We do not respond to voicemails.  If we do not answer, we are on the line with another client.  Please text or email us.  We respond throughout the day or attempt to call again at another time.

Florida Board of CSW, MFT, MHC

This course is designed to meet the Florida Statute requirements of the Board of SW, MFT, & MHC for application to become a clinical supervisor in the state of Florida. You can also utilize the hours for license renewal. The focus of the training is to provide potential mental health supervisors with the essential information, basic skills, and resources to provide licensure supervision to qualified licensure applicants. Qualified Supervisor Training will provide participants with specific exercises designed to enhance understanding and use of different models of Clinical Supervision.

This course is taught in a live, interactive format on Zoom.  Zoom system requirements include Windows XP or higher, MacOS 9 or higher, Android 4.0 or higher, an internet connection, camera, speakers, and a microphone.

*The board does require that the camera remains on during the training.

This training is presented by 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.  She is an approved Florida Qualified Supervisor and has worked both in the hospital setting and in private practice.

To earn continuing education credit, professionals must register and pay the fee for the training, be present for the entire event with their camera on and complete the course evaluation.  Certificates of completion will be emailed within 1 business day of course completion.

We will provide you with the application to apply with the Florida board after the course.

If you need to change to a different training date, we are happy to accommodate. Refunds will be granted up to 24 hours in advance of the event.  In the event that this event has to be canceled, we will offer an alternate date and/or a full refund.  The choice between the new date and the full refund will be up to each participant.

For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodations, please call 866-863-4225 or email [email protected].

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.
Integrating AI into counseling practices can be beneficial for scheduling, session prompts, psychoeducational resources, and more.   It can empower counselors to provide more personalized, efficient, and accessible care while also reducing administrative burdens. AI tools can assist with routine tasks, allowing counselors to focus more deeply on therapeutic interactions and spend less time on paperwork.
This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course is designed to meet the Florida Statute requirements of the Board of SW, MFT, & MHC for application to become a clinical supervisor in the state of Florida. You can also utilize the hours for license renewal. The focus of the training is to provide potential mental health supervisors with the essential information, basic skills, and resources to provide licensure supervision to qualified licensure applicants. Qualified Supervisor Training will provide participants with specific exercises designed to enhance understanding and use of different models of Clinical Supervision.

This course is taught in a live, interactive format on Zoom.  Zoom system requirements include Windows XP or higher, MacOS 9 or higher, Android 4.0 or higher, an internet connection, camera, speakers, and a microphone.

*The board does require that the camera remains on during the training.

This training is presented by 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.  She is an approved Florida Qualified Supervisor and has worked both in the hospital setting and in private practice.

To earn continuing education credit, professionals must register and pay the fee for the training, be present for the entire event with their camera on and complete the course evaluation.  Certificates of completion will be emailed within 1 business day of course completion.

We will provide you with the application to apply with the Florida board after the course.

If you need to change to a different training date, we are happy to accommodate. Refunds will be granted up to 24 hours in advance of the event.  In the event that this event has to be canceled, we will offer an alternate date and/or a full refund.  The choice between the new date and the full refund will be up to each participant.

For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodations, please call 866-863-4225 or email [email protected].

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Harm Reduction in Substance Abuse Treatment is an approach that prioritizes the health and well-being of individuals who use substances by focusing on reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use rather than solely aiming for abstinence. This course is essential as it equips participants with a comprehensive understanding of Harm Reduction principles, strategies, ethical considerations, and controversial arguments for and against, enabling them to address substance abuse in a compassionate and pragmatic manner. Throughout the course, we will explore various Harm Reduction interventions, such as safe consumption spaces, needle exchange programs, and medication-assisted treatments, and learn how to implement these practices effectively within communities.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Implicit bias refers to the subconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions, often without our conscious awareness. These biases can influence behavior and judgments in ways that may not align with our explicit beliefs or intentions.

This course will explore implicit bias, its origins, and its pervasive impact on various aspects of society, including the the counseling office and healthcare. Through a combination of self-assessment tools, interactive case studies, and practical strategies, learners will explore the subconscious biases that influence their decisions and behaviors. The course aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and mitigate these biases, fostering more inclusive and equitable environments in both personal and professional settings.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course is designed to equip substance abuse professionals with the essential knowledge and skills required to effectively diagnose and treat a wide range of substance abuse and addiction conditions. This course covers fundamental concepts of substance abuse, including the importance of mental well-being and the impact of stigma and misconceptions on individuals seeking help.

