Overview:
Subtle enough to be frequently overlooked, yet powerful enough to cause significant negative effects in the long term, Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) requires a carefully tuned approach. Also known as dysthymia, PDD is often ignored or misdiagnosed because the associated symptoms present less dramatically than those of severe depression. However, it can still affect the quality of life for patients, pervading relationships, work, and more.
This webinar outlines a comprehensive model for diagnosing, treating, and supporting clients with PDD. Key concepts include refining diagnostic criteria (especially when differentiating PDD from similar disorders), CBT and ACT treatment approaches, and more. By the end of the webinar, participants will have a complete clinical picture and a clear approach to diagnosing and treating PDD.
Objectives:
Explain the diagnostic skills and criteria for PDD, including differentiating this chronic disorder from other mood disorders and monitoring for comorbidities.
Identify evidence-based therapeutic approaches for dysthymia, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and psychopharmacology.
Equip clinicians with tools to teach healthy self-management and coping skills to clients, including mindfulness practices and other practical means of recognizing and resolving dysthymia symptoms.
Scope and Limitations Disclosure
This course is intended for licensed mental health professionals and offers a clinical overview of Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia. The training focuses on diagnostic differentiation, treatment planning, and evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness. While practical strategies and clinical tools are presented, the course is not a substitute for formal training in any specific therapeutic modality. Participants are expected to apply the content within their professional scope of practice and in accordance with licensing and ethical guidelines.
Commercial Support Disclosure
Ellen Biros has no relevant financial relationships or commercial support to disclose. There is no requirement to purchase any additional materials to complete this training.
Course materials are only available to enrolled students.
-
Ellen Biros, MS, LCSW, C-PD
Ellen Biros is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and adjunct professor. With over 20 years of experience in social work, Ellen is a seasoned expert in the treatment and assessment of individuals with personality disorders, substance abuse issues, and emotional regulation problems. Ellen earned a Master’s degree in Justice from American University in Washington, DC, and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Georgia. She has been sharing her knowledge with students at Tulane University in the School of Social Work and The University of Phoenix in the College of Social Services and the College of Natural Sciences. She is known for her dynamic and engaging teaching style and her ability to inspire students to achieve their full potential. Ellen is also an accomplished author and speaker. She has authored several continuing education seminars that have been well-received by professionals in the field. Her seminars, such as “Personality Disorders: The Challenges of the Hidden Agenda,” “Antisocial, Borderline, Narcissistic and Histrionic: Effective Treatment for Cluster B Personality Disorders,” and “Unmasking Manipulative Relationships: Effective Strategies for Countering Covert Abuse,.”
National Approvals
eCare BHI, as the accredited and approved sponsor, maintains responsibility for all the programs and must abide by each board’s continuing education guidelines.

Professional Counselors — The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
E Care Behavioral Health Institute has been approved by NBCC as an approved Continuing Education Provider. ACEP No. 6703. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC are clearly identified. E care Behavioral Health Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Addiction Professionals — NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)
E Care Behavioral Health Institute is officially on file with NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) as an Approved Education Provider. They are formally known as NAADAC Provider #139138. Please note that E care Behavioral Health Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.

Social Workers — Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
E Care Behavioral Health Institute, #1706, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. E Care Behavioral Health Institute maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 06-03-2020 – 06-03-2026.

CE Broker
CE Broker is a continuing education tracking system in which licensees track their compliance and report their completed CE hours credit (CE Broker Tracking #50-33336)
State Approvals
States that Accept ASWB-ACE Approved Providers |
||||||
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut |
Delaware | District Of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois |
Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland |
Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska |
Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio |
Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee |
Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin |
Wyoming |
States that Accepts NBCC Approved Courses: |
||||||
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut |
Delaware | District Of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Indiana |
Iowa | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Missouri | New Hampshire | New Jersey |
New Mexico | Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota |
Tennessee | Texas | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | Wisconsin |
- Nevada CPC’s and MFT’s accept ASWB-approved training
- North Dakota Board Of Counselor Examiners LAPC and LAPCS accept ASWB approved training
- Rhode Island Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists MHC’s accept ASWB approved training
- Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council LPC and LPCS accept ASWB approved training
- Utah Division of Professional Licensing – CMHC’s accept ASWB approved training
- Washington State Department of Mental Health MHC’s accept ASWB approved training
- Wisconsin Council on Mental Health LPCS accepts ASWB-approved training
States that Accept NAADAC Approved Providers |
||||||
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | Delaware | Hawaii | Indiana |
Kentucky | Maine | Massachusetts | Minnesota | Montana | Nevada | New Jersey |
New Jersey | New Mexico | North Carolina | North Dakota | Oregon | Rhode Island | Tennessee |
Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wisconsin | Wyoming |
States that Accept APA Approved Providers |
||||||
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Delaware | District Of Columbia |
Florida | Georgia | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas |
Kentucky | Louisiana | Maryland | Massachusetts | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri |
Montana | Nebraska | New Jersey | New Mexico | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma |
Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | Tennessee | Utah | Vermont | Virginia |
Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming |