Blood Sugar Regulation and Mood Swings

The Glucose–Mood Axis

The brain depends on a continuous glucose supply, yet it cannot store glucose itself. Maintaining consistent blood sugar regulation is essential for regulating emotions, preventing mood swings, and cognitive performance. Blood sugar fluctuations – hyperglycemia followed by reactive hypoglycemia – can mimic or exacerbate psychiatric symptoms.

The brain depends on a continuous glucose supply, yet it cannot store glucose itself. Maintaining consistent blood sugar regulation is essential for regulating emotions and cognitive performance. Blood sugar fluctuations - hyperglycemia followed by reactive hypoglycemia - can mimic or exacerbate psychiatric symptoms.

Symptoms of dysglycemia include:

  • Anxiety, restlessness, or panic
  • Irritability or anger outbursts
  • Fatigue and brain fog
  • Cravings for sugar or stimulants
  • Sleep disturbances and morning headaches

Chronic glycemic instability contributes to oxidative stress, HPA axis dysregulation, and alterations in neurotransmitter synthesis – particularly serotonin and dopamine. Most Americans consume far too many carbohydrates and not enough necessary fat and dietary cholesterol. On average, most Americans are consuming about 225-300 grams of carbohydrates, making it very difficult for the rest of the body to keep up with the high demand, especially the pancreas, where insulin is produced. An overabundance of carbohydrates can create dysglycemia, which impacts the brain and leads to mental health and neurological concerns.

Insulin Resistance and Depression

Insulin resistance, a hallmark of metabolic dysfunction, reduces glucose transport into neurons, leading to “energy starvation” of the brain. Research indicates a strong bidirectional relationship between depression and insulin resistance (Gruber et al., 2023). Inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, further impair insulin signaling, thereby perpetuating neuroinflammation.

Individuals with metabolic syndrome often exhibit hippocampal atrophy, decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and poor stress tolerance – factors that increase vulnerability to mood disorders.

Cortisol, Stress, and Blood Sugar

Cortisol acts as a glucocorticoid hormone that mobilizes glucose during stress. Short-term activation is adaptive; however, chronic cortisol elevation from prolonged stress or poor sleep drives muscle catabolism, insulin resistance, and visceral fat deposition.

High cortisol simultaneously suppresses serotonin synthesis and impairs GABA signaling, heightening anxiety and mood instability. Nutritional strategies that stabilize blood sugar – such as regular balanced meals and complex carbohydrates – help regulate cortisol rhythms.

Chronic cortisol elevation from prolonged stress dysregulates the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, impairing the brain’s ability to maintain balance between stress and recovery. Persistently high cortisol levels damage neurons in the hippocampus, reducing memory and emotional regulation, while simultaneously enhancing activity in the amygdala, which heightens fear and anxiety responses. This imbalance leads to sleep disruption, blood sugar instability, and neurotransmitter depletion – particularly of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA – all of which are crucial for mood stability (Hersey et al., 2022). Over time, these physiological changes contribute to depression, anxiety, irritability, and cognitive decline, reinforcing a cycle of chronic stress and mental health vulnerability.

The adrenal glands are designed to maintain high cortisol levels only for brief periods. Once we have exhausted that capacity, the cortisol levels start to fall. This dramatic reduction in cortisol can also leave us feeling apathetic and having low energy, brain fog, and anxiety/depression symptoms.

The Role of Reactive Hypoglycemia

Reactive hypoglycemia occurs 2–4 hours post-meal and results from excessive insulin release. Symptoms can mimic anxiety attacks due to catecholamine release. Clinically, these clients often benefit from:

  • Eating balanced meals every 4-5 hours. (This gives the digestive tract enough time between meals and time for leptin/ghrelin and insulin to reset to base level as it should.)
  • Including protein and healthy fats at each meal.
  • Limiting refined carbohydrates and caffeine.
  • Supporting adrenal health with B vitamins, magnesium, and adaptogenic herbs.

Ketones and Cognitive Clarity

For some individuals, mild nutritional ketosis – achieved through lower-carbohydrate, higher-fat diets – can stabilize mood and enhance focus by providing ketones (β-hydroxybutyrate) as an alternative brain fuel (Borrego Ruiz & Borrego, 2025). Ketones exhibit neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects and increase mitochondrial efficiency. However, ketogenic interventions should be personalized, particularly in individuals with adrenal exhaustion or eating disorder histories.


The above is a course excerpt from Nutritional Psychology: Bridging Brain, Body, and Behavior, a 2-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that explores the relationship between food and mood, and how lifestyle factors influence mental health outcomes.


Professional Development Resources, a small Florida nonprofit educational corporation 501(c)(3) organized in 1992, is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Professional Development Resources maintains responsibility for all programs and content. Professional Development Resources is also approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC ACEP #5590); the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB #1046, ACE Program); the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA #AAUM); the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA #3159); the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR Prior Approval Program); the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling, Board of Psychology, Office of School Psychology, Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, Board of Occupational Therapy, and Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council; the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists (#PSY-0145), State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors (#MHC-0135) and marriage and family therapists (#MFT-0100), and the State Board for Social Workers as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers (#SW-0664); the South Carolina Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists (#193); the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (#114) and State Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678); and is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 – completions are reported next business day, currently reporting for 50+ boards). Learn more about us.