In addition to diagnosis, the course delves into various treatment modalities, such as psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, emerging therapies, and integrative approaches, providing a holistic view of substance abuse care. The course further addresses crisis intervention strategies and ethical and legal considerations, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of addiction treatment.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course is designed to equip mental health professionals with the essential knowledge and skills required to effectively diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions. This course covers fundamental concepts of mental health, including the importance of mental well-being and the impact of stigma and misconceptions on individuals seeking help.

In addition to diagnosis, the course delves into various treatment modalities, such as psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, emerging therapies, and integrative approaches, providing a holistic view of mental health care. Special populations and considerations, including child and adolescent mental health, geriatric mental health, cultural competency, and gender and sexuality, are also thoroughly examined. The course further addresses crisis intervention strategies and ethical and legal considerations, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of mental health practice.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Clinical supervision is a structured process where experienced clinicians provide guidance, feedback, and oversight to less experienced practitioners. This enables practitioners to develop competence, take responsibility for their practice, and enhance patient safety.

This course reviews foundational theories and models of supervision, emphasizing the importance of supportive and ethical supervisory relationships. Participants will learn about documentation practices, the use of technology in supervision, and the impact of cultural factors on the supervisory dynamic. The course ensures supervisors are equipped to handle diverse and complex situations with competence and sensitivity.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Clinical supervision is a formal process of professional support and learning that enables practitioners to develop knowledge and competence, assume responsibility for their own practice, and enhance patient protection and safety. It involves a more experienced clinician providing guidance, feedback, and oversight to less experienced practitioners or interns.

This course will review the foundational theories and models of supervision, emphasizing the importance of fostering a supportive and ethical supervisory relationship. Participants will learn about the documentation practices and the use of technology in supervision. The course also addresses the impact of cultural factors on the supervisory dynamic, ensuring that supervisors are equipped to handle diverse and complex situations with competence and sensitivity.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course will explore how culture and stereotypes play a role in how we see ourselves and our clients. We will explore cultural competency through cultural awareness, beliefs, knowledge, and skills. We will examine the implications for counseling theory, research, practice, and training. Participants will gain insight into how their own cultural backgrounds influence their perceptions and interactions with clients. Additionally, the course will highlight strategies to enhance cultural sensitivity and effectiveness in therapeutic settings.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course will explore the myriad of issues relating to setting and maintaining boundaries within the counseling relationship.

– Key Concepts Regarding Dual Relationships with Clients
– Physical Contact and Sexual Relationships with Clients
– Self Disclosure
– Sound Decision Making and Managing Boundaries Set
– Emotional and Dependency Needs
– Professional Distance
– Therapeutic Styles
– Dynamics Which Make Therapy a Potential Setting for Boundary Violations and Exploitation

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Ethical guidelines help safeguard confidentiality, foster trust, and promote the responsible handling of sensitive information. This course is designed to equip mental health professionals with a deep understanding of the ethical principles and standards that guide their practice. Participants will explore critical topics such as confidentiality, informed consent, dual relationships, and professional boundaries.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Ethics are crucial in any profession, particularly in mental health. They establish a framework of principles that guide professionals in making informed, responsible, and morally sound decisions. Adhering to ethical standards ensures the protection of the client’s rights and well-being, fosters trust in the therapeutic relationship and upholds the profession’s integrity. By prioritizing ethics, mental health professionals can navigate complex situations with clarity, mitigate potential harm, and contribute to mental health services’ overall credibility and reliability.

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ethical principles and standards essential in clinical practice. It covers crucial topics such as ethical decision-making frameworks, maintaining professional boundaries, and the appropriate use of physical touch in therapy. The course delves into the complexities of dual relationships, offering guidelines to navigate these situations ethically. Additionally, it addresses the legal and ethical responsibilities regarding the reporting of abuse and other critical issues faced by mental health professionals.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Ethics are crucial in any profession, particularly in mental health. They establish a framework of principles that guide professionals in making informed, responsible, and morally sound decisions. Adhering to ethical standards ensures the protection of the client’s rights and well-being, fosters trust in the therapeutic relationship and upholds the profession’s integrity. By prioritizing ethics, mental health professionals can navigate complex situations with clarity, mitigate potential harm, and contribute to mental health services’ overall credibility and reliability.

