- Live Webinar
The Differential Assessment Masterclass: How To Find The Clinical Distinction Between Trauma, ADHD, Autism, OCD, Bipolar & Other Medical Conditions When Symptoms Are The Same
Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
- Live Webinar
Current Status
Price
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Wednesday, October 14, 2026
10:00 AM ET – 5:30 PM ET
Overview:
Accurate diagnosis requires clinicians to look beyond presenting symptoms and carefully evaluate alternative explanations for a client’s experiences. Many psychiatric, medical, neurodevelopmental, trauma-related, and substance-induced conditions share overlapping features, increasing the risk of misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment planning. This course provides clinicians with a structured framework for assessing, evaluating, differentiating, and formulating diagnoses when disorders present with similar clinical characteristics. Participants will examine common diagnostic look-alikes such as trauma versus ADHD, sleep disorders and thyroid dysfunction versus depression, autism spectrum disorder versus social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder versus body dysmorphic disorder, bipolar disorder versus borderline personality disorder, and anxiety disorders versus medical conditions. Through case examples, clinical decision-making strategies, and evidence-informed assessment practices, participants will strengthen their ability to identify key diagnostic distinctions while recognizing when additional medical evaluation or psychological testing is warranted. By the conclusion of this training, clinicians will be better equipped to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce diagnostic overshadowing, and develop more effective, individualized treatment plans.
Objectives:
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
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Differentiate clinical features that distinguish commonly confused DSM-5 disorders, medical conditions, and trauma-related presentations during the diagnostic assessment process.
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Analyze symptom patterns, onset, duration, functional impairment, and contextual factors to determine the most appropriate differential diagnoses.
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Evaluate assessment findings, screening instruments, collateral information, and client history to identify conditions that may masquerade as another psychiatric disorder.
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Formulate evidence-informed differential diagnoses by integrating DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, clinical reasoning, and relevant biopsychosocial factors.
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Apply systematic clinical interviewing strategies and targeted assessment questions to distinguish between overlapping psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, trauma-related, substance-related, and medical presentations.
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Develop comprehensive diagnostic formulations and treatment recommendations that reflect accurate differential assessment while identifying appropriate referrals for medical evaluation, neuropsychological testing, or specialty mental health services when indicated.
Scope and Limitations Disclosure
This training is intended for licensed mental health professionals conducting diagnostic assessment and differential diagnosis across psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, trauma-related, substance-related, and medical presentations. The content is educational in nature and does not constitute clinical supervision, medical advice, or a substitute for individualized case consultation, and it is not a substitute for medical evaluation, laboratory testing, or neuropsychological assessment when those are clinically indicated. All diagnostic frameworks, interviewing strategies, and formulation approaches discussed should be applied within each participant’s scope of practice, licensure, and applicable jurisdictional regulations, with recognition that DSM-5-TR criteria and differential diagnosis practices continue to evolve and that many presentations discussed in this training, such as thyroid dysfunction, sleep disorders, or other medical conditions that mimic psychiatric symptoms, require collaboration with or referral to appropriate medical providers. Participants should practice in accordance with their profession’s ethical guidelines and jurisdiction-specific standards of care, exercising sound clinical judgment about when a presenting concern falls outside the scope of psychotherapy and warrants referral for further evaluation.
Commercial Support Disclosure
Diane Bigler, MSW, LCSW, LSCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and trainer with over 25 years of experience in clinical practice, supervision, and professional development. 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.
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Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Diane Bigler is a highly respected and accomplished Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. With a diverse background that includes clinical positions as an outpatient and in-home therapist, clinical supervisor, and administrative positions such as Program Director and Coordinator, Diane has a wealth of experience and expertise. In addition to her clinical work, Diane is an Adjunct Professor of Social Work at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, where she serves as a Field Liaison and Field Instructor. She is passionate about supporting the development of new clinicians and has a reputation for providing top-notch professional development opportunities. Diane is also a well-regarded trainer, both locally and nationally, on a wide range of mental health and workplace development topics. She has worked with both clinicians and corporations to provide training and support in areas such as communication, conflict resolution, and stress management. Her unique blend of clinical expertise and workplace development knowledge makes her a sought-after trainer in the field.
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 | ||||||
| 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 | Â | Â | Â | Â | Â | Â |
States that Accepts NBCC Approved Courses:Â | ||||||
| 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 | Â |
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 | ||||||
| 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 | Â | Â | Â |
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:Â 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 –Â 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.
CE Guarantee
If you miss the live event or are dissatisfied with the session, we are happy to offer a course credit transfer to another course of equal CE value
Replay Access
After the live session, we'll send you the recording for your own resource that you can review later at your own pace
Interactive Experience
Enjoy your learning experience with engaging activities such as group discussion, vignettes, roleplaying, video demos, etc.
If you're from Florida, Ohio, or South Carolina, we'll report your CEs to the CE broker
How It Works
Sign Up & Attend The Training
Complete Short Course Evaluation
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Frequently Asked Questions
Once you register for this training, the course will immediately appear in your account dashboard. Inside, you’ll see a countdown timer. And once the scheduled time arrives, the live session will begin from there!
Of course! If you sign up but miss the live session… The recording will be added to your account Dashboard within 48 hours after the live session with an email notification of instructions. You will also receive home-study CE credits for watching the recording.
Yes, we have limited seating on our live webinars to keep the sessions as interactive & engaged as possible. So be sure to claim your spot before it’s too late!
No. Live webinar attendees are not required to take or pass a quiz to receive a CE certificate. (But yes for recorded webinars). You are required to pass a quiz with an 80% passing grade with 3 attempts only for recorded webinars.
Yes, we are approved Continuing Education providers by ASWB, NBCC, NAADAC, APA, & many 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
Live Webinar CE Courses:
- Refunds are only eligible if the refund was requested 48 hours before the scheduled live event.
- If the customer missed the live event, or was unsatisfied from it – We can transfer credits to another course of their choice (with same CE credit amount).
Unlimited CEs for $297/year
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