Course Description: In a culture where individual achievement is valued above the welfare of the group, isolation and loneliness will be prevalent. Human beings are troop primates by nature. When we are faced with prolonged loneliness it goes against our primitive impulses to be a part of a group. Loneliness is both complex and multi-determined. It is not the same as depression but closely related. Loneliness is not the same as being a “private” person or what might be called a “loner”. Some people desire, need, and enjoy a lot of alone time. For others, loneliness is an emotionally painful experience. Over 40% of adults experience profound loneliness (the percentage is much greater due to pandemic) and it is an emerging issue that is under addressed. Loneliness causes physiological changes that both generate and complicate medical and psychiatric disease and disorders. This training will take a close look at loneliness- its various causes, mental health consequences, symptoms, and potential evidence-based treatments.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss current research on the impact of social isolation on client functioning and well-being (both medically and psychiatrically).

2. Define the subjective experience of being “lonely.’

3. Review 2-3 factors from psychosocial variables to disorders to personality variables associated with isolation and loneliness.

4. Review a range of understandings and approaches (as loneliness is multi-determined) which are helpful to the client experiencing loneliness and isolation.

Registration Information:

Registration closes at the end of the day on June 12th. Select the "register" button on the left panel of this screen, select whether you are a Community Provider or a Dept. of VA Employee, select the "Myself" button, and complete registration form accordingly. Department of VA Registrants MUST be current employees; retired VA would register as a Community Provider.

Community Provider - $30.00

Dept. of VA Employee - $14.00

APA Certificate - $10.00 additional fee

Evaluation and Certificate:

The webinar will track your attendance for the program day. You are expected to attend 90% of the content hours of the program in order to receive credit. Any attendee who falls below the 90% threshold will not receive credit for the training. Please plan to log into the training using a computer; calling into the training may result in a lower attendance score.

An evaluation will be emailed to attendees who completed the training within two business days of the program's completion. Certificates will generate upon submission of that evaluation. CHEP does not and will not issue partial credit certificates.