Target AudiencePsychologistsSchool PsychologistsCounselorsSocial WorkersMarriage & Family Therapists (MFTs)Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)Occupational Therapists (OTs)Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), and Teachers

Enjoy 20% off all online continuing education (CE/CEU) courses @pdresources.orgClick here for details.

How Micro-Commitments Can Enhance CBT For Weight Loss

Small Steps, Lasting Results

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has long been used as an effective tool to lose weight since CBT focuses on changing the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that lead to unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits. This typically involves goal setting, self-monitoring, and getting feedback from outside sources, all of which can help you to stay motivated as you work to shed the extra weight. Since sustainable weight loss is the result of making significant lifestyle changes, it’s likely that things may get overwhelming every now and then as you adapt to a stricter diet or a more difficult exercise routine. 

How Micro-Commitments Can Enhance CBT For Weight Loss

Making drastic changes to your way of life can be unsettling since it triggers the brain’s need for predictability and safety. This may create stress or anxiety while you’re trying to lose weight, but making small, achievable goals can help your brain and body adjust to a new routine. Research shows that making small changes in lifestyle behaviors can prevent further weight gain and help a person to gradually lose excess weight. When combined with CBT, these micro-commitments can help you focus and stay on track to achieve your health goals. 

Breaks the Cycle of Emotional Eating

People on a weight loss journey often experience a strong need to eat to manage their feelings. Strict dieting can raise cortisol levels, which can increase your cravings for comfort foods. Feelings of boredom, anxiety, or loneliness can also trigger emotional eating, which can hinder your progress as it causes you to gain extra body fat. Having excess fat can be harmful to your health since it causes the body to store more energy than it burns, and this may increase your risks of developing serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and insulin resistance, among others. Most people who want to improve their overall wellbeing aim to lose fat while keeping their muscles intact since doing so keeps their metabolism high. But if you want to prevent fat buildup in the first place, you’ll need to eat a balanced diet and avoid bingeing when you’re feeling sad or overwhelmed.

CBT strategies such as figuring out what’s triggering your urges to overeat, as well as sticking to your new eating habits, can all help to curb comfort eating. Making a micro-commitment can also interrupt your thoughts about ‘deserving a treat,’ which allows you to stay disciplined so you can break the cycle of emotional eating. Waiting for 10 to 15 minutes before eating, for instance, can interrupt automatic thoughts, and it allows you to make conscious, healthier choices during your weight loss journey. Drinking a glass of water first before reaching for a sweet or salty snack may also help to prevent emotional eating since studies show that hydration status and water intake can influence preferences for certain foods. 

Increases Accountability 

Accountability matters when you’re trying to lose weight because it turns vague intentions into actions, which fosters consistency and makes healthy habits automatic over time. Regular check-ins with your coach, nutritionist, or partner can boost discipline and enhance motivation. Meanwhile, CBT techniques like keeping a detailed food diary, daily or weekly weighing, and using apps and fitness trackers allows you to self-monitor and track your weight loss progress. 

To improve accountability, make small, public commitments like telling your partner or a friend that you’re going for a walk after dinner, or that you’re going for a run or a bike ride first thing in the morning. Letting someone else know about your fitness plans makes you more likely to follow through. You can also make a commitment to take a 5 minute walk on your coffee breaks, or to get up and move for 30 minutes daily, regardless of the weather or whatever you’re feeling. Breaking goals into small, achievable goals not only creates tangible accountability, but it also reduces decision fatigue while on a weight loss journey.

Sustains Positive Weight Loss Behavior

Some people immediately give up on their weight loss journey after a slip up, thinking that it’s difficult to get back on track after repeated bingeing or skipping several workout sessions. If you feel discouraged after a slip up, try replacing self-criticism with compassion, which is an effective CBT strategy that can help you return to your healthier habits. You can also manage setbacks by making a commitment to do something right today, which allows you to focus on what you can do in the present to correct past behaviors. Choosing to eat more vegetables instead of reaching for another slice of pizza may seem like a small thing, but it’s an actionable step that prevents that one mistake from becoming a total relapse. 

True, sustainable weight loss requires making healthy lifestyle choices everyday. Use CBT strategies and combine them with micro-commitments to increase accountability, prevent emotional eating, and enhance motivation while on your weight loss journey. 

Related Online Continuing Education (CE) Course

Nutritional Psychology: Bridging Brain, Body, and Behavior is a 2-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that explores the relationship between food and mood, and how lifestyle factors influence mental health outcomes.


