20 Hours / 20 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Counseling and Chronic Illness: An Overview is presented by Cristen Wathen, Ph.D. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for support for emotional well-being related to specific chronic health issues has been highlighted. This program focuses on the need for and value of culturally competent counseling resources for those with chronic illnesses. Chronic Illness processes significantly impact the physical, emotional, spiritual, and interpersonal aspects of one's life and of the lives of their caregivers. The lack of solid mental health support systems for patients and the paucity of training in this area for therapists is disproportionate to the number of individuals and family systems experiencing chronic illness and all that comes along with differing diagnoses. This program provides an overview of research, resources, and interventions in working with this population.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Describe research about the need for mental health support and resources that can be utilized for clients diagnosed with chronic illness.
  • 2 Describe research about the specific modalities, skills, and contexts needed for counseling those with chronic illnesses.
  • 3 Describe research regarding health disparities and resources for how to incorporate culturally competent counseling with chronically ill clients.

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for mental health professionals and graduate students at all experience levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—who work in psychology, counseling, social work, and marriage and family therapy. The program is particularly relevant for those specializing in culturally competent counseling, chronic illness support, and psychosocial interventions. Participants typically work in healthcare settings, community mental health centers, private practices, or other environments where they support individuals and families managing chronic health conditions.

  • Experience Level

    This training is applicable for all career stages: entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professionals.

  • Practice Setting

    • Licensed mental health professionals (psychologists, counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists).
    • Graduate students in psychology, counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy programs.
    • Professionals specializing in culturally competent counseling, chronic illness support, and psychosocial interventions.
    • Individuals working in healthcare settings (hospitals, clinics), community mental health centers, private counseling practices, and other environments supporting patients and families with chronic health conditions.

Presented By

Cristen Wathen, PhD, Assistant Professor at Palo Alto University

Dr. Cristen Wathen is an Assistant Professor at Palo Alto University. She has a background in working with survivors of trauma and child sexual abuse. She also has experience counseling and advising college students and working with underserved populations in educational settings. Currently, her research interests center around mental wellness needs for those with chronic illnesses, organ transplantation, and genetic disease in family systems. Cristen earned her master's degree from Baylor University and her doctoral degree from Idaho State University. Before joining PAU, she was an Assistant Professor at Montana State University for four years. She has served as the RMACES president and as ACES secretary in her professional service. She is a licensed counselor in Montana and in Idaho and will soon be transferring her license to California.

View More Programs from this Presenter
Cristen Wathen, PhD

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Focus on the need for and value of cultural competency.

  • Overview of research, resources, and interventions in working with this population.

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).



Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356 and the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6811. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CONCEPT Professional Training, #1480, 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 as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. CONCEPT Professional Training maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits.