On-Demand CE Training
ODL 427: Home Alone: Addressing Social Isolation and Effective Interventions
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.
Please note: This on-demand webinar is a replay of a live CE event. The format reflects the original presentation and may include live Q&A, transitions, and intermittent audio/visual fluctuations typical of a live recording.
5 CREDIT HOURS APPROVED FOR:
Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 5 General Continuing Education credits
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work – 5 Contact hours
Psychologists
APA – 5 CE credits
Counselors 5 Contact hours
NBCC ACEP – 5 Contact hours
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 5 Contact hours
Addiction Professionals
NAADAC – This course is not approved for NAADAC Contact hours
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – 5 Contact hours
Case Managers
CCMC – 5 CE Contact hours
Created On: 7/13/2026
Target Audience:
This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses and case managers.
Instructional Level:
Beginner
Overview:
Social isolation and loneliness have long been recognized as significant social and public health concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these challenges, serving as a critical wake-up call for professionals, families, and individuals most vulnerable to isolation and marginalization within mainstream society. As a result, there is an increasing need for innovative, inclusive approaches that foster connection, belonging, and community across the lifespan, from children to older adults. Grounded in empirical research, this course will examine populations most at risk for loneliness, key indicators of social isolation, and evidence-informed strategies to reduce loneliness while promoting positive mental and physical health outcomes for clients and consumers.
Course Objectives:
By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:
- Differentiate between social isolation and loneliness.
- Identify the signs and assess loneliness.
- Recognize populations at risk for social isolation, exclusion, and loneliness.
- Identify protective factors and resilience-building strategies that promote social connection and belonging.
- Evaluate the role of technology and virtual engagement in mitigating or exacerbating loneliness.
- Summarize effective strategies and interventions to address loneliness.
Presenter:
Christina Marsack-Topolewski, PhD, LMSW
Dr. Marsack-Topolewski has served as the lead principal investigator on multiple grant-funded programs tailoring services for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. She is an appointed board member of the U.S. National Task Group (NTG) on Intellectual Disability and Dementia Practices. Dr. Marsack-Topolewski’s research has been featured on National Public Radio (NPR) and ABC News Detroit. Over the past five years, she testified before members of the Michigan Legislature to advocate for new laws that protect against the exploitation and abuse of adults with disabilities. Two of these house bills were signed into law in the state of Michigan in December 2023. In 2024, she received the Ronald W. Collins Distinguished Research Award for Research Excellence. In addition, she received the Arc of Oakland County’s Advocacy Hall of Fame Award in 2024. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her husband, their three daughters, and family and friends.