Continuing Education

The Clinical Interview

Jennifer Berton, PhD, LICSW, CADC-IIRegister Now for CE programs now
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
In-person
9:30 am – 4 pm
5.5 CECs

Registration Fee: $125
UConn SSW Alumni and Current Field Instructors receive a 10% discount

Classroom location, directions and parking details will be included in your email confirmation

Trainings on assessment and diagnosis typically focus on client symptoms and psychopathology. This training has the actual clinical interview at its focus, exploring how to gather the information you need from each client. Participants will learn how to prepare, what skills are needed, and where to focus each section of the interview.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify the primary goal(s) of the clinical interview
  • Gather useful listening and verbal skills that support rapport
  • Explore how to direct and redirect clients and the path of the interview
  • Learn strategies to manage common scenarios that challenge the interview

Current Pharmacotherapy

Kristin Waters, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP
Webinar
Tuesday, June 17, TIME?
2 CECs

Dr. Kristin Waters, a clinical pharmacist in psychiatry and assistant clinical professor at the UConn School of Pharmacy will join us to examine current pharmacotherapy for Depression and Anxiety Disorders and Alcohol Use Disorder and Opioid Use Disorder. In the first half of the webinar, Dr. Waters will examine treatment for major depression and anxiety disorders which are among the most common psychiatric conditions affecting adults in the US. She will discuss the medications most commonly used in the management of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder. While pharmacologic management may not be appropriate for all patients, it is important for social workers to have a basic understanding of these common medications.

The second hour of the webinar will focus on Alcohol Use Disorder and Opioid Use Disorder. Substance use disorders (SUDs) can have a major impact on the individual, their family, and the community. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most common SUD in the United States, affecting approximately 30 million people. While opioid use disorder (OUD) is less common, the mortality rate is significant due to the risk of overdose and/or unsafe behaviors associated with use that can lead to further medical complications. Most people with SUDs do not seek treatment. However, medications used in the management of AUD and OUD can improve outcomes. These medications will be discussed during this webinar.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify medications that are considered first-line therapy for the management of major depressive disorder and the anxiety disorders discussed
• Describe the basic mechanism of action of antidepressant medications and other medications commonly used to manage anxiety
• Describe the most common side effects associated medications discussed including the black box warning for increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors for patients less than 25 years old
• Identify medications that are considered first-line therapy for the management of alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorders
• Describe logistical considerations surrounding how patients obtain medications used for OUD
• Discuss risks and benefits of pharmacologic strategies and role of medications in harm reduction

Making Sense of the DSM 5 TR

Jennifer Berton, PhD, LICSW, CADC-IIRegister Now for CE programs now
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
In-person
9:30 am – 4 pm
5.5 CECs

Participants are requested to bring a copy of the DSM 5 to practice diagnosis using clinical vignettes during the workshop.

Registration Fee: $125
UConn SSW Alumni and Current Field Instructors receive a 10% discount

Classroom location, driving directions and parking details will be included in your email confirmation

The 5th edition of the DSM is a manual rich with information and guidance into the diagnostic process, yet most clinicians only utilize a portion of the manual. Are you prepared to incorporate the manual into your practice to accurately diagnose your clients? The workshop provides practical insights into navigating the DSM’s complex structure, ensuring accurate and consistent application in clinical practice. We will examine the full manual and practice accurate diagnosis together.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the major philosophical and categorical changes in the DSM 5
  • Learn the essential features of each disorder group in the DSM 5
  • Examine the assessment tools published with the DSM 5
  • Practice diagnosis using the DSM 5 through clinical vignettes

Art of Diagnosis

Register for CE programs nowJennifer Berton, PhD, LICSW, CADC-II
Wednesday, May, 28, 2025
In-person
9:30 am – 4 pm
5.5 CECs

Registration Fee: $125
UConn SSW Alumni and Current Field Instructors receive a 10% discount

Classroom location, directions and parking details will be included in your email confirmation

The diagnosis is at the root of all clinical work, yet there is little education on how to write diagnoses well. This training explores common diagnostic errors and how to avoid them using several significant assessment tools that allow us to get to the best diagnosis for each client.

