Certificate in Depression

This course provides an in-depth understanding of depression, covering its symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options, both conventional and integrative. Gain the knowledge to recognize and manage symptoms of depression. You'll also learn about the critical issues surrounding suicide, including risk factors, assessment, and prevention strategies.

SHARE
6 Weeks / 8 Course Hrs
Currently Enrolling
Offered in partnership with your preferred school

ed2go

Change School
Learning method

Course code: 0cd

Depression (also known as major depression, major depressive disorder, or clinical depression) is a common, yet serious, mental health disorder in adults, children, and adolescents. Depression interferes with an individual's daily life and normal functioning and may cause emotional pain for the individual with the disorder as well as family and friends. By understanding the symptoms, risk factors, criteria for diagnosis, and treatment options available, depression can be recognized early, and depressive symptoms can be reduced or alleviated. Death by suicide, which can result from depression, is a tragic reaction to stressful life circumstances. Understanding the issues surrounding suicide and mental health is a vital step in preventing suicide, helping others in crisis, and changing the way all of us view suicide and mental health issues.

The outcome of this certificate is for the learner to describe the symptoms, risk factors, and diagnostic criteria for depression, as well as conventional, complementary, and integrative treatment options for those with depression. The learner will also describe risk factors, as well as assessment, treatment and prevention options for suicide.

(8.0 contact hours)

Expiration Date (Next date of course revision): 05/31/2027

Conflicts of Interest and Relevant Financial Relationships: The authors/planning committee members have no conflicts of interest or relevant financial relationships to declare relevant to this activity.

Non-endorsement of Products: Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA approval or endorsement of any commercial product.

Accreditation:

American Nurses Credentialing Center

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA Learning Solutions or Commission on Accreditation approval or endorsement of any commercial product(s).

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states.

American Board of Managed Care Nursing

The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.

What you will learn

  • Explain symptoms, risk factors, and diagnosis criteria for depression in adults
  • Explain symptoms, risk factors, and diagnosis criteria for depression in children and adolescents
  • Identify the prevalence of depression for children, adolescents, and adults
  • Describe conventional treatment approaches for depression in children, adolescents, and adults
  • Identify the prevalence of suicide in the United States and globally
  • Identify risk factors associated with considering, attempting, or dying by suicide
  • Describe methods of assessing, treating, and preventing suicide
  • Describe complementary and integrative treatment approaches for depression in all age groups including acupuncture, art and music therapy, humor, animals, light therapy, mindfulness, massage, and spirituality

How you will benefit

  • Provides learners with the ability to recognize symptoms and risk factors for depression in adults, enabling timely intervention, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment
  • Enhances understanding of how depression manifests differently in children and adolescents, facilitating early detection and intervention tailored to their developmental stage
  • Provides a comprehensive overview of how widespread depression is across different age groups, which can inform public health strategies and resource allocation
  • Familiarizes learners with conventional treatment modalities, ensuring they can recommend or apply evidence-based interventions for individuals of all ages
  • Raises awareness about the scale of suicide, highlighting the urgency of addressing mental health issues and guiding policy-making and prevention efforts
  • Improves the ability to identify individuals at risk, allowing for targeted interventions and support to prevent suicide
  • Provides knowledge on comprehensive strategies for suicide prevention, from assessment to intervention, contributing to reduced suicide rates and improved mental health outcomes
  • Expands the range of treatment options available, promoting holistic and integrative personalized care that can enhance the effectiveness of depression management across different populations

How the course is taught

  • Instructor-Moderated or Self-Guided online course
  • 6 Weeks or 3 Months access
  • 8 course hours

Depression (also known as major depression, major depressive disorder, or clinical depression) is a common, yet serious, mental health disorder. Depression interferes with an individual's daily life and normal functioning and may cause emotional pain for the individual with the disorder as well as family and friends. By understanding the symptoms, risk factors, criteria for diagnosis, and treatment options available, depression can be recognized early, and depressive symptoms can be reduced or alleviated.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the symptoms, risk factors, and diagnostic criteria for depression, as well as conventional treatment options for those with depression.

Depression can affect people of any age, including children and adolescents. Although children and adolescents might naturally have mood swings as they grow and develop, depression is different. This mood disorder can affect how children and adolescents interact with friends and family. It may prevent them from enjoying school, sports, hobbies, or other normal childhood or adolescent activities. Because children and adolescents are still developing, treatment for this complex disorder can be challenging. However, various forms of psychotherapy and medication have been effective treatments for this age group.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the types of depression present in children and adolescents, identify the symptoms, risk factors, and diagnostic criteria for depression in this age group, and identify treatment approaches for depression in children and adolescents.