Professional Development Resources, a small Florida nonprofit educational corporation 501(c)(3) organized in 1992, is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Professional Development Resources maintains responsibility for all programs and content. Professional Development Resources is also approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC ACEP #5590); the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB #1046, ACE Program); the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA #AAUM); the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA #3159); the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR Prior Approval Program); the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling, Board of Psychology, Office of School Psychology, Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, Board of Occupational Therapy, and Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council; the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists (#PSY-0145), State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors (#MHC-0135) and marriage and family therapists (#MFT-0100), and the State Board for Social Workers as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers (#SW-0664); the South Carolina Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists (#193); the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (#114) and State Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678); and is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 – completions are reported next business day, currently reporting for 50+ boards). Learn more about us.

Target AudiencePsychologistsSchool PsychologistsCounselorsSocial WorkersMarriage & Family Therapists (MFTs)Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)Occupational Therapists (OTs)Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), and Teachers

Enjoy 20% off all online continuing education (CE/CEU) courses @pdresources.orgClick here for details.

Nutritional Psychology – New Online CE Course

Nutritional Psychology: Bridging Brain, Body, and Behavior is a new 2-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that explores the relationship between food and mood, and how lifestyle factors influence mental health outcomes.

Nutritional Psychology: Bridging Brain, Body, and Behavior is a 2-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that explores the relationship between food and mood, and how lifestyle factors influence mental health outcomes.

Nutritional psychology is an emerging interdisciplinary field that examines the dynamic relationship between dietary patterns, nutrient status, and mental health outcomes. This course introduces the foundational principles of nutritional psychology, emphasizing the bidirectional relationship between nutrition, neurobiology, and psychological functioning.

Historically, mental health care has focused primarily on psychotherapy and pharmacologic interventions; however, growing evidence demonstrates that diet quality, nutrient availability, gut microbiota, and metabolic health significantly influence mood regulation, cognitive function, and stress resilience. Key biological mechanisms underlying this relationship include neurotransmitter synthesis, immune signaling, endocrine regulation through the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, and communication along the microbiota–gut–brain axis.

Current research highlights several nutritional factors associated with mental health outcomes, including whole-diet interventions such as Mediterranean-style dietary patterns, omega-3 fatty acids, micronutrient sufficiency, and the impact of ultra-processed food consumption. Additionally, hormonal balance, macronutrient distribution, and micronutrient cofactors play critical roles in the synthesis and regulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine, glutamate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Chronic stress, inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and trauma-related dysregulation of the HPA axis further complicate the relationship between diet and psychological well-being.

Through a biopsychosocial lens, this course also explores how lifestyle factors — including sleep, movement, hydration, and social connection — interact with nutrition to influence mental health outcomes. Clinical case studies illustrate how chronic trauma, dietary insufficiency, medication use, and physiological dysregulation converge to affect both psychological and physical health. Collectively, the evidence supports integrating nutritional assessment and intervention into mental health care as an adjunctive, individualized approach. Nutritional psychology therefore offers a promising framework for bridging brain, body, and behavior while expanding collaborative care models aimed at improving both mental and physical health outcomes.

Course Outline:

  • Introduction
  • Section 1: Nutrition and Mental Health
  • Section 2: Neurotransmitters and Mood
  • Section 3: Macronutrients and Mood
  • Section 4: Micronutrients and Mood
  • Section 5: Trauma-Informed Nutritional Psychology
  • Section 6: Ethical Collaborative Care
  • Conclusion

Course #21-66 | 2026 | 15 posttest questions | Mobile-Friendly


Professional Development Resources, a small Florida nonprofit educational corporation 501(c)(3) organized in 1992, is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Professional Development Resources maintains responsibility for all programs and content. Professional Development Resources is also approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC ACEP #5590); the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB #1046, ACE Program); the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA #AAUM); the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA #3159); the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR Prior Approval Program); the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling, Board of Psychology, Office of School Psychology, Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, Board of Occupational Therapy, and Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council; the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists (#PSY-0145), State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors (#MHC-0135) and marriage and family therapists (#MFT-0100), and the State Board for Social Workers as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers (#SW-0664); the South Carolina Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists (#193); the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (#114) and State Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678); and is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 – completions are reported next business day, currently reporting for 50+ boards). Learn more about us.

Target AudiencePsychologistsSchool PsychologistsCounselorsSocial WorkersMarriage & Family Therapists (MFTs)Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)Occupational Therapists (OTs)Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), and Teachers

Enjoy 20% off all online continuing education (CE/CEU) courses @pdresources.orgClick here for details.

Interjurisdictional Practice in Telehealth

As the first step in considering the use of telehealth, a determination must be made about the legality and ethics of providing remote services to a client in a location different from that of the therapist (interjurisdictional practice). Providers must strive to be knowledgeable, and to remain abreast of relevant laws, mandates, and regulations governing telehealth service delivery both within the jurisdictions in which they are situated and the jurisdictions where their patients or clients are located.

Considering the legality and ethics of interjurisdictional practice is the first step in providing remote therapy via telehealth.

