In the ever-evolving mental health field, staying ahead of the curve matters. It’s here that continuing education (CE) credits become vital, providing mental health professionals with the tools they need to enhance their practice and maintain their license requirements.

One platform offering this valuable service is PESI, a leading provider of online CE training for mental health professionals.

Established in 1979, PESI has grown to become a trusted source of cutting-edge continuing education, providing a variety of learning formats to accommodate different preferences. From on-demand training and live immersive online courses to group seminars and webinars, PESI offers a comprehensive suite of learning opportunities that cater to the diverse needs of mental health professionals.

But what makes PESI stand out? And more importantly, is it worth your time and financial investment? These are some of the questions we’ll explore in this review.

Here we review the PESI platform and PESI’s Clinical Trauma Training Course that we personally invested in for $199.

Stay tuned as we navigate the world of continuing education for mental health professionals, guiding you toward making an informed decision about your professional development journey.

About PESI 

• PESI Inc. is a renowned non-profit organization established in 1979, specializing in cutting-edge continuing education for professionals nationwide.
• PESI offers various educational resources, including seminars, conferences, videos, and books, curated in collaboration with leading experts in multiple fields.
• The organization aims to empower professionals by providing practical strategies, methods, and interventions to enhance client outcomes and support personal growth.
• PESI’s educational offerings cater to individuals, public organizations, private industry, students, and professionals, promoting knowledge acquisition and development on a broad scale.
• The organization’s live webinars and online learning platforms offer interactive and engaging learning experiences, covering various topics such as behavior therapy, trauma, ethics, and ADHD.
• PESI’s comprehensive library provides professionals with up-to-date information and insights to serve their clients effectively.
• Based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, PESI is supported by a dedicated team of over 100 professionals committed to delivering high-quality content and events.

Benefits of PESI

PESI Inc. offers a range of benefits to professionals in various fields through its comprehensive educational programs and resources. Some of the key benefits of PESI include:

• Cutting-Edge Continuing Education: PESI collaborates with world-renowned experts to provide up-to-date, cutting-edge content in Behavioral Health, Healthcare, Rehab, Kids’ services, and Publishing. Professionals can access the latest research, techniques, and interventions to enhance their knowledge and skills.
• Diverse Learning Formats: PESI offers a variety of learning formats, including live seminars, online courses, webinars, videos, and books. This diverse range of options allows professionals to choose the format that best fits their learning preferences and schedule.
• Immediate Applicability: The seminars, webinars, and educational products offered by PESI are designed to provide practical strategies, methods, and interventions that professionals can implement immediately in their practice. This helps improve client outcomes and enhances the effectiveness of their work.
• Global Accessibility: Professionals can access PESI’s resources from anywhere globally, allowing for flexible learning and continuing education opportunities that fit their needs and time constraints.
• Expert Faculty: PESI collaborates with leading experts and practitioners in their respective fields to develop and deliver educational content. This ensures that professionals learn from the best and gain insights from those at the forefront of their disciplines.
• Wide Range of Topics: PESI covers a broad spectrum of topics within its focus areas, allowing professionals to explore different areas of interest, expand their expertise, and stay current in multiple aspects of their field.
• Networking Opportunities: PESI’s seminars and conferences provide opportunities for professionals to connect with peers, share experiences, and build a network of contacts within their industry.
• Continuing Education Credits: Many of PESI’s offerings are eligible for continuing education credits, helping professionals meet licensure and certification requirements while staying updated on the latest developments in their field.
• Customer Care and Satisfaction: PESI is committed to delivering high-quality content and products. Their 100% satisfaction guarantee reflects their confidence in the value and relevance of their educational offerings.
• Collaborative Partnerships: PESI collaborates with other leading conferences, publishers, associations, and institutes, allowing professionals to access a wide range of resources and expertise through a single platform.
• Convenient Learning Options: With both live and online learning options, professionals can choose the format that best suits their preferences and schedule, making it easier to fit continuing education into their busy lives.

Who is PESI Best For

PESI Inc. is best suited for a wide range of professionals across various disciplines who are seeking high-quality continuing education, professional development, and resources to enhance their knowledge and skills. 

