ODL 293: Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression Using Behavioral Activation

Created On: 8/6/24   Revised On: 4/28/25

Attention New Jersey Social Workers: 

This course is approved for all social workers, including New Jersey. The Board Adopted Amendments: N.J.A.C. 13:44G-6.3, 6.4, and 6.7 Content Areas for Continuing Education Credit on April 15, 2024. This updates the Board’s regulation. This amendment states that  attendance at programs or courses offered by providers approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) are now acceptable sources of CE credit. 

At the June 12, 2024 public meeting, the Board voted to allow “any applications submitted, or audits which take place, on or after September 1, 2022” to be able “to submit CE from the sources updated in the new amendment adopted on April 15, 2024.”

For more information please refer to https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/sw/Pages/Additional-Information.aspx#CE

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, counselors, nurses, and  case managers.

Overview:

Psychologists have found that there is a close relationship between our activity and our mood. People who are depressed tend to do less overall, and so they have fewer opportunities to feel pleasure, mastery, and connection. This workshop will present an overview of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder and discuss relevant assessment tools. Participants will be introduced to the tenets of behavioral activation as one of the most evidenced-based approaches for depression. Behavioral activation strategies such as activity scheduling, ACE, pacing yourself, and credits lists will be explored. Case studies and video demonstrations will highlight these core strategies. Participants will be empowered to employ behavioral activation strategies with their clients in a systematic and effective manner.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session – the participant will be able to:

• Identify and classify the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder.
• Demonstrate ability to engage in differential diagnosis of depressive disorders.
• Demonstrate ability to engage in differential diagnosis of depressive disorders.
• Describe a clinical rationale for behavioral activation as a preferred treatment approach for depression.
• Name at least five behavioral activation interventions and strategies.
• Apply behavioral activation strategies with clients to treat depression.

Presenter:

Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW, owner of Diane Bigler Therapy Services, Inc. 

Diane Bigler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri and Kansas. She has over 20 years of experience in the social services field. Diane has held positions as a therapist (in-home and outpatient), private practice owner, trainer/facilitator, clinical supervisor, and Professor of Social Work. She also has experience in corporate wellness training and coaching. Diane is most passionate about providing quality educational training to professionals. She enjoys spoiling her four Dachshunds and anything 80’s related.

6 CREDIT HOURS APPROVED FOR:

Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 6 CE Credits
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work – 6 Contact Hours
Counselors
NBCC ACEP – 6 Contact Hours
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 6 Contact Hours
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – 6 Contact Hours
Case Managers
CCMC – 6 Contact Hours

Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.