The emphasis here is on the client’s location, since this is the legal locus of service, regardless of the therapist’s location. Unfortunately, telehealth rules and regulations vary from state to state. The issue of providing telehealth services to a client in another state is the difference in regulations that can impact practice. These include:

  • Mandatory reporting of suspected abuse or neglect of a child, older adult, or person with a disability.
  • Sexual misconduct by the clinician.
  • Clinician impairment (drugs, alcohol).
  • Improper or fraudulent billing.
  • Other laws governing mental health, addictions, duty to protect clients and third parties, and clinician–client privilege.

Interjurisdictional practice poses ethical and legal challenges that professional organizations are addressing through interstate compacts. Compacts reduce the barriers for healthcare providers to offer services in multiple states, improving access to care for patients, especially in underserved areas.

The National Center for Interstate Compacts (NCIC), established in 2004, helps states collaborate on policy issues for the creation of interstate compacts. The Multi-Discipline Licensure Resource Project provides a licensure compact resource hub @ https://licensureproject.org/.

Psychologists

PSYPACT is a resource that helps to resolve state-by-state issues. PSYPACT is the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, designed to facilitate the practice of telepsychology and the temporary in-person, face-to-face practice of psychology across state boundaries. Psychologists with a doctoral degree and a current, active psychology license in at least one PSYPACT state can apply to practice in other PSYPACT states under this agreement.

PSYPACT is unique in that it allows psychologists in the compact to provide only two limited and specific services: telepsychology and/or temporary in-person face-to-face services. Separate application processes, and a separate annual renewal, are required to provide these services. Learn more @ https://psypact.gov/.

School Psychologists

The Council of State Governments (CSG) is partnering with the Department of War (DoW) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) to support the mobility of school psychologists through the development of the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists (ICSP). This compact is still in the early stages. Learn more @ https://schoolpsychcompact.org/.

Counselors

Since 2019, ACA has been working with the National Center for Interstate Compacts to create and operationalize a compact for counselors — and now the Counseling Compact is operational. To participate in the Counseling Compact, states must adhere to a variety of requirements, including that licensees pass a nationally recognized exam and have completed a master’s in counseling and supervised postgraduate professional experience. Counselors who are licensed and living in a compact member state will be allowed to practice telehealth and in-person counseling in other member states through the compact’s equivalent to a license, called the “privilege to practice.” Learn more @ https://www.counseling.org/advocacy/counseling-compact.

Social Workers

In 2024, the Council of State Governments (CSG) partnered with the Department of War (DoW) and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) to establish the Social Work Licensure Compact to support the mobility of licensed social workers. This compact is in the early stages of development. To join the compact, states must license and regulate social work, require that licensees pass a national qualifying exam, and require that licensees graduate from an accredited social work program corresponding to the category of licensure sought. Learn more @ https://swcompact.org/.

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs)

The AAMFT has decided against establishing a state-level licensure compact and has chosen to concentrate on formulating model licensure portability laws within each state. The model licensure portability laws proposed by AAMFT are designed to offer complete endorsement for MFTs, allowing an individual’s qualifications for an MFT license in one state to be utilized for licensure in another participating state (WWAMI, 2025).

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Audiologists

The Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) facilitates the interstate practice of audiology and speech-language pathology while maintaining public protection. Learn more @ https://aslpcompact.com/.

Occupational Therapists (OTs)

The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact) is an interstate compact, or formal agreement among states, that facilitates interstate practice of occupational therapy. Learn more @ https://otcompact.gov/.

Registered Dietitians (RDs)

The Council of State Governments (CSG) is partnering with the Department of Defense (DoD) and The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) to support the mobility of licensed dietitians through the development of a new interstate compact. Learn more @ https://compacts.csg.org/compact-updates/the-interstate-compact-for-dietitians/.

States

A few states have licenses or telehealth specific exceptions that allow an out-of-state provider to render services in a state where they are not located. For example, Florida has established a comprehensive framework for telehealth services, allowing both in-state and out-of-state practitioners to provide care under specific regulations. Learn more @ https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/.

Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, and West Virginia have also passed permanent legislation allowing certain healthcare providers to provide telehealth services to in-state patients. New Hampshire has expanded their provider types eligible to use telehealth to include psychologists and mental health practitioners (WWAMI, 2025).

Healthcare providers must remain vigilant about the evolving telehealth regulations, particularly regarding licensure and billing practices across state lines. Staying informed and prepared will be crucial for successfully navigating the complexities of providing telehealth services in a multi-state environment. An online resource for telehealth regulations state-by-state can be found here: https://www.ebglaw.com/telemental-health-laws-app/

Telehealth policies are changing rapidly. The CCHP provides federal and state specific telehealth policies @ https://www.cchpca.org/topic/cross-state-licensing-professional-requirements/.

According to the CCHP, the physical location of the patient – which should be verified at the start of each telehealth session – determines which state regulations to apply to avoid practicing without a license or jeopardizing malpractice insurance.