Delve into the intricacies of diagnostic processes, learning how to differentiate between various mental health disorders with precision and confidence. This training emphasizes critical thinking and the application of diagnostic criteria in real-world scenarios.

Learning Objectives

  • Explore common diagnostic mistakes clinicians make
  • Learn the major influences that affect our diagnostic process
  • Evaluate critical assessment tools to aid in diagnosis
  • Practice assessment utilizing clinical assessment tools

The Power of Group Work in the School Setting

Antoinette Brown, LMSWRegister Now for CE programs
Saturday, May 17, 2025
9:30 am – 4:00 pm
In-person Seminar
5.5 CECs

Registration Fee: $125
10% discount for UConn SSW Alumni and Current SSW Field Instructors

This seminar is designed for School Social Workers and other education professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of group work as a powerful tool for supporting students’ social and emotional well-being. Participants will explore how group work fosters a sense of belonging, strengthens peer connections, and addresses academic, relational, and behavioral challenges. By creating a supportive group environment, School Social Workers and Group Work Facilitators play a crucial role in fostering a more conducive learning atmosphere for all students.

Key Takeaways:

• Practical strategies for planning and facilitating effective school-based groups.
• A deeper understanding of how group work meets students’ social-emotional needs.
• Tools for creating inclusive, trauma-informed group environments.
• Techniques to navigate common challenges in group dynamics.
• Increased confidence in using group work to support student success.

This interactive seminar will equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to implement meaningful group interventions that foster student well-being and success in the school setting.

By the end of this seminar, participants will:

• Understand the role of group work in promoting students’ social-emotional growth and academic success.
• Learn strategies for intentional planning and preparation of group sessions.
• Identify different types of school-based groups and their specific purposes.
• Explore trauma-informed practices within the group setting.
• Develop skills to promote cultural competency and inclusiveness in group work.
• Engage in interactive learning activities that reflect real-world group dynamics.
• Discuss the organic nuances and challenges of facilitating school-based groups.

 

 

Sacred Space: When Gender-Affirming Care Changes Us, Too

Sarah Gilbert, LCSWRegister Now for CE programs
Friday, May 16, 2025
9 am – 12 pm
3 CECs*

Registration Fee: $75
10% discount for UConn SSW Alumni and Current SSW Field Instructors

This experiential workshop explores the profound reciprocal transformation that occurs in the practice of gender-affirming therapy. Mental health providers working with transgender and gender diverse (TGD) clients are not merely witnesses to their clients’ journeys and supporting them through transition, but are themselves changed through the process of creating and holding therapeutic space. Participants will examine both the challenges of vicarious trauma and the growth opportunities of vicarious resilience, developing concrete strategies for sustainable practice while honoring the sacred nature of this work.

Through multimedia presentations, reflective exercises, case discussions, and collaborative learning, participants will gain deeper understanding of their own experiences while building practical skills for integration and resilience. This workshop uniquely balances honoring the transformative impact of gender-affirming care with developing sustainable clinical practices in the current challenging sociopolitical environment.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will identify at least three ways in which their work with transgender and gender diverse clients has impacted their professional identity and clinical practice.
  • Participants will demonstrate two concrete strategies for managing vicarious trauma while maintaining therapeutic presence in gender-affirming care.
  • Participants will develop a personalized sustainability plan that includes specific boundary-setting practices, self-care rituals, and/or professional support mechanisms.

Social Work, Sports, and Society

Qur-an Webb, MSW
Register Now for CE programsWednesday, May 14, 2025
Live Webinar
2 pm – 4 pm
2 CECs

Registration Fee: $50
10% discount for UConn SSW Alumni and Current SSW Field Instructors

This webinar explores the dynamic intersection of social work, sports, and societal issues, focusing on how athletics can serve as a platform for addressing social challenges. Participants will examine the mental health needs of athletes, the impact of race and gender in sports, and the crucial role of social work in supporting athletes, coaches, and officials.