Here are some groups of individuals who can benefit from PESI’s offerings:

• Behavioral Health Professionals: PESI’s focus on Behavioral Health makes it an excellent resource for psychologists, counselors, therapists, social workers, and other mental health professionals looking to expand their expertise, learn new therapeutic techniques, and stay updated on the latest research.
• Healthcare Practitioners: Medical doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals can benefit from PESI’s educational content on medical treatments, patient care, and emerging healthcare trends.
• Rehabilitation Specialists: Physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and rehabilitation professionals can find valuable resources to enhance clinical skills, learn new approaches, and improve patient outcomes.
• Educators: Teachers, school counselors, and educators can access PESI’s content on working with children, addressing behavioral challenges, and implementing effective classroom strategies.
• Researchers and Academics: Scholars, researchers, and academics can benefit from PESI’s resources to stay informed about the latest field advancements and incorporate evidence-based practices into their work.
• Parents and Caregivers: Individuals caring for children or loved ones with behavioral, emotional, or developmental challenges can find valuable insights and strategies to support their care and well-being.
• Administrators and Managers: Professionals in administrative roles within healthcare, education, and other industries can use PESI’s content to make informed decisions, support staff development, and foster a culture of continuous learning.
• Students and Trainees: Aspiring professionals in various fields can use PESI’s resources to supplement their formal education, gain practical insights, and prepare for their future careers.
• Continuing Education Requirements: PESI is a valuable resource for individuals who must fulfill continuing education requirements for licensure, certification, or professional development in their respective fields.
• Lifelong Learners: Anyone with a passion for learning and a desire to stay informed about the latest developments in Behavioral Health, Healthcare, Rehab, Kids’ services, and Publishing can benefit from PESI’s offerings.

Who Should Not Use PESI 

While PESI Inc. offers a wide range of educational resources and opportunities that can benefit many professionals and individuals, there may be some individuals or groups for whom PESI might not be the best fit. 

Here are a few scenarios where someone might consider other options:

• Don’t Care About CE: If you are not interested in obtaining CE credits, you can find alternatives for a cheaper price without sacrificing quality.
• Non-Learners: Individuals not interested in continuing education, professional development, or expanding their knowledge base may not find value in PESI’s offerings.
• Those with Contradictory Goals: Individuals with goals or values that are fundamentally at odds with the content provided by PESI (such as those who strongly disagree with evidence-based therapeutic practices) might not benefit from their resources.
• Expert-Level Professionals: Highly specialized experts who have already extensively studied and mastered their field might find some of PESI’s content redundant or not advanced enough to meet their needs.
• Limited Interest in Behavioral Health and Related Fields: If someone’s professional or personal interests do not align with the focus areas of PESI (Behavioral Health, Healthcare, Rehab, Kids’ Services, and Publishing), they might not find the content relevant to their needs.
• Language and Accessibility Barriers: Individuals who do not understand or are not comfortable with the language in which the content is presented or who have difficulty accessing online resources, might face challenges in utilizing PESI’s offerings.
• Alternative Learning Preferences: Some people might prefer learning formats that differ from what PESI provides (such as hands-on workshops, immersive retreats, or specific instructional methods that PESI doesn’t specialize in).
• Limited Professional Development Budget: For those with limited financial resources for continuing education, PESI’s offerings might not align with their budget constraints.
• Immediate, Short-Term Learning Needs: Individuals seeking specific, direct, or short-term learning solutions might not find relevant content in PESI’s broader approach.

My Experience with PESI 

Overall, my experience with PESI has been quite positive, as it offers valuable information and resources. 

The website is a treasure trove of educational content across various fields, which is a definite advantage. The range of topics covered is impressive and speaks to their commitment to comprehensive professional development.

Our team bought the Clinical Trauma Training Course for $199, and overall, we were impressed! See the video above for more details!

However, I did find the website to be a bit overwhelming due to the sheer volume of information available. Navigating the site can be challenging, as there’s much to explore, and finding a clear starting point is not always easy. While the search bar is a helpful feature, it may not be enough to mitigate the feeling of being lost in the abundance of content.

We also found PESI to send irritating physical mailers that we did not appreciate! While we could easily cancel such services, we were surprised at the frequency they were mailed! I believe we received five mailers in a few short weeks before canceling.