The objectives of interstate occupational licensure agreements are to enhance the efficiency of licensing procedures and to facilitate access to services, all while ensuring public safety. Various mechanisms have been implemented by states and professional advocacy groups to ease the process of licensure across state lines. The most prevalent of these mechanisms are interstate compacts.

Interstate licensure compacts could potentially mitigate workforce shortages in regions with high demand, allowing practitioners to practice more conveniently across state borders. Nevertheless, while these approaches reduce regulatory barriers and streamline the licensure process between states, they do not enhance the overall national supply of providers, and the extent to which these measures enhance access to health services remains to be seen.

Telehealth: Ethics and Best Practices

Telehealth, also known as teletherapy, telepractice, telepsychology, telerehabilitation (and a variety of other names), involves participating in therapeutic services through a digital platform. Patients can consult with their healthcare provider via computer, tablet, or smartphone without needing to visit their office. Telehealth is particularly beneficial for individuals in remote areas or those who have difficulty accessing traditional medical facilities. It encompasses a range of services, including virtual visits, health education, and remote patient monitoring.

The primary and most obvious difference between telehealth and in-person treatment is the fact that the patient is not in the same room as the clinician. This lack of physical presence can limit the range of information available or how accurately it is observed. Communication can be influenced by camera angle, screen size, room characteristics, and other technical factors like bandwidth that may result in poor-quality video and/or audio and prohibit the observation of all behaviors.

Telehealth: Ethics and Best Practices is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that examines ethical principles and best practices in remote online therapy.

This course will provide an introduction to telehealth, discuss the pros and cons, address ethical considerations (such as competence, informed consent, HIPAA, etc.), how to get started with telehealth (including when to use, not use, or when to combine services), offer practice tips (including camera positioning and cultivating trust), and discuss evidence-based uses for mental health, nutrition, speech, and occupational therapy.

A final section will offer best practices for telehealth in mental health, nutrition therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Self-efficacy, and how to enhance it, is also discussed.


Professional Development Resources, a small Florida nonprofit educational corporation 501(c)(3) organized in 1992, is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Professional Development Resources maintains responsibility for all programs and content. Professional Development Resources is also approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC ACEP #5590); the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB #1046, ACE Program); the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA #AAUM); the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA #3159); the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR Prior Approval Program); the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling, Board of Psychology, Office of School Psychology, Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, Board of Occupational Therapy, and Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council; the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists (#PSY-0145), State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors (#MHC-0135) and marriage and family therapists (#MFT-0100), and the State Board for Social Workers as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers (#SW-0664); the South Carolina Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists (#193); the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (#114) and State Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678); and is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 – completions are reported next business day, currently reporting for 50+ boards). Learn more about us.

Target AudiencePsychologistsSchool PsychologistsCounselorsSocial WorkersMarriage & Family Therapists (MFTs)Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)Occupational Therapists (OTs)Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), and Teachers

Enjoy 20% off all online continuing education (CE/CEU) courses @pdresources.orgClick here for details.

Telehealth – New Online CE Course

Telehealth: Ethics and Best Practices is a new 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that examines ethical principles and best practices in remote online therapy.

Telehealth: Ethics and Best Practices is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that examines ethical principles and best practices in remote online therapy.

Telehealth, also known as teletherapy, telepractice, telepsychology, telerehabilitation (and a variety of other names), involves participating in therapeutic services through a digital platform. Patients can consult with their healthcare provider via computer, tablet, or smartphone without needing to visit their office. Telehealth is particularly beneficial for individuals in remote areas or those who have difficulty accessing traditional medical facilities. It encompasses a range of services, including virtual visits, health education, and remote patient monitoring.

The primary and most obvious difference between telehealth and in-person treatment is the fact that the patient is not in the same room as the clinician. This lack of physical presence can limit the range of information available or how accurately it is observed. Communication can be influenced by camera angle, screen size, room characteristics, and other technical factors like bandwidth that may result in poor-quality video and/or audio and prohibit the observation of all behaviors.

This course will provide an introduction to telehealth, discuss the pros and cons, address ethical considerations (such as competence, informed consent, HIPAA, etc.), how to get started with telehealth (including when to use, not use, or when to combine services), offer practice tips (including camera positioning and cultivating trust), and discuss evidence-based uses for mental health, nutrition, speech, and occupational therapy.

A final section will offer best practices for telehealth in mental health, nutrition therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Self-efficacy, and how to enhance it, is also discussed.

Telehealth Outline:

  • Introduction
  • Section 1: Pros (and Cons) of Telehealth
  • Section 2: Ethical Considerations
  • Section 3: Getting Started with Telehealth
  • Section 4: Telehealth Practice Tips
  • Section 5: Evidence-Based Uses for Telehealth
  • Section 6: Best Practices
  • Summary and Conclusions
  • Resources

Florida: This course meets the “telehealth” license renewal requirement for counselors, social workers, and MFTs (we report to CE Broker for you – for all other professions it will count for “ethics” credit when applicable).