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ethical principles and standards essential in clinical practice. It covers crucial topics such as ethical decision-making frameworks, maintaining professional boundaries, and the appropriate use of physical touch in therapy. The course delves into the complexities of dual relationships, offering guidelines to navigate these situations ethically. Additionally, it addresses the legal and ethical responsibilities regarding the reporting of abuse and other critical issues faced by mental health professionals.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course on Clinical Evaluation and Mental Status Examination is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform comprehensive mental health assessments. Participants will learn to conduct detailed clinical evaluations, including patient history taking, symptom assessment, and risk factor identification. The course will also cover the Mental Status Examination (MSE), providing techniques for systematically assessing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course will explore how culture and stereotypes play a role in how we see ourselves and our clients. We will explore cultural competency through cultural awareness, beliefs, knowledge, and skills. We will examine the implications for counseling theory, research, practice, and training. Participants will gain insight into how their own cultural backgrounds influence their perceptions and interactions with clients. Additionally, the course will highlight strategies to enhance cultural sensitivity and effectiveness in therapeutic settings.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Ethics are crucial in any profession, particularly in mental health. They establish a framework of principles that guide professionals in making informed, responsible, and morally sound decisions. Adhering to ethical standards ensures the protection of the client’s rights and well-being, fosters trust in the therapeutic relationship and upholds the profession’s integrity. By prioritizing ethics, mental health professionals can navigate complex situations with clarity, mitigate potential harm, and contribute to mental health services’ overall credibility and reliability.

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ethical principles and standards essential in clinical practice. It covers crucial topics such as ethical decision-making frameworks, maintaining professional boundaries, and the appropriate use of physical touch in therapy. The course delves into the complexities of dual relationships, offering guidelines to navigate these situations ethically. Additionally, it addresses the legal and ethical responsibilities regarding the reporting of abuse and other critical issues faced by mental health professionals.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This comprehensive course is designed to equip mental health professionals, healthcare providers, and community workers with the essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively assess, intervene, and prevent suicide. Through a structured and detailed curriculum, participants will explore the multifaceted nature of suicide, from understanding its impact to recognizing risk factors and implementing effective intervention strategies.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary widely depending on the substance used, the duration of use, and the individual’s health. Common signs and symptoms include anxiety, irritability, and agitation, which often appear within hours of the last dose. Physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, nausea, vomiting, and increased heart rate are also prevalent. Severe cases may involve hallucinations, seizures, and confusion. Psychological symptoms, including intense cravings, depression, and difficulty sleeping, are also common. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for providing appropriate care and seeking medical help when necessary, as withdrawal can be life-threatening if not managed properly.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Creating a strong safety culture within an organization is vital for ensuring the well-being of employees and minimizing risks. A key component of this safety culture is the implementation of a Good Catch Program. This training aims to educate employees about the importance of culture of safety and how to effectively participate in a Good Catch Program.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Effective handoff communication must include up-to-date information regarding patient care, treatment plans, current condition, and any recent or anticipated changes. This communication should be interactive, allowing for discussion between those providing and receiving the patient information. Additionally, the process should incorporate methods for verifying the received information, such as read-back or other appropriate techniques, to ensure accuracy and understanding.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

It is crucial for mental health and substance abuse professionals to be well-trained in contraband awareness and search procedures to ensure the safety of the patients and staff and the integrity of the program.  This course will enhance professionals in understanding and the management of contraband within their facilities. The program covers a comprehensive range of topics, including identifying various types of contraband, effective and ethical search techniques, and strategies for preventing contraband introduction.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Street drugs are dangerous and plentiful. There is no way to know how strong they are or what else might be in them, but their use remains popular despite the risks.

Given the recent proliferation of new street drugs, it is imperative to remain vigilant and informed about the hazards of substance abuse.