Suicide—taking your own life—is a tragic reaction to stressful life circumstances. Approximately 700,000 to one million people die by suicide in the world each year. This means someone dies by suicide every 40 seconds. In the United States, there is one death by suicide every 12 minutes. Understanding the issues surrounding suicide and mental health is a vital step in preventing suicide, helping others in crisis, and changing the way all of us view suicide and mental health issues.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the incidence of, risk factors for, and ways to treat and prevent suicide.

Depression is widely experienced in the United States and globally. People with depression report a lack of interest in life and activities that they otherwise normally enjoy. Complementary and integrative approaches can be an adjunct to conventional medicine and should be considered as complements to, not replacements for, medical treatments. A great deal of research is currently evaluating these approaches and demonstrating that they are not only safe, but effective, in reducing the symptoms of depression.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the therapeutic effects of various complementary and integrative approaches on the symptoms of depression.

Cyndie Koopsen

Cyndie Koopsen, RN, BSN, MBA, HNB-BC, RN-BC, HWNC-BC is a nurse who has cared for patients in acute care settings, community clinics, and the home. Her professional nursing career has involved nursing executive leadership and administration, accreditation consultation, staff development and education, community education and wellness, and holistic care. She has designed, developed, and presented numerous educational programs for audiences covering integrative health, promotion and wellness, and chronic disease management and prevention. She is the co-author (with Caroline Young) of two health care textbooks. She is the co-CEO and co-founder of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC and has designed and developed over 300 online professional continuing education courses.

Caroline Young

Caroline Young, M.P.H., has an extensive public health background that includes experience in research, workshop presentations in various areas of health care, and online and onsite teaching. She has expertise in holistic community health and wellness program design, development, marketing, implementation, and evaluation. She has also designed, developed, and presented integrative health programs for culturally diverse populations, senior populations, and faith communities. She is the co-author (with Cyndie Koopsen) of two health care textbooks. She is the co-CEO and co-founder of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC and has designed and developed over 300 online professional continuing education courses.

Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

  • This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

  • PC: Windows 10 or later.
  • Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
  • Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

  • Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Completion Requirements:

You must complete all lessons to receive your certificate. You must pass the final exam in all lessons with a score of 80% or higher AND complete the Evaluation Form in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. Finals are graded as Pass or No Pass. Receipt of your certificate indicates successful completion of the course and that you have passed all final exams with a score of 80% or greater. You may retake final exams as many times as necessary within the duration of the course at no additional charge.

Instructor-Moderated: A new session of each course begins each month. Please refer to the session start dates for scheduling.​

Each lesson will finish with a final exam that must be passed with a score of 80% or higher. You can retake each Exam as many times as needed to pass within the duration of your course access. There are no quizzes or a cumulative final exam.

Instructor-Moderated: Once a course session starts, two lessons will be released each week for the 6 week duration of your course. You will have access to all previously released lessons until the course ends. You will interact with the instructor through the online discussion area. There are no live sessions or online meetings with the instructor.

Self-Guided: You have 3 months of access to the course. After enrolling, you can learn and complete the course at your own pace, within the allotted access period. You will have the opportunity to interact with other students in the online discussion area.

You can complete each lesson at your own pace. There is no time limit to complete each lesson, other than completing all lessons within your course access period. You must complete the mandatory course evaluation within the duration of your course to access your certificate of completion.

Instructor-Moderated: Students enrolled in a six-week online class benefit from a one-time, 10-day extension for each course. No further extensions can be provided beyond these 10 days.​

Self-Guided: Because this course is self-guided, no extensions will be granted after the start of your enrollment.​

You must complete all lessons to receive your certificate. You must pass the final exam in all lessons with a score of 80% or higher AND complete the Evaluation Form in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. Finals are graded as Pass or No Pass. Receipt of your certificate indicates successful completion of the course and that you have passed all final exams with a score of 80% or greater. You may retake final exams as many times as necessary within the duration of the course at no additional charge.

Yes. This course is acceptable for continuing education contact hours in all states. However, all healthcare providers are responsible for checking the "Accreditation" list to determine if this course awards contact hours for their profession.

Yes. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

NURSING

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP 14693, for the stated number of contact hours.

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANTS (CNAs) & CERTIFIED HEMODIALYSIS TECHNICIANS (CHTs)
The California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification Section accepts continuing education offered by CA-BRN approved providers.

CERTIFIED MANAGED CARE NURSE (CMCN)
The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

DIABETES EDUCATORS

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.

NAADAC (National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors)

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors(NAADAC) (Provider #107194).