evidence does not support the view that depression is caused by low serotonin levels and examine alternative, multifactorial frameworks that emphasize brain circuitry, environmental stress, trauma, inflammation, and psychosocial influences. This course equips mental health professionals with a nuanced, evidence-based understanding of depression and provides guidance on ethically communicating treatment information to clients while supporting informed, collaborative care decisions.

Course Creation Date: 2/22/2026

Analyze the historical development and empirical foundations of the serotonin-based chemical imbalance model of depression
Critically evaluate contemporary research examining the relationship between serotonin activity and depressive symptomatology.
Differentiate between the pharmacological effects of SSRIs and the assumption that they correct an underlying serotonin deficiency.
Integrate current neurobiological, environmental, and psychosocial evidence into a multifactorial conceptualization of depression.
Apply evidence-informed psychoeducation strategies when discussing antidepressant mechanisms and treatment options with clients.

Leesa M. Robertson, M.Ed., CAP, LMHC

Ms. Robertson, M.Ed., CAP, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia. She is credentialed in alcohol and other drug counseling.

Beginning her career in the hospital setting, working in admissions, on the 24-hour unit, inpatient and IOP for both adults and adolescents, she went on to supervise a group of clinicians that went into medical-surgical hospitals to assess and place patients. She went into the outpatient setting, working with adults and families. Throughout her career, Ms. Robertson has focused on training and education through presenting live and authored coursework.

Board Approvals

National Approvals

Approval for this course applies only to the national boards listed below.

American Psychological Association (APA)

BaysideCEU is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Bayside Continuing Education maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) (ACE)

BaysideCEU.com, #1793, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. BaysideCEU.com maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 2/4/2026-2/4/2029. This course is offered in the self-paced/distance learning format.
The Association For Addiction Professionals NAADAC

Bayside Continuing Education and Development Provider Number 81892 is a NAADAC Approved Education Provider for educational credits. NAADAC Provider number 81892 is responsible for all aspects of the programming.
The National Board For Certified Counselors NBCC

Bayside Continuing Education has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6088. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Bayside Continuing Education is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

State Approvals

Information

Relevance: This course is designed for master’s- and doctoral-level mental health professionals who assess, diagnose, treat, or provide psychoeducation regarding depressive disorders and antidepressant use. It provides an evidence-informed review of contemporary research challenging the chemical imbalance narrative, supporting accurate informed consent, nuanced clinical communication, and multifactorial case conceptualization.
Content Level: Intermediate
Course Format: This course is offered as a self-paced distance learning format (reading-based online activity)
System Requirements: This course is offered online. Internet connection required.
Course Completion Information: To earn continuing education credit, professionals must register and pay the fee for the course. They must read the content and demonstrate understanding by earning a minimum score of 70 percent on testing materials. The certificate of completion will be able to be downloaded after the above is completed. Refunds will be granted upon request with the withdrawal of credit for the course. For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodations, please call 866-863-4225 or email ContactUs@BaysideCEU.com.
CEBroker Course ID: 1360168
Credit Hours: 2
Last Updated: February 24, 2026

Leesa M. Robertson

2 hours

Updated February 24, 2026

This course is designed for master’s- and doctoral-level mental health professionals who assess, diagnose, treat, or provide psychoeducation regarding depressive disorders and antidepressant use. It provides an evidence-informed review of contemporary research challenging the chemical imbalance narrative, supporting accurate informed consent, nuanced clinical communication, and multifactorial case conceptualization.

CE Hours 2 hours
National Board Approvals American Psychological Association (APA), Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) (ACE), The Association For Addiction Professionals NAADAC, The National Board For Certified Counselors NBCC
CEBroker Course ID 1360168

Depression and Serotonin: Reexamining the Chemical Imbalance Model

Course Objectives