Counseling Techniques>Mental Health Disorders

Personality Disorders Masterclass: Build Treatment Plans That Fit Each Client Across Clusters A, B & C (RV)

Thursday, November 12, 2026

10:00 AM ET – 5:30 PM ET

Overview:

Personality disorders can be among the most complex and challenging conditions encountered in clinical practice, often involving persistent difficulties with emotional regulation, identity, impulse control, interpersonal relationships, and patterns of thinking and behavior. This training provides clinicians with a practical framework for assessing, conceptualizing, and treating personality pathology across Clusters A, B, and C using categorical and dimensional approaches. Participants will learn to recognize diagnostic features, underlying interpersonal patterns, differentiate personality pathology from other clinical conditions, and develop individualized case conceptualizations that guide treatment. The program integrates evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, schema-focused interventions, behavioral strategies, and skills training while addressing transference, countertransference, therapeutic boundaries, treatment resistance, and clinician frustration. Special attention is also given to managing high-risk presentations, including suicidality, self-injury, aggression, impulsivity, and other treatment-interfering behaviors, helping clinicians build more effective therapeutic relationships and develop structured, individualized treatment plans for clients with complex personality presentations.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  1. Differentiate the defining clinical characteristics and diagnostic patterns of personality disorders across DSM personality disorder clusters and distinguish personality traits from personality pathology.

  2. Apply categorical and dimensional approaches to personality disorder assessment, including evaluation of identity, self-direction, empathy, intimacy, pathological personality traits, pervasiveness, stability, and functional impairment.

  3. Differentiate personality pathology by considering other mental disorders, substance-related conditions, medical factors, developmental stage, and sociocultural context during assessment and differential diagnosis.

  4. Develop an individualized case conceptualization that integrates diagnostic presentation, personality functioning, traits, schemas, interpersonal patterns, and client strengths to guide treatment planning.

  5. Select and apply appropriate treatment strategies drawn from CBT, DBT, schema-focused interventions, behavioral approaches, skills training, and other interventions.

  6. Implement clinical strategies for assessing and responding to suicidality, self-injurious behavior, aggression/violence, impulsivity, and other high-risk behaviors.

Scope and Limitations Disclosure

This training is intended for licensed mental health professionals who assess, conceptualize, and treat clients with personality disorders across Clusters A, B, and C. The content is educational in nature and does not constitute clinical supervision, medical advice, or a substitute for individualized case consultation, and it does not replace comprehensive risk assessment, safety planning, or crisis intervention protocols when working with clients presenting with suicidality, self-injury, aggression, or impulsivity. All assessment approaches, conceptualization frameworks, and interventions discussed should be applied within each participant’s scope of practice, licensure, and applicable jurisdictional regulations, with recognition that categorical and dimensional models of personality disorder diagnosis continue to evolve within the DSM and ICD systems and that differential diagnosis may require collaboration with psychiatric, medical, or substance use treatment providers. Treatment approaches drawn from CBT, DBT, and schema-focused therapy are presented as introductory overviews and do not constitute training or certification in any of these branded or certification-restricted models. Participants should practice in accordance with their profession’s ethical guidelines, mandated reporting and duty-to-protect obligations, and jurisdiction-specific standards of care, particularly when working with clients who present a risk of harm to self or others.

Commercial Support Disclosure

Ellen Biros, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, adjunct professor, and continuing education author specializing in the assessment and treatment of personality disorders, substance abuse, and emotional regulation difficulties. This training does not require participants to purchase any additional products, books, or materials to complete this training. The presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose beyond standard speaking compensation.

Course materials are only available to enrolled students.

  • Card image cap
    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. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 06-03-2026 – 06-03-2029

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, #50-29024). eCare BHI directly reports CE hours to CE Broker for the following licensees:

  • Professional Counselors and Mental Health Counselors — Florida, Kansas, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia
  • Marriage and Family Therapists — Florida, Kansas, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee
  • Social Workers — Michigan, New Hampshire, Ohio, Texas, West Virginia
  • Psychologists — Florida (Home Study Courses), Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, Wyoming
  • Addiction Counselors — Kansas, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina
  • Other specialized licensees — Tennessee (Clinical Pastoral Therapist), South Carolina (Licensed Psycho-Educational Specialist), New Hampshire (Pastoral)


    Licensees are encouraged to confirm reporting scope with their state board.

