Postpartum depression (PPD) is the focus of this course, which gives mental health professionals a complete picture of its diagnosis, assessment and evidence-based treatment. Participants learn to spot the clinical features of PPD, separate it from other postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, and choose suitable screening and diagnostic tools. Treatment options are reviewed, including psychotherapy such as CBT and IPT, medication considerations and integrative approaches. The course pays particular attention to supporting new parents with compassion and cultural sensitivity, taking in hormonal changes, shifts in identity and available support. Clinicians leave with practical strategies for helping clients through the postpartum period and for promoting recovery and bonding between parent and infant.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Accurately assess and diagnose postpartum depression using validated screening tools and clinical criteria, while differentiating it from other perinatal mood disorders.
- Apply evidence-based treatment protocols and therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapies, to support individuals experiencing postpartum depression.
- Demonstrate the ability to provide empathetic, culturally sensitive care and support to postpartum clients, incorporating family dynamics, psychosocial stressors, and parent-infant attachment.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Accurately assess and diagnose postpartum depression using validated screening tools and clinical criteria, while differentiating it from other perinatal mood disorders.
- Two different experiences
- Messaging about motherhood and childbirth
- Men and PPD
- Presentation matching exercise
- Distinguishing PPD from postpartum psychosis
- DSM-5-TR criteria and diagnostic considerations
- Postpartum anxiety
- The HPA axis
- Symptoms and risk factors of PPD, assessment
Objective #2: Apply evidence-based treatment protocols and therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapies, to support individuals experiencing postpartum depression.
- General treatment recommendations
- Barriers to asking for help
- Benefits of asking for help
- The ecomap for PPD
- Safety planning template
- IPT and CBT case examples
Objective #3: Demonstrate the ability to provide empathetic, culturally sensitive care and support to postpartum clients, incorporating family dynamics, psychosocial stressors, and parent-infant attachment.
- Cultural considerations
- Culturally responsive questions
- Case study roundtable
- First-time mother severe sleep deprivation and guilt
- NICU parent with trauma symptoms
- Culturally isolated immigrant mother with limited support
- Father experiencing intrusive harm-related thoughts
- Key recommendations
- Between feedings and after the breaking poem
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: July 24, 2026
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 3hrs 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