This course will explore Krokodil, Flakka, Bath Salts, Xylazine, Slavia, Spice and others.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Elder abuse is a pervasive issue in the United States, affecting thousands of individuals who are often unable to advocate for themselves. Vulnerable adults, including elderly individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional impairments, are sometimes mistreated by the very people entrusted with their care.

This course will explore elderly and vulnerable adult abuse, those most vulnerable, abusers, how to recognize abuse the importance of reporting.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Hepatitis, a group of viral infections that affect the liver. It covers the types of Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E), modes of transmission, prevention strategies, treatment options, and the impact of the disease on global health. The course is designed for healthcare professionals, students, and anyone interested in learning about Hepatitis.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Hoarding also called compulsive hoarding, and compulsive hoarding syndrome can be a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Still, many hoarders don’t have other OCD-related symptoms, and researchers are working better to understand hoarding as a distinct mental health problem.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course will provide a deeper understanding of alcoholism and addiction, particularly through the lens of the disease model and its alternative perspectives. By exploring the origins, development, and criticisms of the disease concept, as well as the influence of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors, students will gain a balanced view of addiction. The course will cover key historical developments, including Jellinek’s research, critiques of the disease model, and emerging behavioral approaches that focus on habit and choice. Through this comprehensive approach, students will learn how both disease and behavioral models can be applied to support recovery, assess individual needs accurately, and avoid common misapplications that may hinder effective treatment.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Understanding the impact of family alcoholism on children is essential for breaking cycles of trauma and fostering healthier futures. This course will explore how alcoholism in the family affects children emotionally, socially, and behaviorally, both in their formative years and into adulthood. We will cover the unique challenges these children face, including codependency, low self-esteem, and difficulties forming trusting relationships, along with the long-term effects.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Bioterrorism involves the deliberate release or dissemination of biological agents—such as bacteria, viruses, or toxins—with the intent to cause harm, fear, or disruption to a population. These agents can be aerosolized or spread through food and water supplies, posing significant threats to public health. As professionals, particularly in healthcare, mental health, and substance abuse fields, understanding bioterrorism is crucial for several reasons. It equips us to recognize and respond to potential attacks swiftly, implement effective preventive measures, and protect both patients and staff. Awareness and preparedness enable us to manage crises more effectively, mitigate the impact of such events, and maintain operational continuity in the face of potential bioterrorist threats.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

The use of electronic media and information technologies in behavioral health treatment, recovery support, and prevention programs is rapidly gaining acceptance.  There are many benefits and concerns about using internet based assessments, programs and platforms. This course will explore the potential uses of technology, the applications, the benefits and concerns associated with technology assisted mental health care.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

It is essential for mental health professionals to understand ADHD because it is one of the most prevalent and complex mental health conditions affecting children and adults today. Recognizing ADHD’s diverse symptoms—ranging from inattention and impulsivity to emotional dysregulation—enables clinicians to provide more accurate diagnoses and individualized treatment plans. Knowledge of ADHD’s underlying causes, including genetic, environmental, and neurological factors, allows professionals to differentiate it from other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which may present with overlapping symptoms.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Addiction has long been recognized as a chronic disease. However, most addiction treatment has used acute care interventions rather than a disease management approach. For many people seeking recovery, this has created seemingly endless acute treatment episodes. Recognizing this, the substance abuse treatment field is undergoing a shift from an acute care model of treatment to a chronic care approach, known as recovery-oriented systems of care (ROSC).

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course explores animal-assisted psychotherapy (AAP) theory and practice, focusing primarily on therapy dogs due to their prevalent role in volunteer and professional settings. The historical, theoretical, and practical dimensions of AAP are described so learners gain a foundational understanding of attachment theory, biophilia theory, and human-animal relational theory as they pertain to AAP. The course critically examines the efficacy of AAP through research, outlines challenges, and presents clinical applications across various psychological approaches. It also covers the selection and characteristics of successful therapy dogs, therapy dog registration, and the importance of pursuing advanced training for practitioners interested in integrating AAP into their practice.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course examines end-of-life care in a hospital and home setting, how these services are offered, specialized programs, and issues surrounding end-of-life care.

