Understanding and Addressing Postpartum Depression

This course equips social workers to assess, treat, and support parents with postpartum depression using trauma‑informed, culturally competent, evidence‑based practices.

🕒 3 CE HOURS

COURSE LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

Date of course creation/update: 4/15/2025

CE Broker Tracking NO: #20-1354078

Education Pathways, LLC provider #2485, 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: 02/05/2026–02/05/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical continuing education credits.

This online reading-based asynchronous distance learning course :

provides an in-depth exploration of postpartum depression (PPD), including its clinical features, biopsychosocial risk factors, and treatment approaches. Social workers will learn to assess, intervene, and support birthing parents through a trauma-informed and culturally competent lens. The course emphasizes early identification, family systems involvement, and integration of evidence-based practices. Participants will gain tools to advocate for better maternal mental health care and reduce stigma around perinatal mood disorders.

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Learning Objectives:

Describe the clinical and psychosocial profile of postpartum depression.
Identify multifactorial risk factors contributing to PPD.
Utilize appropriate tools and strategies for assessment and diagnosis.
Differentiate treatment based on cultural, systemic, and identity-related factors.
Apply evidence-based practices in supporting clients with PPD.
Engage families in holistic support strategies.
Adapt interventions for vulnerable and high-risk populations.
Coordinate care and advocate within interdisciplinary maternal health systems.

View Course Timed Agenda

Introduction to Postpartum Depression (24 min)

Definitions and terminology
Differentiating baby blues, PPD, and postpartum psychosis
Epidemiology and prevalence
DSM-5 criteria for major depressive episode with peripartum onset
Impact on parents, infants, and families

Etiology and Risk Factors (15 min)

Biological and hormonal changes
Psychological vulnerabilities (trauma, depression history)
Social and environmental factors
Cultural and socioeconomic disparities
Partner relationships and support systems

Assessment and Diagnosis (15 min)

Screening tools (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, PHQ-9)
Clinical interviews and risk assessment
Recognizing PPD in non-birthing parents
Distinguishing PPD from anxiety and other mood disorders
Referral for psychiatric evaluation

Psychosocial and Cultural Dimensions (16 min)

Stigma and shame surrounding maternal mental health
Cross-cultural differences in postpartum experiences
PPD in LGBTQIA+ families
Immigrant and refugee mothers
Addressing disparities and trauma

Evidence-Based Interventions (22 min)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Group therapy and psychoeducation
Mindfulness-based interventions
Pharmacotherapy and coordination with prescribers
Peer support models and home visiting programs

Family-Centered and Dyadic Interventions (17 min)

Importance of partner and family involvement
Impact of PPD on infant bonding and development
Parent-infant psychotherapy and attachment work
Education and support for co-parents and caregivers
Promoting resilience and secure attachment

Working with High-Risk and Special Populations (17 min)

Teen parents
Parents with substance use disorders
Survivors of trauma and domestic violence
NICU and medically fragile infants
Perinatal loss and complicated grief

Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Systems of Care (19 min)

Working within perinatal healthcare teams
Integrating care with obstetricians, doulas, pediatricians, lactation consultants
Role of social workers in perinatal care coordination
Community-based services and maternal mental health initiatives
Referral pathways and follow-up

Total Time

180 minutes (3 CE Hours)

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