RDNs/SLPs/OTs: This course is undergoing approval by CDR/ASHA/AOTA.

Course #31-57 | 2026 | 20 posttest questions | Mobile-Friendly


Professional Development Resources, a small Florida nonprofit educational corporation 501(c)(3) organized in 1992, is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Professional Development Resources maintains responsibility for all programs and content. Professional Development Resources is also approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC ACEP #5590); the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB #1046, ACE Program); the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA #AAUM); the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA #3159); the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR Prior Approval Program); the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling, Board of Psychology, Office of School Psychology, Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, Board of Occupational Therapy, and Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council; the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists (#PSY-0145), State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors (#MHC-0135) and marriage and family therapists (#MFT-0100), and the State Board for Social Workers as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers (#SW-0664); the South Carolina Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists (#193); the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (#114) and State Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678); and is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 – completions are reported next business day, currently reporting for 47 boards). Learn more about us.

Target AudiencePsychologistsSchool PsychologistsCounselorsSocial WorkersMarriage & Family Therapists (MFTs)Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)Occupational Therapists (OTs)Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), and Teachers

Enjoy 20% off all online continuing education (CE/CEU) courses @pdresources.orgClick here for details.

Ethics for OTs – New Online CE Course

Ethics for OTs is a new 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that teaches Occupational Therapists (OTs) how to address ethical and moral dilemmas in practice.

Ethics for Occupational Therapists is a new 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that teaches OTs how to address ethical and moral dilemmas in practice.

Ethical issues in occupational therapy can arise in various settings, including practice, research, education, and policy. Occupational therapists are responsible for promoting inclusion, participation, safety, and well-being for all recipients of service. They must also empower all beneficiaries of service to meet their occupational needs. Common ethical dilemmas include ineffective treatment, unethical/incompetent colleagues, priorities in treatment, causing pain and discomfort, treating patients despite refusal, and misleading the patient and confidentiality. These dilemmas require occupational therapists to adhere to the principles of respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.

Ethical dilemmas in occupational therapy can be a struggle due to competing allegiances to the OT’s values, clients, colleagues, employers, and regulatory bodies. Accordingly, OT’s decisions can have long-range effects professionally and personally, not only for the OT, but for patients, clients, healthcare entities, and society at large. How and why does one decision win out over another? What constitutes the decision-making process? How do decisions impact those involved?

OTs are engaged in an “ethic of care,” where activities of daily living are not just a function, but also an expression of values. Helping people maintain their maximum possible functioning is seen in relation to society and the common good of all persons. This is an abstract ideal that must be put into practice in an imperfect world. How does the OT make decisions about what is best for the person when there are difficult choices to make?

This course starts with a review the Core Values, Principles, and Standards of Conduct in the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) 2025 Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics. It then provides ethical considerations, common ethical issues OTs face, and the steps involved in the ethical decision-making process. Case examples and ethical scenarios are included throughout to assist OTs in applying the principles to practice.

Click here to learn more about Ethics for OTs

This course is text-based (reading), and the CE test is open-book (you can print the test to mark your answers on it while reading the course materials). Successful completion of this course involves passing an online test (80% required, three chances to take) and we ask that you also complete a brief course evaluation. Contact us with any questions – we are here to help!



Professional Development Resources, a small Florida nonprofit educational corporation 501(c)(3) organized in 1992, is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Professional Development Resources maintains responsibility for all programs and content. Professional Development Resources is also approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC ACEP #5590); the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB #1046, ACE Program); the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA #AAUM); the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA #3159); the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR Prior Approval Program); the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling, Board of Psychology, Office of School Psychology, Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, Board of Occupational Therapy, and Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council; the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists (#PSY-0145), State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors (#MHC-0135) and marriage and family therapists (#MFT-0100), and the State Board for Social Workers as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers (#SW-0664); the South Carolina Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists (#193); the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (#114) and State Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678); and is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 – completions are reported next business day, currently reporting for 47 boards). Learn more about us.

Target AudiencePsychologistsSchool PsychologistsCounselorsSocial WorkersMarriage & Family Therapists (MFTs)Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)Occupational Therapists (OTs)Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), and Teachers

Enjoy 20% off all online continuing education (CE/CEU) courses @pdresources.orgClick here for details.

Valentine’s – Presidents’ Day CE Sale

CE goes better together and is even sweeter when it’s free! Now’s a great time to stock up and save on your continuing ed in our 11th annual Valentine’s – Presidents’ Day sale: Buy ANY 2 courses and get a third for FREE!

Buy 2 CE, Get 1 FREE!

Now through Monday, you can Buy ANY 2 Courses and Get a Third for FREE!

Add ANY 3 online CE courses to your shopping cart and the lowest priced 3rd course will automatically deduct at checkout (one free course for every three added). No coupon needed. No limits. Offer valid on future orders only. Sale ends February 16, 2026.

