Addressing Depression in Children and Adolescents

This course trains social workers to support children and teens with depression through evidence‑based interventions, family engagement, school collaboration, and trauma‑informed, ethical practice

🕒 4 CE HOURS

AUTHORS: Beth Hagan, Ph.D. and Rachel Kalina, MSW, LCSW COURSE LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

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DirectorEducation Pathways, LLC provider # 0000, 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: 00/00/2025–00/00/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 4 Clinical continuing education credits.

This online reading-based asynchronous distance learning course :

equips social workers with the knowledge and skills to identify, assess, and treat depression in children and adolescents. It explores developmental, biological, and psychosocial factors contributing to youth depression, while emphasizing cultural competence and trauma‑informed care.

Participants will learn evidence‑based interventions such as CBT, IPT, DBT, and family‑centered approaches, with strategies for engaging families and caregivers. Special attention is given to school‑based interventions, multidisciplinary collaboration, and ethical considerations in working with minors.

By the end of the course, learners will be prepared to support young clients with depression using informed, compassionate, and practical approaches.

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Learning Objectives:

Identify differences in depressive symptoms between children and adolescents.
Explain biological, genetic, environmental, psychosocial, familial, and cultural risk factors.
Apply evidence‑based screening tools and culturally responsive assessment strategies.
Compare treatment modalities including CBT, IPT‑A, DBT, family interventions, and pharmacology.
Create supportive school environments and collaborate with community partners.
Deliver psychoeducation and parent training to engage families.
Apply culturally competent treatment planning for diverse youth populations.
Implement suicide risk assessment, crisis planning, and postvention support.
Promote resilience and recovery through strengths‑based strategies.
Apply ethical and professional standards when working with minors.

View Course Timed Agenda

1. Introduction to Depression in Children and Adolescents (15 min)

Developmental context of depression
Diagnostic criteria for MDD
Prevalence and trends
Risk and protective factors
Role of the social worker

2. Understanding Etiology and Risk Factors (20 min)

Biological and genetic influences
Environmental and psychosocial contributors
Trauma, neglect, abuse
Family dynamics and attachment
Social and cultural influences

3. Assessment and Diagnosis (27 min)

Screening tools (PHQ‑9, CDI)
Developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive assessments
Interviewing children, adolescents, families
Differential diagnoses (anxiety, ADHD, bipolar)
Interdisciplinary collaboration

4. Evidence‑Based Treatment Approaches (48 min)

CBT, IPT‑A, DBT
Family‑based interventions
Psychopharmacology considerations
Integrating trauma‑informed care

5. School‑Based and Community Interventions (20 min)

Role of school social workers
Collaboration with educators and counselors
Early intervention and prevention programs
Supportive school environments
Community partnerships

6. Working with Families and Caregivers (30 min)

Psychoeducation and parent training
Enhancing family communication and attachment
Engaging caregivers as treatment partners
Addressing family stress and conflict

7. Special Considerations in Treatment Planning (14 min)

Cultural competence and diversity
LGBTQIA+ youth vulnerabilities
Child welfare and juvenile justice involvement
Comorbid conditions
Barriers to care

8. Suicide Risk Assessment and Crisis Intervention (26 min)

Warning signs and risk factors
Conducting suicide risk assessments
Crisis planning and safety contracts
Postvention and family support
Legal and ethical responsibilities

9. Promoting Resilience and Recovery (23 min)

Strengths‑based approaches
Coping and emotion regulation skills
Positive peer relationships
Supporting identity and self‑esteem
Relapse prevention and long‑term planning

10. Ethical and Professional Considerations (17 min)

Confidentiality and informed consent with minors
Mandated reporting obligations
Navigating dual relationships and boundaries
Supervision
Course conclusion

🕒 Total Instruction Time

240 minutes (4 CEU Hours)

🌟 Key Takeaway

This course empowers social workers to deliver evidence‑based, trauma‑informed, and culturally competent care for children and adolescents with depression, while engaging families, schools, and communities to promote resilience and recovery.

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