This workshop provides vital information to ensure that clinicians, helping professionals, caregivers & teachers are able to recognize the signs & symptoms of adolescent depression (with particular attention to underserved, BIPOC youth.

 Course Description:

Depression is often misdiagnosed and untreated in adolescents, particularly female teens of color. Special attention is paid to the issues and concerns for historically underserved, BIPOC youth. The Workshop will highlight how the race and gender of both the client and the clinician impact the diagnosis and treatment; this workshop uses both didactic and interactive, experiential teaching methods. Connections are made in regard to historical trauma, family history, and the impact of social constructs on mental health. Concrete treatment interventions will be provided to increase more accurate assessment and prognosis.

Teaching Methods:

·        This course is geared toward adult learners.

·        It will be taught with a combination of methods. Didactic lecture and the use of Power Point, video and other media.

·        Interactive activities such as role-play, and in vivo practice allow participants to practice the interventions, skills and techniques taught in the workshop.

·        Discussion of specific case examples to highlight use of interventions will occur throughout.

·        This course is available as a Single Day, 4-Hour Workshop or Single Day, 6-Hour Workshop.

Learning Objectives:

·        Learn & practice in an interactive, experiential setting how to provide concrete treatment interventions to decrease depressive symptoms.

·        Identify greater awareness of unconscious (or conscious) racial & gender bias in diagnosing depression in youth.

·        Assess the differences between adult and adolescent /childhood depression. 

·        Determine best practices for determining depression in adolescents.