Online CE sale for pscyhologists
online CE sale for counselors, social workers, and MFTs
online CEU sale for SLPs
online CEU sale for OTs
online CPEU sale for dietitians and nutritionists RDNs
online professional development sale for school psychologists

Did you know? Most of our courses are available for multiple professions. If you see something you like, just check the target audience to know if the credits will apply for your license. You can also use the profession and category filters on our website to narrow your search.

When do courses expire? For everyone except SLPs, you’ll have 3 years from purchase date to complete courses. For SLPs, the ASHA expiration date is posted in the CE information on each course page.

How can I contact you? We are one of the last providers with a phone number listed (1-800-979-9899) and we do our best to answer between 9a-9p, Monday through Friday. You can also text us at 904-999-4977. Or send a message through our contact page.


Professional Development Resources, a small Florida nonprofit educational corporation 501(c)(3) organized in 1992, is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Professional Development Resources maintains responsibility for all programs and content. Professional Development Resources is also approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC ACEP #5590); the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB #1046, ACE Program); the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA #AAUM); the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA #3159); the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR Prior Approval Program); the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling, Board of Psychology, Office of School Psychology, Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, Board of Occupational Therapy, and Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council; the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists (#PSY-0145), State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors (#MHC-0135) and marriage and family therapists (#MFT-0100), and the State Board for Social Workers as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers (#SW-0664); the South Carolina Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists (#193); the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (#114) and State Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678); and is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 – completions are reported next business day, currently reporting for 47 boards). Learn more about us.

Target AudiencePsychologistsSchool PsychologistsCounselorsSocial WorkersMarriage & Family Therapists (MFTs)Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)Occupational Therapists (OTs)Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), and Teachers

Enjoy 20% off all online continuing education (CE/CEU) courses @pdresources.orgClick here for details.

Domestic Violence CE Now Approved for Dietitians

Domestic Violence: Child Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence is a 2-hour online continuing education (CE) course that is now approved for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs).

Domestic Violence: Child Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence is a 2-hour online continuing education (CE) course that details how to identify and help victims of domestic violence.

Healthcare professionals in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Territories are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect.

This course teaches healthcare professionals to detect abuse when they see it, screen for the particulars, and respond with definitive assistance in risk assessment, safety planning, and providing referrals to available resources.

Domestic Violence: Child Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence awards 2.25 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program (Activity #191607 | Performance Indicators: 11.6.1, 13.1.3, 5.2.1, 8.1.3). Professional Development Resources is also approved by the Florida Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council and is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 – completions are reported next business day, currently reporting for 47 boards).

This course is also approved for psychologists, school psychologists, counselors, social workers, and MFTs and meets the Florida license renewal requirement.


Professional Development Resources, a small Florida nonprofit educational corporation 501(c)(3) organized in 1992, is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Professional Development Resources maintains responsibility for all programs and content. Professional Development Resources is also approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC ACEP #5590); the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB #1046, ACE Program); the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA #AAUM); the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA #3159); the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR Prior Approval Program); the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling, Board of Psychology, Office of School Psychology, Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, Board of Occupational Therapy, and Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council; the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists (#PSY-0145), State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors (#MHC-0135) and marriage and family therapists (#MFT-0100), and the State Board for Social Workers as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers (#SW-0664); the South Carolina Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists (#193); the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (#114) and State Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678); and is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 – completions are reported next business day, currently reporting for 47 boards). Learn more about us.

Target AudiencePsychologistsSchool PsychologistsCounselorsSocial WorkersMarriage & Family Therapists (MFTs)Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)Occupational Therapists (OTs)Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), and Teachers

Enjoy 20% off all online continuing education (CE/CEU) courses @pdresources.orgClick here for details.

Nutrition Therapy for ASD Approved for SLPs

Nutrition Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a new 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that is now approved for 0.3 ASHA CEUs.

Nutrition Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a new 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that is now approved for 0.3 ASHA CEUs.

Nutrition therapy for ASD is a personalized approach that aims to address the unique nutritional needs of individuals with ASD. This course provides an update on the prevalence of ASD as well as the three major initiatives issued by HHS in September 2025. It also addresses the feeding challenges common in ASD, such as food selectivity, sensory abnormalities, food neophobia, chewing and swallowing problems, weight issues, and mealtime stress.

Section two examines gastrointestinal (GI) issues, food sensitivities and allergies, and the role of oxidative stress in the pathology of ASD. Section three covers nutrient deficiencies common in ASD, such as vitamins A, B, C, D, E, calcium, iron, iodine, and zinc. Section four delves into the dietary approaches tested by parents of children with ASD, including gluten-free casein-free (GFCF), ketogenic, specific carbohydrate, high-fiber, low glutamate, low FODMAP, Mediterranean, low glycemic index, Feingold, Candida, and combination diets. The etiology, efficacy, and potential risks of each are discussed.

Click here to learn more and enroll in this online CEU course.

