Diagnosing a client within the short timeframe of an intake assessment is not a simple task. After all, the DSM 5TR is over 1100 pages! The options are numerous, and many symptoms can be seen in multiple diagnoses, making differentiating one from another complicated. As clinicians, we can put a lot of pressure on ourselves to get it “right.” We also deal with clients coming into our offices often telling us what their diagnoses are (that they were told by a previous provider or have self-diagnosed). We want an accurate clinical conclusion, and, on top of that, insurances require a diagnosis to bill.
This training aims to build your confidence in your diagnostic skills, as well as take some of the pressure off. It will provide some quick things to look for to differentiate between common diagnoses that have some overlap. We will also look at special populations that have some diagnoses that frequently come up for them to help steer you in the right direction for yours and your client’s treatment plan. You will have the opportunity to practice asking questions that help you narrow down your choices for diagnosing.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Examine the similarities and differences between common diagnoses.
- Explore how they present in different settings and populations.
- Discuss ways to elicit information crucial to your diagnosis.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective 1: F.I.D.O.-a quantifying tool for symptoms
- Defining F.I.D.O.
- All four components of F.I.D.O. are required to determine if a diagnosis is present
Objective 2: Examining trauma
- Trauma can masquerade as other diagnoses
- The pair of ACEs
- Trauma and Mood
Objective 3: Exploring some adult diagnoses
- Mood instability
- Psychosis
- Personality disorders
Objective 4: Exploring some childhood diagnoses
- Disruptive behaviors
- Mood instability
- Inattention
Practice scenarios
Special populations
- Preschool
- Full-service partnerships/Assertive Community Therapy
- Co-occurring disorders
- Older adults
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 1.5 hours of Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: AJ Tschupp, LCSW
Recording Date: March 14, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, 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: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com