To enhance user experience, it would be beneficial if PESI could work on streamlining the website’s layout and organization. Creating more intuitive navigation pathways and possibly categorizing content more clearly could make it easier for users to find their desired courses or resources. Additionally, providing curated ways for different professional roles or interests could help users feel more guided and directed.

Of course, receiving fewer physical mailer brochures would be nice too!

Despite these navigational challenges, PESI’s dedication to breaking down complex topics and providing practical strategies is evident. With a few improvements in user-friendliness, PESI could become an even more user-centric and effective platform for professionals seeking continuous education and growth.

Overall, we give PESI a Quality Score of 4.3/5

Best Features of PESI

• Comprehensive Continuing Education: One of the standout features of PESI is its comprehensive approach to continuing education. It covers various disciplines within Behavioral Health, Healthcare, Rehab, Kids’ services, and Publishing. This breadth allows professionals from multiple fields to access relevant, up-to-date content that aligns with their needs and interests.
• Renowned Expertise and Faculty: PESI collaborates with the most respected and influential experts in their respective fields. The organization’s commitment to partnering with experts ensures that the content provided is of the highest quality, rooted in evidence-based practices, and reflects the latest advancements in the industry. This expert faculty lends credibility and value to PESI’s offerings.
• Diverse Learning Formats: PESI offers various learning formats, including live seminars, online courses, webinars, videos, books, and retreats. This variety of options caters to different learning preferences and schedules, allowing professionals to choose the best format for their needs. Whether someone prefers interactive live webinars or self-paced online learning, PESI accommodates many preferences.

How PESI Works

PESI is a comprehensive platform facilitating continuous learning and professional development across various fields. Here’s how PESI works:

• Course Offerings: PESI offers various educational courses, seminars, workshops, and resources in behavioral health, healthcare, rehabilitation, and more. These offerings provide professionals with up-to-date knowledge, skills, and strategies to enhance their expertise.
• Online and In-Person Learning: PESI provides both online and in-person learning options. Online courses are accessible through their website, allowing participants to learn at their own pace and convenience. In-person seminars and workshops are held at various locations, providing face-to-face interaction and networking opportunities.
• Educational Products: PESI offers educational products such as books, videos, DVDs, and other materials that complement and reinforce the learning experience. These resources can deepen understanding and apply concepts in real-world settings.
• Registration: Users can browse through PESI’s catalog of offerings on their website. Upon finding a course or resource of interest, individuals can register and enroll for free or at a cost, depending on the specific offering.
• Learning Experience: For online courses, participants typically log in to the PESI platform, where they can access course materials, video lectures, interactive modules, assessments, and other learning resources. In-person attendees receive hands-on training, engage in discussions, and learn from experienced instructors.
• Continuing Education Credits: Many of PESI’s courses and seminars are eligible for continuing education credits, often required for professional license renewal or certification. Participants can earn these credits by completing the requirements of the course.
• Customer Support: PESI offers customer support to assist users with any inquiries or issues they may encounter during the learning process. This support can include technical assistance, course information, and guidance on navigating the platform.
• Affordability and Satisfaction: PESI is committed to providing value to its users. The platform often offers discounts, promotions, and special offers to make educational opportunities more accessible. Additionally, PESI provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee, ensuring users are content with their learning experience.

Overall, we give PESI a Design Score of 4/5

Specific Details: What You Get in PESI After Your Purchase

• Educational Content: PESI provides access to various educational materials, including live seminars, online learning courses, and educational products. These resources cover behavioral health, healthcare, rehabilitation, and more topics.
• Continuing Education Credits: Professionals in various fields, such as psychology, counseling, nursing, social work, and others, can earn continuing education credits by participating in PESI’s seminars and courses. Numerous national agencies and licensing boards approve PESI to provide continuing education.
• Blogs and Free Resources: PESI offers a collection of insightful and informative blog posts written by experts in the field. These resources cover various topics, provide practical tips, and offer guidance on different therapeutic approaches.
• Customer Care: PESI offers customer support to assist you with any inquiries about their services, products, or resources. Their customer care team is available to address your questions and concerns during specified hours.
• Email Updates: By signing up, you may receive updates about upcoming seminars, new courses, educational products, and other relevant information.
• Access to Online Account: Depending on your specific registration, you might gain access to an online account to manage your course registrations, track your progress, and access course materials.
• Networking Opportunities: PESI events and courses can provide opportunities to connect with other professionals in your field, facilitating networking and knowledge sharing.