Section five reviews nutritional supplements that can help in ASD management, including dietary sulforaphane, omega 3’s, probiotics, coenzyme Q10, melatonin, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), magnesium, vitamin D, and leucovorin to treat cerebral folate deficiency (CFD), which is common in ASD. Section six provides a case study using the Nutrition Care Process and lists the steps of the interprofessional team approach.

This course was developed to assist practitioners in understanding the nuances of ASD and nutrition. Nutritional management for children with ASD necessitates a comprehensive strategy that encompasses dietary changes, supplementation, feeding therapy, and behavioral techniques. The key to achieving optimal nutrition for those with ASD lies in the collaboration among the entire interprofessional team. Course #31-63 | 2025 | 59 pages | 20 posttest questions | Mobile-Friendly

Course Directions

This course is text-based (reading), and the CE test is open-book (you can print the test to mark your answers on it while reading the course materials). Successful completion of this course involves passing an online test (80% required, 3 chances to take) and we ask that you also complete a brief course evaluation. Contact us with any questions – we’re here to help!


Professional Development Resources, a small Florida nonprofit educational corporation 501(c)(3) organized in 1992, is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Professional Development Resources maintains responsibility for all programs and content. Professional Development Resources is also approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC ACEP #5590); the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB #1046, ACE Program); the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA #AAUM); the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA #3159); the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR Prior Approval Program); the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling, Board of Psychology, Office of School Psychology, Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, Board of Occupational Therapy, and Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council; the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists (#PSY-0145), State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors (#MHC-0135) and marriage and family therapists (#MFT-0100), and the State Board for Social Workers as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers (#SW-0664); the South Carolina Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists (#193); the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (#114) and State Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678); and is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 – completions are reported next business day, currently reporting for 47 boards). Learn more about us.

Target AudiencePsychologistsSchool PsychologistsCounselorsSocial WorkersMarriage & Family Therapists (MFTs)Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)Occupational Therapists (OTs)Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), and Teachers

Enjoy 20% off all online continuing education (CE/CEU) courses @pdresources.orgClick here for details.

Ethics for SLPs New 2-Hour Online CEU

Ethics for SLPs and Audiologists is a new 2-hour online continuing education (CE) course that examines ethical issues that SLPs and audiologists may encounter in clinical practice.

Ethical decision-making is based on awareness, intent, judgment, and behavior. The speech-language pathologist (SLP) or audiologist must be aware that an issue has ethical significance. Then a judgment must be made with the intent to make the ethically correct decision, and then an action is taken. Ethics is about deliberate decisions made to benefit the people involved or to have the least harmful repercussions if a positive outcome is not possible.

SLPs and audiologists encounter ethical issues across the spectrum of practice settings, from pediatric treatment to care of elders in skilled nursing facilities. This course will present an overview of ethical issues that arise in speech-language pathology and audiology related to the economics of practice, evidence-based practice, multiculturalism, confidentiality, bullying, abuse, boundaries, telepractice, and collaboration.

Ethical issues and scenarios are presented in this course and are intended to spark thought rather than provide definitive answers. Use this course to examine your own ideas about the ethics of practice in speech-language pathology or audiology. Additional resources for further study are provided.

This course meets the ASHA requirement for a course in ethics during each 3-year certification maintenance interval.

Course #21-67 | 2026 | 40 pages | 15 posttest questions | Mobile-Friendly

Click here to learn more.

Ethics for SLPs provides instant access to the course materials and CE test. The course is text-based (reading), and the CE test is open-book (you can print the test to mark your answers on it while reading the course materials).

Successful completion of this course involves passing an online test (80% required, 3 chances to take) and we ask that you also complete a brief course evaluation.

This course is offered for .2 ASHA CEUs (Introductory level, Professional area). 

ASHA credit is available until 1/31/2031. ASHA CEUs are awarded by the ASHA CE Registry upon receipt of the monthly completion report from the ASHA Approved CE Provider (#AAUM5196). Please note that the date that appears on ASHA transcripts is the last day of the month in which the course was completed.

Professional Development Resources is also approved by the Florida Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, the Ohio Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 – completions are reported next business day).


Professional Development Resources, a small Florida nonprofit educational corporation 501(c)(3) organized in 1992, is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Professional Development Resources maintains responsibility for all programs and content. Professional Development Resources is also approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC ACEP #5590); the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB #1046, ACE Program); the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA #AAUM); the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA #3159); the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR Prior Approval Program); the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling, Board of Psychology, Office of School Psychology, Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, Board of Occupational Therapy, and Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council; the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists (#PSY-0145), State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors (#MHC-0135) and marriage and family therapists (#MFT-0100), and the State Board for Social Workers as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers (#SW-0664); the South Carolina Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists (#193); the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (#114) and State Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678); and is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 – completions are reported next business day, currently reporting for 47 boards). Learn more about us.

Target AudiencePsychologistsSchool PsychologistsCounselorsSocial WorkersMarriage & Family Therapists (MFTs)Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)Occupational Therapists (OTs)Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), and Teachers

Enjoy 20% off all online continuing education (CE/CEU) courses @pdresources.orgClick here for details.