Understand the Basics of Depressive Disorders and Bipolar Disorder 1.5 hours
Time: On Demand
Cost: $50 (inquire about current “scholarship” availability)
Learning Objectives:
Many – if not most – parishioners are likely to have some kind of experience with a depressive disorder or bipolar disorder – either through personal experience of their own, or through indirect experience with the mental health struggles of a friend or family member. Pastors can be helpful to their parishioners when they know how to recognize some of the possible warning signs and symptoms of a mood disorder like major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder.
The goals of this workshop are to offer pastors and church leaders: 1) basic psychoeducation on the signs and symptoms of depressive disorders and bipolar disorder; 2) better understanding of the biopsychosocial nature of these conditions; 3) an understanding of the very important roles of mental health professionals in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mood disorders; 4) the ability to identify general resources in our communities to which pastors can make referrals. The dangers of suicidality and self-harm will also be discussed.
Intended audience: Pastors (ordained or licensed church leaders)
About the instructor:
Melissa Hofstetter, PhD, MDiv is an ordained Mennonite minister, having served as district elder in the Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference. She is also a licensed clinical psychologist (CA, PSY25696; AZ #4125). She is the founder of Shepherd Heart. Dr. Hofstetter has been a seminary instructor in Pastoral Counseling & Congregational Health, and served as adjunct professor in the doctoral and undergraduate psychology departments at Azusa Pacific University, teaching courses in Neuroscience, Adult Development, Family Systems, Cognition, General Psychology, Personality.
Disclaimer:
This seminar is for educational purposes only, and is not a substitute in any way for consultation with an attorney. Dr. Hofstetter is not a lawyer and does not give legal advice of any kind. This seminar is *not* a psychological service. Appropriate referrals to lawyers or clinicians may be offered. You are expected to keep the identities of parishioners and others confidential. Do not share their identifying information in the course of this seminar. Please note that Dr. Hofstetter is a mandated reporter of suspected abuse and neglect of children, dependent adults, and elders.