Trauma-Informed Assessment: Beyond the ACE Score
Trauma-informed assessment is not a single tool — it is a clinical orientation that changes how information is gathered, how it is interpreted, and how it is shared with clients. This 2-hour continuing education course moves beyond the ACE score to provide a comprehensive framework for trauma-informed assessment in mental health settings: understanding the limitations and appropriate uses of the ACE study, structured trauma assessment instruments (CAPS-5, LEC-5, PCL-5, TSI-2), trauma-informed diagnostic formulation that distinguishes trauma responses from primary psychiatric disorders, the clinical integration of trauma history gathering into initial assessment without retraumatization, and the specific assessment adaptations required for diverse populations including children, older adults, and individuals with cognitive or developmental differences.
2
CE Hours
3
Modules
15
Quiz Questions
1
Est. Minutes
What you'll learn
- Articulate the limitations of ACE score-only approaches to trauma assessment
- Apply a multidimensional framework encompassing developmental, relational, somatic, and cultural trauma domains
- Identify somatic indicators and dissociative markers in clinical assessment contexts
- Integrate validated trauma screening tools (PCL-5, CTQ, DAST, TSI-2) into comprehensive intake processes
- Adapt trauma assessment approaches for diverse cultural backgrounds and avoid re-traumatization
Who it's for
Licensed mental health professionals (LPCs, LCSWs, LMFTs, NCCs)
Approval & credit
CounselorReady is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP #7760). This course awards 2 NBCC-approved CE hours; a certificate is issued on completion. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CounselorReady is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.