This intermediate-to-advanced level course is designed for counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and social workers who seek to deepen their clinical understanding of adolescent development. Focusing on chapters 11–18 of Working with Adolescents: A Guide for Practitioners (2nd ed.), the course offers a comprehensive examination of ecological theory and its relevance to adolescents navigating today’s multifaceted social environments. Participants will engage with current research on sexual orientation, gender identity, and nonbinary identity development, gaining practical tools for affirming and inclusive practice with LGBTQI+ youth. The course prioritizes cultural sensitivity and clinical relevance, encouraging the use of gender-neutral language and integrative strategies to support adolescents in a variety of settings.
This course is based on the book, Working With Adolescents: A Guide for Practitioners created by Laser, Julie Anne et al in 2021.
Publication Date
Second Edition 2021
Course Material Authors
Course Material Authors authored the material only, and were not involved in creating this CE course. They are identified here for your own evaluation of the relevancy of the material this course is based on.
Laser, Julie Anne
Dr. Julie Anne Laser is a professor at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work. She is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in adolescent mental health.
Nicotera, Nicole
Dr. Nicole Nicotera is also a professor at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work. She specializes in ecological theory and practice-based teaching. This is the first work by both authors published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Kathryn Held, Psy. D associate and CADC III, is an individual therapist at Visions adolescent treatment centers. With a decade of experience in the mental health field, Kathryn specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, and the OCD spectrum. Kathryn also has expertise in working with LGBTQ+ adolescents while navigating complex family systems. Her current research projects include adolescent suicide and the use of OCD art interventions in anxiety and OCD treatment. She is trained in CBT, ACT and Exposure and Response Prevention. Her empathetic and artistic approach helps support, educate, and instill agency in her clients. Prior to joining the Visions team, Kathryn worked in various treatment settings including detox, sober living, and as the Program Director of a dual diagnosis outpatient treatment center.
Recommended For
Counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists and social workers. This course is appropriate for intermediate and above levels of knowledge.
Course Objectives:
After taking this course, you should be able to:
Differentiate between substance use, experimentation, and substance dependence in adolescents, and explain their clinical implications.
Identify and describe a broad spectrum of queer identities, including emerging terminology relevant to adolescent development.
Evaluate developmentally appropriate treatment interventions for addressing substance use disorders in youth
Analyze the impact of anxiety, depression, ASD, ADHD, and suicidality on adolescents’ cognitive, emotional, and social functioning.
Identify key prevalence rates and assess risk factors for suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in youth populations.
Availability
This course is available starting Apr 23rd, 2025 and expires Apr 22nd, 2035
Disclosure to Learners
Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships
CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited
Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity –
including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial
relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).
The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity's planners, faculty, and
the reviewer:
Planners and Reviewers
The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.
Material Authors
There are no known relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Course Creator
Kathryn Held, Psy.D., CADC III – No Disclosures to report
Commercial support
There is no commercial support for this distance-learning course.
Exam Questions
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