PESI Pros 

PESI Inc. offers numerous advantages and benefits, making it a highly regarded resource for professionals seeking continuing education and professional development. Here are some of the pros of using PESI:

• Wide Range of Disciplines: PESI covers a diverse spectrum of disciplines within Behavioral Health, Healthcare, Rehab, Kids’ services, and Publishing. This breadth allows professionals from different fields to access relevant and specialized content that directly applies to their work.
• High-Quality Content: PESI collaborates with leading experts and practitioners in each field, ensuring that the content is of the highest quality. This commitment to excellence translates into valuable insights, evidence-based practices, and practical strategies that professionals can implement immediately.
• Practical Applicability: The educational resources offered by PESI are designed to be immediately applicable in real-world settings. Professionals can learn techniques, interventions, and strategies to be integrated into their practice to improve client outcomes and enhance their effectiveness.
• Diverse Learning Formats: PESI offers a variety of learning formats, including live seminars, online courses, webinars, videos, books, and retreats. This flexibility accommodates different learning preferences, schedules, and modes of engagement.
• Continuing Education Credits: Many of PESI’s offerings are eligible for continuing education credits, making it a convenient and reliable way for professionals to fulfill their licensure and certification requirements.
• Expert Faculty and Authors: PESI partners with renowned experts and authors who are leaders in their respective fields. Learning from these experts provides professionals with insights and knowledge that may not be readily available elsewhere.
• Global Accessibility: PESI’s online resources and digital library can be accessed from anywhere worldwide, allowing professionals to engage with educational content conveniently.
• Networking Opportunities: PESI’s live seminars and events provide opportunities for professionals to network, connect with peers, and engage in discussions with experts in their field.
• Customer Satisfaction: PESI offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, reflecting their confidence in the value and impact of their offerings.
• Support for Charitable and Educational Activities: By participating in PESI’s offerings, professionals indirectly support charitable and educational organizations, as a portion of PESI’s proceeds are dedicated to these causes.

PESI Cons

While PESI Inc. offers many benefits, individuals should consider some potential drawbacks or limitations when evaluating its offerings. Here are a few cons associated with PESI:

• Cost: Some individuals might find PESI’s offerings relatively expensive, especially if they are on a tight budget or seeking more budget-friendly options for continuing education.
• Annoying Physical Mail: We strongly suggest registering with a fake address or not providing your complete address. We received many mailers despite not requesting this service.
• Specific Learning Needs: Professionals with specific or niche learning needs might not always find content that precisely aligns with their specialized interests or requirements within PESI’s broader range of topics.
• Limited Depth: While PESI covers a wide range of disciplines, the depth of coverage on specific topics might not always be as comprehensive as desired, particularly for individuals seeking in-depth mastery of a particular subject.
• Varying Quality: While PESI aims to collaborate with leading experts, the quality of content can vary based on the specific presenter or author. Not all content may meet the same high standard of excellence.
• Time Constraints: Some professionals might find it challenging to attend live webinars or events due to scheduling conflicts or time zone differences, which could limit their access to specific learning opportunities.
• Accessibility: While PESI’s digital resources are accessible online, individuals with limited internet access or technology skills might face challenges in fully utilizing the platform.
• Learning Preferences: Professionals who prefer more interactive or hands-on learning experiences, such as workshops or in-person training, might not fully benefit from PESI’s online and digital offerings.
• Geographical Limitations: While PESI provides online access to resources globally, some professionals might prefer in-person learning experiences that PESI’s digital platform might not fully replicate.
• Scope of Coverage: PESI focuses primarily on Behavioral Health, Healthcare, Rehab, Kids’ services, and Publishing. Professionals from other industries might not find relevant content within their specific domain.
• Overwhelming Options: The extensive range of content and formats offered by PESI might be overwhelming for some individuals, making it challenging to navigate and select the most appropriate resources.