The course also describes the effect a palliative care consultation service has on the terminally ill and their families.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Healthcare providers use laboratory test results to diagnose disease, determine prognosis, and monitor a patient’s treatment or health status. Current practice shows an increased trend for medical decisions based on simple tests performed at the point of care.

This course will explore the key aspects of CLIA-testing, the oversight, safety, confidentiality, and testing environment.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

When someone is scammed or “catfished,” they are often embarrassed and feel vulnerable and may not reach out to others for support when needed. This course will explore the psychology behind those most vulnerable, those who prey on others, and working with clients who were taken advantage of.

Anyone can be a victim of being scammed regardless of age, education, or socioeconomic position

 

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course identifies strategies for mental health providers to support LGBTQIA+ clients in therapy. It defines the LGBTQIA+ acronym and describes common LGBTQIA+ terminology. Issues impacting the well-being of sexually minoritized clients are detailed, including discrimination and stigma, mental health disparities, and unique stressors such as internalized homophobia. Supportive clinical practices with LGBTQIA+ are illustrated, such as creating an affirming therapeutic environment and building a therapeutic alliance. Strategies for navigating supportive family conversations are detailed.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

The importance of cybersecurity in the modern world cannot be understated. Confidentiality of records has always been critical to the population we serve.

This course will explore the necessity of digital security in mental health and substance abuse services and how you can support safer systems.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Fall prevention remains a considerable challenge across the care continuum.  Every year in the United States, hundreds of thousands of patients fall in hospitals and patient care settings, with 30-50 percent resulting in injury.   This course will explore those most vulnerable to falls and how we can work to prevent injuries.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course embarks on a thorough exploration of informed consent within the realms of mental health and substance abuse treatment. It delves deeply into the intricacies of this procedure, considering the ethical foundations, legal requirements, obstacles, and practical consequences that influence the practice of informed consent. By incorporating historical perspectives, ethical frameworks, and practical case studies, this training aims to shed light on the multifaceted aspect of informed consent in mental health and substance abuse treatment. This approach fosters a nuanced comprehension of its essential role in maintaining ethical standards and enhancing patient care.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Effective collaboration supports teamwork and effective treatment. Part of building rapport with clients is communicating and interacting effectively with people across cultures who have varying beliefs and schedules.

In this course, we discuss what cultural competence is, explain why it matters and provide some helpful tips for improving your cultural competence.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Healthcare professionals appreciate the possibility and diversity of ethical issues, but it’s easy to think they’ll never happen to you.

Despite their potentially serious consequences, ethical issues are common, and without preparation and reflection, many might be violated unwittingly and with good intentions.

In this course, you’ll learn how to identify and approach various frequently encountered counseling ethical issues and how a counseling ethics code can be your moral compass.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Approved by the Florida Board of CSW, MFT, MHC

This course meets the requirements for the initial application to become an LCSW, LMFT, or LMHC through the Florida Board of CSW, MFT, MHC.

The Florida Board of CSW, MFT, MHC requires that you take part in an interactive way during this course for it to meet the requirements for initial licensure. To meet this requirement, we offer a 30-minute interactive Zoom chat to discuss sections and case studies. The times are listed on the Dashboard tab on the right side of the screen.  We offer one a week.

We will email you and the board processor your certificate upon completion.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) refer to disorders that typically manifest from birth and have a detrimental impact on an individual’s physical, intellectual, and emotional development.

It’s not uncommon for an individual to be misdiagnosed with a mental illness before receiving a diagnosis for a developmental disorder.  This course will explore the various types of developmental disabilities and how to differentiate these from mental illnesses.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course meets the requirements for the 3-hour Florida Laws and Rules Update required every third biennium for license renewal. It is not the 8-hour initial licensure course. Please see below for the 8-hour Laws and Rules course.

