Bipolar Disorder: Diagnostic & Clinical Considerations
Presented by Sara Vicendese, LMFT
Friday, June 8 2022, 9AM PST
OVERVIEW:
This presentation aims to hep clinicians gain confidence in accurately assessing and effectively treating bipolar disorders. Sara starts by providing an overview of diagnostic criteria, which will help therapists differentiate between “normal” mood swings and those that meet criteria for mania, hypomania, depression and cyclothymia. She also identifies other psychological disorders that are often comorbid with - or misdiagnosed as - bipolar disorder.
After clarifying the diagnostic requirements, Sara presents assessment tools and strategies that, when utilized in session, increase the likelihood of an accurate diagnosis. She provides specific language culled from structured diagnostic clinical interviews to help clinicians narrow their focus and get the most useful information from their patients.
In the treatment section of her presentation, Sara highlights effective strategies and behavioral tools that will help empower clinicians in their therapy sessions and identify potential risk factors for relapse. Sara also provides case studies from her own experience to help illustrate the teachings and provide a broader conceptualization of the information presented.
OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this 1-hour presentation, attendees will be able to:
1) Strengthen understanding of diagnostic criteria and differential diagnoses
2) Develop the ability to utilize assessment strategies to make an accurate diagnosis
3)Expand clinical knowledge of treatment strategies used to treat bipolar disorders
4)Increase awards of local resources available to patients and their families.
This presentation aims to hep clinicians gain confidence in accurately assessing and effectively treating bipolar disorders. Sara starts by providing an overview of diagnostic criteria, which will help therapists differentiate between “normal” mood swings and those that meet criteria for mania, hypomania, depression and cyclothymia. She also identifies other psychological disorders that are often comorbid with - or misdiagnosed as - bipolar disorder.
After clarifying the diagnostic requirements, Sara presents assessment tools and strategies that, when utilized in session, increase the likelihood of an accurate diagnosis. She provides specific language culled from structured diagnostic clinical interviews to help clinicians narrow their focus and get the most useful information from their patients.
In the treatment section of her presentation, Sara highlights effective strategies and behavioral tools that will help empower clinicians in their therapy sessions and identify potential risk factors for relapse. Sara also provides case studies from her own experience to help illustrate the teachings and provide a broader conceptualization of the information presented.
OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this 1-hour presentation, attendees will be able to:
1) Strengthen understanding of diagnostic criteria and differential diagnoses
2) Develop the ability to utilize assessment strategies to make an accurate diagnosis
3)Expand clinical knowledge of treatment strategies used to treat bipolar disorders
4)Increase awards of local resources available to patients and their families.
Meet Our Presenter
Sara Vicendese is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (license #85361). She and her associates provide in-person and teletherapy services to clients across the state. Her offices are located in West Los Angeles and Calabasas. Sara’s practice treats adults, adolescents, children and couples.
Sara's professional experience is diverse. At The Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills, she received supervised training in psychodynamic, interpersonal therapy. At the UCLA Mood Disorders Research Program in Westwood, she was trained in the clinical assessment of mood disorders (specializing in bipolar disorder). Sara also trained at the UCLA Anxiety Disorders Pediatric Intensive Outpatient Program, working with adolescents diagnosed with severe anxiety disorders– including, but not limited to, obsessive-compulsive disorder, specific phobia and social phobia. This clinic specializes in providing Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), a behavioral treatment approach proven effective in treating severe anxiety disorders. As an MFT Intern in private practice, Sara provided psychotherapy services under the direct supervision of Dr. Michael Cameron, Licensed Psychologist and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine.
In addition to her private practice, Sara also recently served as a Staff Research Associate at UCLA's Child & Adolescent Mood Disorders Program.
Sara also completed an externship in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy conducted by EFT creator and licensed psychologist Sue Johnson.
Sara earned her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California, and her Bachelor’s Degree from New York University.
Sara frequently conducts training sessions for licensed and pre-licensed clinicians on the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Sara was raised in Seattle and spent many years in New York City before moving to Los Angeles. While she often misses rainy Seattle weather and the energy of NYC, she has developed a genuine love and appreciation for LA. She enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and playing tennis. She also practices yoga and meditation and incorporates elements of mindfulness and breath work into her sessions.
CE DETAILS
This course is intended for beginning to advanced mental health professionals.
Course meets the qualifications for 1 hour of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. CE completion certificates will be awarded when participants complete the course evaluation after speaker presentation.
ADA Compliance not applicable.
Please contact hello@shrinksync.com with any questions, grievances or accommodation requests.
CAMFT-approved Continuing Education Provider #129308
ShrinkSync is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs. ShrinkSync maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.