State Approvals

States that Accept ASWB-ACE Approved Providers

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticut
DelawareDistrict Of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinois
IndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMaryland
MassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraska
NevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhio
OklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennessee
TexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsin
Wyoming      

States that Accepts NBCC Approved Courses: 

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticut
DelawareDistrict Of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIndiana
IowaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMissouriNew HampshireNew Jersey
New MexicoOhioOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth Dakota
TennesseeTexasVermontVirginiaWashingtonWisconsin 

Notes:

  • 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

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasDelawareHawaiiIndiana
KentuckyMaineMassachusettsMinnesotaMontanaNevadaNew Jersey
New JerseyNew MexicoNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOregonRhode IslandTennessee
VermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWisconsinWyoming

States that Accept APA Approved Providers

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaDelawareDistrict Of Columbia
FloridaGeorgiaIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansas
KentuckyLouisianaMarylandMassachusettsMinnesotaMississippiMissouri
MontanaNebraskaNew JerseyNew MexicoNorth DakotaOhioOklahoma
PennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaTennesseeUtahVermontVirginia
WashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming   

Note: Please note that Individual Board Rules are subject to potential changes. The approval and acceptance details we furnish are accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of documentation.

Should you have any inquiries or uncertainties not addressed by the provided information, it’s advisable to consult your State Regulatory Board. Ultimately, the decision of whether your license renewal credit hours are accepted or denied rests with you.

Georgia Addiction Counselor: E Care BHI is recognized by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia as an approved education provider for Addiction Counselors (ADACBGA) #19-12-17-1212.

Florida Addiction Counselor: E Care BHI is recognized by the Florida Certification Board as an approved education provider for Addiction Counselor (FCB) #5387-A.

Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy & Mental Health Counseling: The Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy & Mental Health Counseling accepts courses from ASWB & NBCC approved providers. E Care Behavioral Health Institute is an ASWB and NBCC approved provider.

Oklahoma Addiction Counselor: E Care BHI is recognized by the Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors as an approved education provider for Addiction Counselors (OBLADC) #20220136.

Oklahoma Board of Behavioral Health Licensure: E Care BHI is an approved CE provider for LPC & LMFT

Ohio Addiction Counselor: E Care BHI is recognized by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board as an approved education provider for Addiction Counselor (OCDP)#50-29024.
Note: eCare’s OCDP-approved courses are for renewal continuing education only and do not fulfill initial CDCA Preliminary or CDCA certification requirements.

The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board accepts courses from ASWB & NBCC approved providers. E Care Behavioral Health Institute is an ASWB and NBCC approved provider.

VA Mental Health Employee: E Care BHI VA COMMERCIAL VENDOR # 81-3353387-01

California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP): E Care BHI is recognized by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) Provider Number OS-22-344-0526

Connecticut Certification Board CCB Approved): E Care BHI is recognized & approved by the Connecticut Certification Board.

Texas Certification Board (TCB): E Care Behavioral Health Institute is recognized by the Texas Certification Board as an approved education provider. Number 2041-19

South Carolina E Care Behavioral Health Institute is recognized by the Professional Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists, and Psycho-Educational Specialists licensing board as an approved education provider Provider #4628

New York (MHC) E Care Behavioral Health is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0277

New York (SW) E Care Behavioral Health Institute is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0745 LA-ADRA – E Care Behavioral Health Institute is recognized by Louisiana The Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority as an approved educational provider AEP #E122

Who This Training is For:

This program is intended for mental health professionals such as Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors, Addiction Counselors, & MFT’s. Psychologists are encouraged to verify if this specific course meets their board’s approval requirements.

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CE Guarantee

If you no longer wish to take the course, we’re happy to offer a credit transfer to another course of equal CE value

Unlimited Access

Enjoy unlimited replays to the video lesson that you can always review later for your own resource

Anytime, Anywhere

Take this course at your own time & pace on any device. Whether you're at the office or from the comfort of home!

If you're from Florida, Ohio, or South Carolina, we'll report your CEs to the CE broker

How It Works

Sign Up & Watch The Training

Pass Quiz & Complete Evaluation

Receive Certificate Immediately

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we are approved Continuing Education providers by ASWB, NBCC, NAADAC, APA & many other state boards.

Programs that do not qualify for ASWB, NBCC, NAADAC, & APA are clearly identified. eCare Behavioral Health Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

To view all of our board approvals, click here

1) After watching the video lesson, you’ll be prompted to complete a short course evaluation

2) Pass the quiz

3) Receive your certificate immediately

80% or above with 3 attempts.

No. Our courses are not “book to buy” and do not require any other materials in advance.

Yes. (If you’re from Florida, Ohio, & South Carolina). We report CEs to the CE broker daily for courses completed the day before. For both live and recorded webinars.

Recorded Webinar CE Courses:

  • Refunds are only eligible if the course was purchased within 30 days or less.
  • If the customer doesn’t want the course anymore, or was unsatisfied from it – We can transfer credits to another course of their choice (with same CE credit amount).
  • CE Credits 6
  • Format
  • Quizzes 0
  • Level Intermediate

Unlimited CEs for $297/year

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