Differential Diagnostic: A Rollercoaster of an Experience

June 18, 2026

Differential diagnosis is a critical component of the diagnostic process and is especially important when working with individuals who have a history of trauma, such as those in military populations. Trauma-related symptoms can mimic or coexist with other psychiatric conditions, further complicating diagnostic clarity.

This course will review the foundations of diagnostic classification, including the historical development of classification systems, and provide an overview of both the ICD-10 and DSM-5-TR. It will also outline the steps involved in conducting a comprehensive assessment and introduce the six-step approach to differential diagnosis as described in the DSM-5-TR. Effective use of differential diagnosis enhances diagnostic accuracy, informs targeted treatment planning, and ultimately leads to improved patient outcomes.

For more information about this activity, please contact CPT Carlton Jones.

Target Audience

This activity provides continuing education for MHS nurses, psychologists, social workers, certified counselors and case managers. A certificate of attendance is available for other attendees.

Learning Objectives

  1. List the six steps for making a Differential Diagnosis.
  2. Differentiate between different symptoms presentations and mental health disorder criteria.
  3. Differentiate between mental health disorders and underlying medical disorders.
  4. Recognize clinical implications associated with misdiagnosis and treatment success.
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 2.75 ANCC

    DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Joint Accreditation/Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) to provide this Continuing Nursing Education Course for a maximum of 2.75 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 2.75 APA

    Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs. Participants may earn 2.75 CE credits for completing this activity.

  • 2.75 ASWB

    As a Jointly Accredited Organization, DHA J7 CEPO is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. Social workers completing this course receive 2.75 Clinical continuing education credits.

  • 2.75 Attendance
  • 2.75 The Commission CCM

    This program has been pre-approved by The Commission to provide continuing education credit to CCM® board certified case managers. The course is approved for up to 2.75 CE contact hours.

    Activity Code: UPDATE Approval Number: UPDATE

    To claim these CEs, log into your dashboard at www.yourcommission.org.

  • 2.75 IPCE

    In support of improving patient care, DHA J-7 CEPO is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 2.75 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.

  • 2.75 NBCC Credit Hours

    DHA J-7 CEPO has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6955. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. DHA J-7 CEPO is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

    ACEP Contact Information
    Defense Health Agency, J-7, Continuing Education Program Office
    7700 Arlington Blvd
    Room 3M107
    Falls Church, VA 22042
    Phone: (240) 398-4809
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.dhaj7-cepo.com

Course opens: 
06/11/2026
Course expires: 
07/02/2026
Event starts: 
06/18/2026 - 1:00pm EDT
Event ends: 
06/18/2026 - 4:00pm EDT
Add to calendar: 
Winn Army Community Hospital Patriot Auditorium
Fort Stewart, GA
United States

CPT Carlton Jones, MSW, LMSW. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.

Stephanie Soriano-Daughtrey, PsyD, MSCP. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.

Disclosure: DHA J-7 staff, planners, authors, faculty, and content reviewers for this educational activity have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.

Available Credit

  • 2.75 ANCC

    DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Joint Accreditation/Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) to provide this Continuing Nursing Education Course for a maximum of 2.75 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 2.75 APA

    Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs. Participants may earn 2.75 CE credits for completing this activity.

  • 2.75 ASWB

    As a Jointly Accredited Organization, DHA J7 CEPO is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. Social workers completing this course receive 2.75 Clinical continuing education credits.

  • 2.75 Attendance
  • 2.75 The Commission CCM

    This program has been pre-approved by The Commission to provide continuing education credit to CCM® board certified case managers. The course is approved for up to 2.75 CE contact hours.

    Activity Code: UPDATE Approval Number: UPDATE

    To claim these CEs, log into your dashboard at www.yourcommission.org.

  • 2.75 IPCE

    In support of improving patient care, DHA J-7 CEPO is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 2.75 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.

  • 2.75 NBCC Credit Hours

    DHA J-7 CEPO has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6955. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. DHA J-7 CEPO is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

    ACEP Contact Information
    Defense Health Agency, J-7, Continuing Education Program Office
    7700 Arlington Blvd
    Room 3M107
    Falls Church, VA 22042
    Phone: (240) 398-4809
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.dhaj7-cepo.com

Please login or create an account to take this course.

Requirements:  CE/CME certificates are awarded to MHS participants who fully complete the activity, successfully submit the evaluation survey, and pass the posttest with a minimum score of 80% unless noted otherwise. The deadline to claim credit is Jul 2, 2026.

Access Code/Accommodations: Some activities require an access code to register or claim CE/CME credit. For inquiries regarding the access code or accommodations, please email CPT Carlton Jones at [email protected]. 

For technical support, email [email protected].

Required Hardware/software