What You Didn't Know About the DSM
A critical look at the history, politics, and purpose of the DSM—essential context for ethical and culturally responsive practice.
Dive into the DSMCourse Overview
The DSM is more than just a tool for diagnosis. In this vodcast style training we explore how and why the DSM was created, who shaped it, how it’s updated, and key considerations for ethical and culturally informed use today.
This Course Is For You If…
- You’re early in your career and want to understand the “why” behind the DSM—not just how to use it in your documentation.
- You’re an experienced clinician who’s curious about the history, updates, and controversies behind the manual you reference every day.
- You’re a supervisor or educator who wants to bring a more nuanced and culturally informed perspective to discussions about diagnosis.
- You’re a student, researcher, or lifelong learner interested in exploring how diagnostic systems shape our understanding of mental health.
What You’ll Walk Away With
Dana M. Cea (she/they)
As a clinician and educator, Dana bridges practice and history to help mental health professionals see the DSM in a new light. Their experience supervising emerging counselors revealed how much clarity and confidence can come from understanding not just the “how” of diagnosis, but the “why.” Today, Dana’s work focuses on helping others bring nuance, ethics, and cultural awareness to every diagnostic conversation.
“Together, we can make this field better for both clients and clinicians.”
Course Preview
Discover the surprising history and evolution of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
Course Description: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has long influenced clinical practice, research, and insurance documentation—yet few clinicians have examined its origins and evolution. This training traces the DSM’s development from its early editions to the current version, highlighting the social, political, and professional forces that shaped it. Participants will learn how the DSM is updated, who contributes to its revisions, and what systemic and cultural concerns arise in its use. By understanding the DSM’s history and context, clinicians can apply it more critically, ethically, and inclusively in their work.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the historical context, purpose, and early development of the DSM
- Identify how DSM updates occur and who is involved in the revision process
- Analyze ethical and cultural considerations when applying DSM criteria in clinical practice
Choose the Best Option for You
FAQ
For on demand products you will complete the training then submit a quiz and survey. If you pass the quiz, a certificate will be available for you almost immediately. For live events you will be given a link to a survey. After receiving your survey submission, a certificate will be emailed to you within ten days.
All major forms of payment are accepted through our checkout process. If you have any issues, questions, or concerns, please let us know.
For any course, simply increase the quantity to the number of seats you need to purchase. When purchasing more than one seat, the buyer will not be automatically enrolled in the product. However, they can enroll using the link provided after the purchase. After the purchase is successfully completed, the buyer is brought to the thank you page with additional seat management options. To get access to their seat, each team member needs to access the course using the invite link. They will be brought directly to the checkout page for the product that they got an invite for, where they will need to create an account (if they do not already have one) to get access to the product. Looking for a group rate? Email us ([email protected]) and let us know!
All refund requests must be made in writing ([email protected]).
On demand products: Full refunds will be given for accidental duplicate purchases or for products that you have not already used. No refunds or credits will be given for products that have been started or completed. If you have a complaint, please see our policy regarding complaints.
Live products: Registrants canceling between two weeks and two full business days prior to the first day of the event are refunded at 70% of the registration fee subject to a cancellation fee of 5% of the original purchase price, including taxes and other fees. Registrants canceling less than two full business days prior to the first day of the event are refunded at 25% of the registration fee subject to a cancellation fee of 5% of the original purchase price, including taxes and other fees. No vouchers will be issued in lieu of a refund. Transfers/substitute(s) welcome (notify in advance of the program).
While we hope this never happens, here is our formal policy: Complaints must be made in writing ([email protected]). A representative will follow up on written complaints within 30 days of receiving the complaint. The following information must be included in the written complaint:
(1) The name and contact information for the person making the complaint.
(2) The name and contact information for the person or organization against which the complaint is made.
(3) A detailed written description of the dispute, complaint, or problem.
(4) Reference to the appropriate rule, standard, and/or guidelines related to the matter (if known).
(5) Copies of all related correspondence, records, and other documentation.
(6) Signature of the person making the complaint.
Please email us at [email protected] or call/text us at (919) 960-1646. We will work with you to meet your accommodation needs.
Please email us at [email protected] or call/text us at 919-960-1646. Also visit our main website at home.ccresourcing.us. We look forward to hearing from you! Mailing address: 118 Brookside Way, Pikeville NC 27863.
Let’s Rethink the DSM, Together
The DSM has shaped our field for decades, but understanding how and why it came to be can change how we practice today. In this training, you’ll trace its origins, explore what drives each new editions, and examine the cultural and ethical dimensions that shape diagnosis in modern mental health care.
Join the DSM Deep Dive