The course is developed by extrapolating Florida Statutes that pertain to the counseling profession. The course utilizes law, changes in statutes, examples, and case studies.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Methadone is used for the treatment of opioid use disorder.  It may be used as maintenance therapy or in shorter periods for detoxification to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms. Its use for the treatment of addiction is usually strictly regulated. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Office of Treatment Improvement (OTI) provides guidance on the federal regulations governing the provision of methadone treatment for opioid addiction. According to SAMHSA, all staff who work in an opioid treatment program (OTP) that provides methadone must receive training on methadone.  This course will explore the following:

  • The pharmacology of methadone and other opioid agonist medications.
  • The principles of addiction treatment and the role of methadone in treating opioid addiction.
  • The ethical and legal considerations related to the provision of methadone treatment.
  • The potential side effects of methadone and how to manage them
  • The importance of maintaining the confidentiality and respecting the privacy of patients receiving methadone treatment.
  • The proper handling and storage of methadone and other controlled substances.
This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Determining the nature and intensity of opioid withdrawal symptoms in a detoxing patient is crucial for healthcare providers to assess the risks and make informed decisions during the detoxification process. This is where the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (C.O.W.S.) plays a vital role in addiction treatment and monitoring a patient’s physical well-being during opioid withdrawal management. This course will not explore the C.O.W.S system.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment Alcohol Scale Revised (CIWA-AR) is an instrument medical professionals use to assess and diagnose the severity of alcohol withdrawal.  The CIWA-AR is one of the most common assessment methods for alcohol withdrawal.  This course will briefly overview the scale, questions, and validity.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Social media can profoundly impact our relationships, communication, self-esteem, privacy, careers, governments, and beliefs.

This course will explore various social media websites and mobile applications. We will identify trends and statistics. We will delve into the behavioral and emotional pulls that entice users to begin and continue with these activities. We will explore social media’s positive and negative impacts on mental health.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Formerly known as dual diagnosis or dual disorder, co-occurring disorders describe the presence of both mental health and substance use disorders.  This course will explore the definition of terms used, most common substances, mental disorders that co-exist, symptoms, causes, and treatments for co-occurring disorders.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

A conflict of interest is a set of circumstances that creates a risk that a secondary interest will unduly influence professional judgment or actions regarding a primary interest. Common areas where conflicts of interest can occur in mental health and substance abuse treatment include pharmaceuticals, accepting gifts of various kinds, including meals and drug samples that alter treatment behavior, having a financial interest in a medical product company whose products they prescribe, use, or recommend, and self-referrals.

This course will explore these areas and discuss avoiding conflicts of interest.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course reviews the changes to the Florida laws and rules relating to interns and supervisors, discusses various electronic delivery systems for supervision and methods for ensuring confidentiality, and explores supervision’s ethical, legal, and regulatory issues, including documentation or the supervisory sessions. We will explore models of supervision and how cultural issues can affect the supervisory relationship.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Severe anxiety can arise after trauma or injury or under persistent stress or extreme change. This course will explore how to distinguish between everyday worry and an anxiety disorder, signs, symptoms, and risk factors.  We will also discuss treatment approaches and how you can help.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Mental health providers engage with highly confidential health information.  Litigation causes threats to confidentiality that can hinder the therapeutic process, cause potential damage to your client, depending on what you write in the record, and can threaten your practice. This course will provide mental health professionals with a better understanding of legal terms, suggestions for handling requests for confidential information, and guidance with documentation.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course will explore the Baker Act for involuntary mental illness assessment and treatment.

The term ‘Baker Act’ is formally known as the Mental Health Act of 1971 and is a Florida Statute, but it became the default name for any involuntary hold laws in the United States.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

More than two-thirds of U.S. states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medical treatments, and more are considering bills to do the same. The use of cannabis as medicine has not been rigorously tested due to production and governmental restrictions, resulting in limited clinical research on the safety and efficacy of using cannabis to treat diseases. Medical marijuana doesn’t always “feel” like a medical treatment or medicine.

