This specialization is designed to elevate public understanding and application of psychological knowledge concerning major psychopathologies: depressive and bipolar disorders, substance use and addictive behaviors, and trauma-induced disorders. Learners will gain a scientific and comprehensive understanding of these conditions, including their symptoms, prevalence, contributing factors (biological/psychological), diagnostic criteria, treatments, and cultural influences. The goal is to equip individuals with the knowledge to better understand these disorders, which are highly relevant to both the learner and society.



Psychology of Substance Use, Depressive Disorders, & Trauma Specialization
Disorders due to Substances, Depression, & Trauma. To understand depressive disorders, disorders due to substance use, and Trauma-Induced Disorders

Instructor: Kyle Smith
Included with
Recommended experience
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Users will learn about the symptoms, prevalence, and diagnostic criteria for depressive, bipolar, substance-related, and trauma-induced disorders
The courses cover biological and psychological factors that contribute to these conditions, along with current, evidence-based treatments
Users will learn about the cultural influences and the application of psychology to better understand these disorders in society and personally
Overview
Skills you'll gain
- Neurology
- Behavioral Health
- Clinical Psychology
- Epidemiology
- Psychotherapy
- Pharmacology
- Trauma Care
- Mental Health
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Mental Health Diseases and Disorders
- Diagnostic Tests
- Patient Treatment
- Psychological Evaluations
- Psychiatric Assessments
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mental and Behavioral Health
- Patient Evaluation
- Cultural Diversity
- Substance Abuse
What’s included

Add to your LinkedIn profile
October 2025
Advance your subject-matter expertise
- Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
- Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
- Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
- Earn a career certificate from American Psychological Association

Specialization - 3 course series
What you'll learn
Skills you'll gain
What you'll learn
Skills you'll gain
What you'll learn
Different types of trauma, their definitions, and the range of potential outcomes—both negative and positive—that can follow traumatic experiences
How PTSD, acute stress disorder, and dissociative disorders are understood, diagnosed and treated by clinicians
Skills you'll gain
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor

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Frequently asked questions
Approximately 15 weeks ssuming 5-6 hours of work.
High schoold diploma or equivalent.
You can take them in any order but we recommend Substance Use first, Depressive Disorders second, and Trauma third.
More questions
Financial aid available,