PESI Third-Party Reviews

• 4.8/5, with 3,300 Reviews – Apple App Store
• 4.1 /5 from 65 Reviews – Knoji 
• 2.9/5 from 2 reviews – Trustpilot 
• A+ rating over 26 years – Better Business Bureau
• 4.6/5 from 212 Reviews – Google Play Store

Overall, we give PESI a Third-Party Review Score of 4.4/5

PESI – Is It Evidence-Based?

PESI Inc. strives to provide evidence-based educational content and resources, particularly in Behavioral Health, Healthcare, Rehab, Kids’ services, and Publishing. 

Evidence-based practice involves integrating the best available research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values to inform decision-making and enhance the quality of care. 

Here’s why PESI is often considered to offer evidence-based content:

• Collaboration with Experts: PESI collaborates with leading experts and practitioners. These experts contribute their knowledge, research findings, and clinical insights to develop educational content. This collaboration ensures the information presented is grounded in the latest research and expertise.
• Citation and References: PESI typically includes citations, references, and sources in their educational materials. This allows learners to trace the information to reputable research studies, publications, and authoritative sources.
• Integration of Research Findings: PESI’s content often integrates research findings, clinical studies, and empirical evidence into its seminars, webinars, and courses. This integration helps practitioners understand and apply evidence-based interventions and strategies.
• Focus on Practical Application: While emphasizing evidence-based approaches, PESI also prioritizes the practical application of knowledge. The content is designed to provide actionable strategies and techniques that practitioners can use effectively in real-world scenarios.
• Continual Content Updates: PESI regularly updates its offerings to align with the latest research and developments in the respective fields. This commitment to staying current ensures learners access to the most up-to-date and evidence-based information.
• Credibility and Reputation: PESI has established itself as a respected provider of continuing education for professionals. Its partnerships with experts, professional associations, and organizations contribute to its credibility and reputation for providing evidence-based content.

However, it’s important to note that not all content may have the same level of evidence or rigor. 

Learners should critically evaluate the sources, references, and citations provided within PESI’s materials to ensure the credibility and applicability of the information. 

Additionally, while PESI aims to offer evidence-based content, individual presenters and courses may vary in their adherence to evidence-based practices.

What Problems Does PESI Best Help?

PESI Inc. provides educational resources and solutions well-suited to address various challenges and needs within Behavioral Health, Healthcare, Rehab, Kids’ services, and Publishing. 

Some of the specific problems that PESI can help best with include:

• Staying Current with Advances: Professionals must often remain updated with the latest advancements, research findings, and evidence-based practices in their respective fields. PESI offers up-to-date content that helps professionals stay current and informed about emerging trends, techniques, and interventions.
• Meeting Continuing Education Requirements: Many professions require continuing education to maintain licensure or certification. PESI provides a variety of accredited courses and learning opportunities that fulfill these requirements, making it easier for professionals to stay compliant.
• Enhancing Clinical Skills: PESI’s practical and actionable content equips therapists, counselors, and other mental health professionals with practical strategies and interventions to address various clinical challenges, such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and more.
• Expanding Therapeutic Toolbox: PESI offers a diverse array of therapeutic techniques and approaches that practitioners can integrate into their practice, allowing them to better tailor their interventions to the unique needs of their clients.
• Professional Development: PESI’s resources support professionals’ personal and career growth by offering insights into leadership, communication, ethics, risk management, and other aspects contributing to effective practice and career advancement.
• Supporting Educators: Educators and school counselors can find valuable tools and strategies from PESI to address behavioral issues, implement effective classroom management techniques, and help students’ overall well-being.
• Managing Patient Care: Healthcare professionals can benefit from PESI’s content on medical treatments, patient care, and healthcare trends, aiding them in providing optimal patient care.
• Navigating Regulatory Changes: Professionals in various industries must navigate complex and evolving regulatory environments. PESI’s content helps individuals understand and adapt to regulatory changes that impact their practice.
• Improving Patient Outcomes: PESI’s evidence-based resources empower healthcare and behavioral health professionals to enhance patient outcomes by offering practical strategies and interventions for various conditions.
• Providing Parental Support: PESI’s resources cater to parents and caregivers by providing guidance on managing children’s behavior, addressing developmental challenges, and promoting positive parenting approaches.
• Networking and Community Building: PESI’s events and platforms offer opportunities for professionals to connect, share experiences, and build a supportive network of colleagues and peers.