This course will explore medical marijuana. We will look at the various ways this treatment is treated differently than other prescribed medications and why. We will also explore how the mental health and addiction fields have changed over the years with issues such as this.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Children are suffering from an epidemic of child abuse and neglect. The issue is larger than ever in the wake of the quarantines from the COVID-19 pandemic. This course will explore statistics of child abuse in Florida. We will explore the types of abuse and the signs and symptoms associated with each. The course will review the requirements, timeline, and procedures for reporting child abuse. Prevention strategies will be presented.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has been the industry standard for diagnosing mental health disorders since 1952.  The fifth revision of the Manual was published in May 2013.  The text revision was published in March 2022.  This course will provide an overview of the organization, changes, and transitions from the previous edition and controversies regarding the changes.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Psychedelic drugs are not new. Scientists at pharmaceutical companies have been studying them since the early 1900s.  Indigenous communities around the world have used psilocybin and other consciousness-changing compounds for healing for thousands of years.  In the last five years, a handful of high-quality, albeit small, studies have suggested tremendous benefits from the psychedelic psilocybin for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. This course will explore their history, use, risks, and potential.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Mindfulness is the practice of purposely bringing one’s attention to the present moment without evaluating whether one’s thoughts and feelings are good or bad. It is a skill developed through meditation or other training.

This course will explore the history and origins of mindfulness, the difference between mindfulness, meditation, and flow, the benefits for the client and therapist, and how it can be used in therapy.

 

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

According to the CDC, half of all chronic mental illness begins by age 14 and three-quarters begin by age 24. Many factors may contribute to mental illness, including a history of trauma.

This course will explore emotional and psychological trauma and how these affect individuals over time.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

To develop cultural competence, healthcare professionals need to identify their beliefs and build an awareness of their culture. Cultural awareness makes healthcare providers more open to unfamiliar attitudes, practices, and behaviors. This course will explore how culture and stereotypes play a role in our we see ourselves and our clients.  We will explore how we can shift from cultural competence being about racism, genderism, and ageism, to recognizing and working through our biases and blind spots.   We will examine the implications for counseling theory, research, practice, and training.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Compassion fatigue is a condition characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion leading to a diminished ability to empathize or feel compassion for others, often described as the negative cost of caring. It is sometimes referred to as secondary traumatic stress or burnout.  It is especially relevant to mental health and substance abuse professionals.   Compassion fatigue describes the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of helping others.

This course will explore where this can occur, signs of compassion fatigue, and how to help yourself and others.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

What we put into our bodies has the greatest opportunity to affect our health, well-being, and psychotropic drug disposition. This course will explore how to understand better how what we put in our bodies affects our mental health and the medications taken. This will enable us to help our clients get the most out of their bodies, minds, and medications.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Uncertainty is very much a part of our lives. This course will explore how to address fear and anxiety in the midst of the pandemic, protests, and economic concerns.  This course will explore the difference between productive and non-productive worry, fear, and anxiety.  We will look at self-soothing exercises and therapeutic techniques.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Medical errors comprise the largest issue facing this country with regard to health care. This course was designed to educate those in the health care industry and specifically the mental health field on the magnitude of medical errors, their adverse effects, and methods to analyze errors in an effort to avoid future mishaps.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

The laws and regulations governing the confidentiality of substance use disorder records were written out of great concern about the potential use of substance use disorder information against individuals, causing individuals with substance use disorders not to seek treatment.

A risk-managed approach to documentation is a best practice to protect the client and the professional.

This course will explore 42 CFR part 2, HIPAA, and documentation of substance abuse therapy.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course will review the statistics and prevalence of domestic violence in our society. We will define domestic violence and its various types of abuse.

The course will review the dynamics of violent relationships. Violent relationships follow a predictable cycle of violence. This course will discuss this cycle and review its patterns and screening methods through multiple case studies. The course will delve into special populations and associated risk factors. Upon completing the course, the professional will understand the specific resources available for those in need.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course will explore how culture and stereotypes play a role in our we see ourselves and our clients.  We will explore cultural competency through cultural awareness, beliefs, knowledge, and skills.  We will examine the implications for counseling theory, research, practice, and training.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

An assessment is a basis for understanding the client’s presentation and is the beginning of conceptualizing their functioning into a diagnosis. This continuing education course will explore mental status exams, mental health assessments, alcohol and drug assessments, and the DSM V. We will also introduce the learner to a few popular assessment tools.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded in 1935 to help alcoholics abstain from the consumption of alcohol and to “stay sober” through the sharing of their experiences with others who have had similar experiences in a protected environment.

The 12 Step, the cornerstone of the program, was developed later to help govern the fellowship and to establish a consistent approach to spiritual and character-building endeavors. 

This course will explore the history and efficacy of the 12-step approach.

This course will award 1 continuing education hour.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.