Mental Health CE Approved by ASWB, NBCC, NAADAC & More
Accepted by most state boards and reportable through CEBroker. Check Board Approvals for details.
Course curriculum
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About the Course
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Copyright Notice for Therapy Trainings™
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Core definitions and legal classifications of SED
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Role of the clinician in multidisciplinary diagnostic processes
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Key elements of a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation
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References
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Early developmental signs and trajectories toward SED
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Attachment disruptions and their diagnostic relevance
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Emotional regulation challenges across childhood and adolescence
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References
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Standardized behavioral rating scales and symptom inventories
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Performance-based assessments and projective tools
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Interpreting results and integrating multi-source data
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References
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Assessing functional domains: home, school, and peer relationships
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Duration, severity, and impact: key clinical indicators of SED
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Aligning clinical findings with DSM-5-TR and IDEA definitions
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References
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Distinguishing SED from mood, anxiety, and conduct disorders
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Identifying masking and misdiagnosis in marginalized populations
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Evaluating the role of neurodiversity and co-occurring conditions
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References
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About this course
- $45.00
- 41 lessons
- 0 hours of video content
Therapy Trainings™ Presents
3 CE Hours - Assessment and Diagnosis of SED in Children and Adolescents
This course emphasizes practical, evidence-based approaches to evaluating emotional, behavioral, developmental, and environmental factors that contribute to SED.
Target audience: mental health professionals
Content Level: beginning to expert
Course Overview:
This is a clinician-focused training designed to deepen professional expertise in identifying and diagnosing Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) in youth. The course explores formal diagnostic tools, clinician judgment, differential diagnosis strategies, and the integration of cultural, systemic, and trauma-informed considerations. Participants will build skills to conduct accurate assessments, navigate complex clinical presentations, and communicate findings effectively with caregivers and interdisciplinary teams.
Course Objectives:
In this course, you will learn to:
- apply current diagnostic frameworks and assessment models to identify Serious Emotional Disturbance in children and adolescents;
- utilize culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate evaluation tools in clinical settings;
- differentiate SED from overlapping conditions such as neurodevelopmental, trauma-related, and disruptive behavior disorders;
- synthesize assessment data into clear diagnostic impressions and communicate findings to caregivers and service teams; and
- integrate systemic and ecological perspectives to understand the broader influences on diagnostic decision-making.
About the author
Matt Grammer, LPCC-S is the founder of Therapy Trainings™, Kentucky Counseling Center®, and Counseling Now®. He has over a decade of experience as a clinician, private practice operator, and consultant. He holds dual Masters degrees in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. KY LPCC-S #164069
Consulting Team
Social Work Consultant is Alicia Trager, LCSW.
Marriage and Family Therapy Consultant is Matt White, LMFT
Psychology consultant is Brett Donnelly, Psy. D.
Course completion & CE info
Course completion requirements: To earn CE credit, professionals must purchase the course, read/listen to the presentation, and complete the posttest (with a passing score of 80%) and course evaluation. Posttests may be retaken as many times as you need. Certificates of completion will be emailed immediately after course completion and can be accessed from your account anytime.
Therapy Trainings™ is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Kentucky Social Work Board provider #202375, Kentucky MFT Board, and KY LPC Board.
This course has been approved by Therapy Trainings™, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for 3 CE hours. NAADAC provider #270493. Therapy Trainings™ is responsible for all aspects of its programming.
Therapy Trainings™ has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7439. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Therapy Trainings™ is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Therapy Trainings™, #1945, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 12/6/2024 – 12/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3 continuing education credits.
State Specific Board Approvals:
Thanks to our national and state accreditations, all of our CE courses are approved by the boards listed below—provided the content is relevant to your profession or unless otherwise noted in the course description.
We regularly monitor state board requirements, but for the most up-to-date and accurate information, please refer to your licensing board’s official website.
The list below reflects the boards that currently recognize our CE credits based on existing state regulations.
Alabama
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System Requirements
Computer or mobile device with an internet connection.
For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodations, please email [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll access all courses from your student dashboard in the menu after purchasing the unlimited subscription.
We have state and national approvals from NBCC, ASWB ACE, NAADAC, KY LPC, MFT, and SW Boards.
All on-demand CE courses are text-based and you can progress at your own pace. Once you've read the material, you'll complete a quiz and will receive a certificate of completion immediately.
Find your course and follow a few simple steps. Credit cards and Paypal payments are accepted. You'll gain access immediately.
All on-demand courses. Live CE is excluded.
All trainings published by Therapy Trainings™ are on-demand and available 24/7. You have access to all courses as soon as you enroll.
