Substance Abuse CE Courses Mental Health CE Courses Healthcare CE Courses Behavioral Technicians CAP/CAC/MCAP

Clinical Evaluation and Mental Status Examination

Leesa M. Robertson

1 hour

Updated September 23, 2026

This course on Clinical Evaluation and Mental Status Examination is designed to strengthen healthcare professionals’ knowledge and skills in conducting comprehensive behavioral health assessments. Participants will review key components of the clinical evaluation process, including relevant patient history, presenting symptoms, psychosocial factors, functional impairment, and identification of potential risk factors. The course also provides instruction in the systematic use of the Mental Status Examination (MSE) to assess areas such as appearance and behavior, mood and affect, speech, thought processes and content, perception, cognition, insight, and judgment. Emphasis is placed on integrating clinical findings to support accurate assessment, documentation, treatment planning, and appropriate referral or intervention.

Develop proficiency in taking detailed patient histories, including medical, psychiatric, and social histories, to gather essential information for mental health assessments.
Identify and assess symptoms and risk factors associated with various mental health conditions, ensuring a thorough understanding of the patient’s overall health status.
Recognize and interpret key signs and symptoms observed during the MSE to aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Utilize information from clinical evaluations and MSE to formulate accurate mental health diagnoses.
Develop individualized treatment plans that address the specific needs and conditions of each patient, ensuring comprehensive and effective care.

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 intended for masters-level and certified individuals working with substance abuse and mental health patients who need evaluation to enter appropriate levels of care.
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: 1221284
Credit Hours: 1
Last Updated: September 23, 2026

Leesa M. Robertson

1 hour

Updated September 23, 2026

This course is intended for masters-level and certified individuals working with substance abuse and mental health patients who need evaluation to enter appropriate levels of care.

CE Hours 1 hour
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 1221284

Clinical Evaluation and Mental Status Examination

Course Objectives