How do I Sign-Up to PESI? 

• Go to www.pesi.com and click on signup.
• Enter the required information such as name, address, email, etc.
• Click “Create Account”.

Alternatives to PESI 

1. PsychCentral Professional Education: PsychCentral offers online courses and webinars focused on psychology, mental health, and related fields. They provide resources for clinicians, therapists, and counselors looking to expand their knowledge and skills in behavioral health.
2. MedBridge: MedBridge is an online education platform that provides a comprehensive library of courses for healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. They offer evidence-based content and interactive learning experiences.
3. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW): NASW offers a variety of continuing education opportunities for social workers. They provide workshops, webinars, conferences, and online courses that address various topics relevant to the social work profession.
4. American Psychological Association (APA): APA offers various resources for psychologists, including online courses, webinars, and conferences. They focus on providing evidence-based content and professional development opportunities.

How Much Does PESI Cost 

PESI offers a wide range of educational resources and offerings, each with its pricing structure. 

The cost of PESI’s products and services can vary depending on factors such as the type of course or resource, the duration, the level of content, and any additional features or materials included. 

Here are a few examples of the types of offerings and their potential price ranges:

• Live Webinars: The cost of attending a live webinar through PESI can range from around $99 to $249 or more, depending on the topic, duration, and whether it includes continuing education credits.
• Online Courses: PESI’s online courses can vary widely in price, often ranging from $199 to $499 or more, depending on the content, depth of material, and any supplementary resources provided.
• Books and Publications: PESI’s book offerings typically range in price from around $20 to $50 or more, depending on the title and format (e.g., paperback or e-book).
• Membership or Subscription Plans: PESI may offer membership or subscription plans that provide access to various resources for a recurring fee. These plans can vary in price based on access and benefits.
• In-Person Conferences and Seminars: Prices for attending in-person conferences and seminars offered by PESI can vary widely based on factors such as location, duration, and the number of sessions included.

While PESI’s courses and products are higher priced, the price is still reasonable for several reasons: 

Other alternatives for Continuing Education credits are similarly priced, less convenient, worse quality, don’t offer refunds, or are more expensive.

If you are looking for learning and educational content but don’t care about CE credits, then we suggest Udemy or another alternative. 

Overall, we give PESI a Cost Score of 4/5.

Any Discount or Free Trial?

• Tax Exempt: You must have a copy of your company’s tax exemption certificate to waive sales tax. 
• Group Rates: Offers special discounted tuition to groups seeking relevant education. Group Discounts are available on distance education and live seminars. Contact PESI Customer Service https://www.pesi.com/events/onsite#form for a formal tuition quote and details on how to register. 
• Student Discounts: The discount is usually 50% off the program’s standard rate. The discount applies to most live, in-person seminars as well as most live webinars. 
• Military Discounts: PESI, Inc. is proud to offer free tuition on live webinars and most live in-person seminars for active-duty, retired, or veteran-status military personnel. 

Refunds, Pausing, and Cancellations

PESI has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied, please get in touch with PESI at https://www.pesi.com/customercare/contactus. 

Registration Cancellation: If you contact PESI before the seminar date, you may exchange your tuition for the seminar recording (if available), a certificate to attend another seminar or a tuition refund. 

Is PESI Legit Conclusion

PESI is widely recognized for its extensive educational resources, offering diverse courses, materials, books, and information across various fields. However, it’s worth noting that the abundance of content might be overwhelming for some users to navigate. 

Despite this, PESI has garnered impressive reviews, a testament to the high-quality educational experiences it delivers. Additionally, while the platform is exceptional, it’s important to mention that some users might find it pricier. Notably, PESI demonstrates its commitment to affordability through various discount opportunities. 

An outstanding feature of PESI is its steadfast dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction, evident in its robust 100% satisfaction guarantee. 

In summary, PESI is a robust hub for continuous learning, offering a wide array of resources, although potential enhancements to website navigation could further elevate the user experience.