We're here for you by email and look forward to helping you. Please contact us at [email protected]. Therapy Trainings™ takes pride in making students happy.
Strengthen Your Clinical Expertise: Assessment and Diagnosis of SED in Children and Adolescents
Are you working with children and adolescents who show signs of severe emotional disturbance (SED)? Our comprehensive training on Assessment and Diagnosis of SED in Children and Adolescents equips mental health professionals with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to make accurate, evidence-based diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
Severe Emotional Disturbance (SED) affects many young individuals, impacting their functioning at home, in school, and within the community. Early and precise assessment is essential for effective intervention and support.
Why Choose This SED Assessment & Diagnosis Training?
This course is specially designed for clinicians, school counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals who support youth struggling with serious emotional and behavioral challenges. You’ll gain specialized training in identifying SED, differentiating it from other developmental or psychological conditions, and using standardized tools to guide your clinical judgment.
What You'll Learn
Core Concepts of SED
Definitions and criteria of SED under IDEA and DSM-5
Understanding how SED impacts emotional regulation, behavior, relationships, and academic performance
Assessment Strategies
How to conduct structured clinical interviews with children, caregivers, and educators
Selecting and interpreting reliable tools for emotional and behavioral assessment
Use of multi-informant data for diagnostic accuracy
Differential Diagnosis
Distinguishing SED from ADHD, trauma, mood disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and conduct disorder
Identifying comorbidities and understanding their implications for treatment planning
Risk Factors and Early Warning Signs
Environmental, genetic, and psychosocial contributors to SED
Recognizing red flags in preschoolers through teens
Cultural and Developmental Considerations
Culturally responsive assessment techniques
Adjusting tools and interpretation based on developmental stage and context
Course Highlights
Comprehensive Curriculum: A 10-module course focused entirely on assessing and diagnosing SED across age groups
Real-World Practice: Case studies, sample reports, and scoring exercises that mirror real clinical situations
Expert Guidance: Learn from child psychologists and school-based mental health professionals
Flexible Access: Complete the course at your own pace through an easy-to-use online platform
Detailed Course Outline
Module 1: Understanding SED in Youth
Historical and legal context (IDEA, DSM, Medicaid definitions)
Overview of emotional and behavioral disorders in childhood
Module 2: The Referral and Screening Process
Recognizing red flags and initiating appropriate referrals
Screening tools and pre-assessment procedures
Module 3: Conducting Clinical Interviews
Building rapport with children and caregivers
Structured and semi-structured interview formats
Module 4: Standardized Assessment Tools
Overview of commonly used tools (BASC-3, CBCL, Conners, etc.)
Scoring and interpretation for diagnostic use
Module 5: Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)
Identifying antecedents, behaviors, and consequences
Behavior intervention planning from FBA data
Module 6: Differential Diagnosis
Identifying overlapping and masking symptoms
Case comparison: SED vs trauma, ADHD, ASD, mood disorders
Module 7: Cultural Competence in Assessment
Avoiding bias in interpretation and diagnosis
Engaging diverse families and communities in the process
Module 8: Writing Clinical Reports & Recommendations
Clear, actionable documentation
Communicating findings with schools, parents, and service providers
Module 9: Collaborating Across Systems
Working with IEP teams, child welfare, and juvenile justice
Legal and ethical considerations in interdisciplinary collaboration
Module 10: Final Review and Certification
Knowledge check and practical application
Receive your certificate in SED assessment upon completion
Why This Training Matters
Early Identification = Better Outcomes
SED, when left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, can lead to long-term academic failure, social isolation, and worsening mental health. This training empowers clinicians to intervene early and effectively.
Evidence-Based Tools & Skills
Learn to apply standardized assessments and frameworks backed by research. Accurately identifying SED allows for appropriate placement, support, and treatment.
Multidisciplinary Relevance
Whether you work in a school, clinic, or community setting, these skills apply directly to your practice and enhance collaboration with families and systems of care.
Boost Your Clinical Confidence and Career
By completing this training, you'll:
Enhance your ability to assess complex emotional and behavioral disorders
Be better equipped for school-based mental health roles, private practice, and agency settings
Expand your professional toolkit with assessments that improve outcomes for youth and families
Strengthen your qualifications for roles requiring expertise in child assessment and diagnosis
Ongoing Resources and Support
Enroll today and gain:
Lifetime access to training materials
Membership in a professional learning community
Downloadable assessment templates and sample reports
Access to future workshops and continuing education webinars
Enroll now and take the next step in becoming a more effective, confident, and responsive mental health professional supporting children and adolescents with SED.