Topics include mental health awareness and resilience-building and relationships within athletics. The training will also look into race while preparing participants to foster positive societal change through the lens of sports and social work.

Learning Objectives:
• Explore the role of social work in athletics and the fundamentals of mental health in sports
• Discussing the importance of fostering healthy relationships amongst the spectators, athletes’ coaches, and officials
• Explore diversity, inclusion, and strengthening self-worth and integrity in individual and team dynamics
• Develop strategies for managing goals, their impact on motivation, maintaining focus and achieving long-term success

Mastering the Mental Status Exam

Jennifer Berton, PhD, LICSW, CADC-IIRegister Now for CE programs
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
In-person
9:30 am – 4 pm
5.5 CECs

Registration Fee: $125
10% discount for UConn SSW Alumni and Current SSW Field Instructors

All clinicians need to develop skills in conducting and interpreting the Mental Status Examination. This course offers a detailed exploration of the MSE components, enabling participants to assess cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning accurately.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify & describe the key components of the MSE
  • Learn to conduct a more thorough MSE exam
  • Practice recognizing elements of the MSE in vignettes
  • Recognize the influence of cultural background and individual traits on MSE

Ethical Strains in a Politically Charged Climate

Jennifer Berton, PhD, LICSW, CADC-IIRegister Now for CE programs
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Live Webinar
9 am – 12 pm
3 CECs

Registration Fee: $75
10% discount for UConn SSW Alumni and Current SSW Field Instructors

Clinicians are faced with significant strains on the ethical boundaries of the clinical relationship in this politically charged climate. Exhausted and pressured, clinicians need support and tools to navigate these unique stressors on clinical practice. This training explores how different ethical principles clash under the unique pressures we face today, and offers the tools we need to address them effectively. Through case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will learn to balance advocacy with ethical boundaries while protecting the therapeutic alliance.

Learning Objectives:
1. Explore the specific ethical principles at risk of clashing.
2. Gain methods on how to build a healthy clinical relationship.
3. Gather tools to avoid ethical pitfalls in the therapeutic alliance.
4. Connect the concept of cultural humility with professional integrity.

Building a Private Practice

Jennifer Berton, PhD, LICSW, CADC-IIRegister now for CE programs
Live Webinar
Tuesdays, April 29, May 6, and May 13, 2025
9 am – 12 pm
9 CECs – participants must attend all 3 sessions to earn CECs

Registration Fee: $225
10% discount for UConn SSW Alumni and Current SSW Field Instructors

Webinar link will be emailed when your registration is complete.

Welcome to the Building a Private Practice Series. This training is not only for people who are thinking about starting a practice, but also for those who have an existing practice. It’s never too late to make some adjustments to your practice that will help it grow more effectively. This training relates to direct practice as it aims to help the clinician build a practice that will benefit the clients it serves and ensure their practice adheres to the strictest of ethical principles. Participants will learn how to build a private practice that meet the needs of the clients they serve and strengthens both the client’s treatment experience and the profession as a whole.

This training is split into 3 consecutive Thursday webinars. Participants must attend all 3 sessions to earn CECs.

DAY 1 covers the top mistakes people make in private practice, and begins to layout the framework for building a better one. We will explore the nuts and bolts of who, why,  where, and when to open a private practice. Then we will dive into how to set up your practice with your own policies and procedures.

DAY 2 begins with ironing out all the financial aspects of your private practice, including how to set a fee schedule, how and why to work with insurances, how and why to work with private pay options, bank accounts, insurances, and taxes. We will then lay out all the clinical paperwork you need to safeguard your practice the right way.

DAY 3 begins with a discussion of how to market your business, where you should focus and what you should ignore. We then round out the series by exploring how to develop your practice, how to effectively close your practice, and how to troubleshoot your practice when it isn’t growing as you would like it to grow.