OVERVIEW

This 7-module program supports a person-first, whole-person approach to diabetes care by integrating behavioral health strategies into everyday practice. Designed for certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCESs), social workers, and the broader diabetes care team, the course focuses on practical, compassionate care that addresses physical and emotional needs.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Recognize the interconnection between physical, emotional, and social factors that influence self-management and health outcomes.
• Apply person-centered communication strategies to engage individuals with diabetes in collaborative, strengths-based care discussions that promote trust, motivation, and self-efficacy.
• Assess behavioral health challenges such as diabetes distress, depression, anxiety, and disordered eating using appropriate clinical tools and referral pathways.
• Implement evidence-based behavioral and nutritional interventions that support sustainable lifestyle and self-care changes across diverse cultural and social contexts.
• Identify ways to effectively collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and community networks to improve behavioral health support, streamline referrals, and enhance continuity of care for people with diabetes.
• Recall ways to advocate for systemic and community-level solutions that reduce barriers to behavioral health treatment and promote equitable access to care for individuals with diabetes.

CREDITS

• 5.25 CE

EXPIRATION DATE

September 11, 2027

MODULE 1

Partnering with the Person Beyond Diagnosis

Explores how to support the whole person in diabetes care by integrating behavioral health, social, and cultural considerations

MODULE 2

Overview of Behavioral Health in Diabetes Care

Provides a broad understanding of behavioral and mental health challenges commonly experienced throughout the diabetes care journey.

MODULE 3

Effective Communication in Diabetes Care

Focuses on using person-centered, strengths-based communication techniques to engage individuals in meaningful and supportive ways.

MODULE 4

Nutrition and Behavioral Health in Diabetes

Examines how nutrition, cultural factors, and eating challenges influence diabetes care and emotional well-being.

MODULE 5

Anxiety, Depression, and Diabetes Distress in People with Diabetes

Addresses how emotional health conditions affect self-care and outcomes, and offers strategies for screening and support.

MODULE 6

Screening, Referral, and Behavioral Interventions

Guides learners in interpreting screening tools, making referrals, and applying behavioral interventions in routine diabetes care.

MODULE 7

Community Engagement and Behavioral Health Support 

Covers ways to address systemic barriers and build community partnerships to improve behavioral health support in diabetes care.

Jennalee Woolridge, PhD, CDCES

Assistant Professor, Clinical Psychologist

University of California San Diego, VA San Diego Health Care System

San Diego, CA

Jessica Pierce, PhD

Senior Research Scientist

Nemours Children’s Health

Orlando, FL

Heather Stuckey, EdD

Professor of Medicine

Penn State University College of Medicine

Harrisburg, PA

Allison Lewinski, PhD, MPH, FAAN

Assistant Professor

Duke University School of Nursing

Durham, NC

Allyson Hughes, PhD

Assistant Professor

Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

Nelsonville, OH

Katherine Barnard-Kelly, PhD

Professor of Health Psychology

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Spotlight AQ-Ltd

Fareham, NH

Jaclynn Hawkins, MSW, PhD

Associate Professor

University of Michigan

Belleville, MI

This program is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

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