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Christina Ireton
Mental health exists for all of us, and mental health conditions, challenges and/or disorders are very common in the United States. Mental health is not just mental illness, it is our wellness. Most of us in our lifetimes will experience something that causes a challenge for our mental health - a loss of someone, birth of a child, loss of a job, witnessing a traumatic event, etc. It is important to normalize discussions and options for care around mental health and well-being, and that experiencing a challenge is normal and okay.
Read more
Mental health exists for all of us, and mental health conditions, challenges and/or disorders are very common in the United States. Mental health is not just mental illness, it is our wellness. Most of us in our lifetimes will experience something that causes a challenge for our mental health - a loss of someone, birth of a child, loss of a job, witnessing a traumatic event, etc. It is important to normalize discussions and options for care around mental health and well-being, and that experiencing a challenge is normal and okay.
Read more
Mental health exists for all of us, and mental health conditions, challenges and/or disorders are very common in the United States. Mental health is not just mental illness, it is our wellness. Most of us in our lifetimes will experience something that causes a challenge for our mental health - a loss of someone, birth of a child, loss of a job, witnessing a traumatic event, etc. It is important to normalize discussions and options for care around mental health and well-being, and that experiencing a challenge is normal and okay.
This course utilizes a strengths-based and socioecological framework and a recovery model with the aim of helping those with mental health challenges to move beyond survival and encourage them to thrive with the premise that (1) It is possible to recover from mental health challenges, and (2) The most effective recovery is client-directed. This approach is based on four dimensions of recovery: health, home, purpose, and community.
Learners will explore the unique opportunities and difficulties faced by social workers and prepare them to provide case management and assessment services to people with mental health disorders. In this course learners will explore mental health diagnosis, assessment tools, and what it means to use a wholistic approach when assessing and working with diverse people in diverse contexts. Self-care and community-care are highlighted as essential components and practices to cultivate, as a buffer and prevention for burnout and compassion fatigue, as we do good work together in the area of mental health.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/2u2rti/mental
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Learners will be able to apply theories and perspectives to the impact of policies, criminalization, and societal views on mental health.
- Learners will demonstrate self-awareness of their own mental health, and recognize their own biases and personal assumptions about mental health disorders in order to better serve unique and vulnerable populations.
- Through case scenarios, learners will be able to demonstrate an understanding of basic case management skills, the unique case management needs in working with people with mental health disorders, and best practices in providing case management services.
- Learners will apply their understanding of assessment models through the completion of a biopsychosocial assessment.
- Learners will be able to apply theories and perspectives to the impact of policies, criminalization, and societal views on mental health.
- Learners will demonstrate self-awareness of their own mental health, and recognize their own biases and personal assumptions about mental health disorders in order to better serve unique and vulnerable populations.
- Through case scenarios, learners will be able to demonstrate an understanding of basic case management skills, the unique case management needs in working with people with mental health disorders, and best practices in providing case management services.
- Learners will apply their understanding of assessment models through the completion of a biopsychosocial assessment.
Syllabus
Week 1: Biopsychosocial Model
Week 2: The Recovery Model
Week 3: Introduction to Case Management
Week 4: Case Management Roles and Techniques
Read more
Syllabus
Week 1: Biopsychosocial Model
Week 2: The Recovery Model
Week 3: Introduction to Case Management
Week 4: Case Management Roles and Techniques
Read more
Week 5: Working With Supports, and Other Considerations
Week 6: Taking Care of Your Mental Health and Wellness
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Explores the Recovery Model, which is crucial for working with people with mental health disorders
Develops case management skills, which are core for social workers in mental health
Examines the impact of policies and societal views on mental health, enhancing social workers' understanding
Emphasizes self-care and community-care, promoting well-being for social workers
Instructed by Christina Ireton, a recognized expert in mental health
Save this course
Save Mental Health Theory and Practice to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Mental Health Theory and Practice with these
activities:
Review basic mental health concepts
Show steps
Review basic mental health concepts to build a stronger foundation for the course.
Browse courses on
Mental Health
Show steps
-
Read textbook chapters on the history of mental health and current perspectives.
-
Review online resources and articles on mental health.
Participate in Online Discussion Forums
Show steps
Participate in online discussion forums to engage with peers and deepen understanding of course topics.
Show steps
-
Join the online discussion forums for the course.
-
Read through the discussion topics and posts.
-
Contribute to the discussions by posting your own thoughts and responding to others.
Review historical perspectives
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of asylum management and mental health in the United States and abroad to strengthen your foundational understanding of current practices.
Show steps
-
Read scholarly articles on the history of mental health treatment
-
Review timelines and historical documents related to the evolution of mental health care
-
Summarize key historical events and trends that have shaped mental health practices
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Organize course notes and materials
Show steps
Enhance your understanding and retention by organizing and reviewing course materials regularly.
Show steps
-
Create a system for organizing notes, handouts, and readings
-
Review and summarize key concepts and theories
-
Identify areas where further clarification or research is needed
Develop a Mental Health Assessment Tool
Show steps
Create a mental health assessment tool as a practical application of the course concepts.
Browse courses on
Assessment Tools
Show steps
-
Research different types of mental health assessment tools.
-
Choose a specific type of mental health assessment tool to develop.
-
Develop a plan for the assessment tool, including the questions, scoring, and interpretation.
-
Create a prototype of the assessment tool.
-
Test the assessment tool with a small group of people.
Learn about case management models
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of different case management models and their application in mental health settings.
Browse courses on
Case Management
Show steps
-
Explore online tutorials on evidence-based case management models
-
Review case studies and examples of how models are implemented in practice
-
Practice applying different models to hypothetical scenarios
Engage in peer-led discussions
Show steps
Foster collaboration and deepen your understanding through discussions with fellow learners.
Browse courses on
Collaboration
Show steps
-
Join online forums and discussion groups
-
Participate actively in class discussions
-
Organize study groups with classmates
Identify mental health disorders
Show steps
Strengthen your ability to accurately diagnose mental health disorders based on symptoms and diagnostic criteria.
Browse courses on
Mental Health Disorders
Show steps
-
Use online diagnostic tools and quizzes
-
Practice applying diagnostic criteria to case scenarios
-
Review and compare different diagnostic systems
Volunteer at a Mental Health Organization
Show steps
Volunteer at a mental health organization to gain practical experience in the field.
Show steps
-
Research different mental health organizations.
-
Choose an organization to volunteer with.
-
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Complete the necessary training.
-
Start volunteering.
Assist at a mental health support group
Show steps
Gain practical experience in providing support and guidance to individuals with mental health challenges.
Browse courses on
Mental Health
Show steps
-
Contact local mental health organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities
-
Participate in training and orientation programs
-
Assist group facilitators and provide support to participants
Develop a treatment plan
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of mental health diagnosis, assessment, and treatment planning to create a comprehensive plan for a hypothetical client.
Browse courses on
Treatment Planning
Show steps
-
Gather information about the client's history, symptoms, and needs
-
Identify appropriate diagnoses and treatment goals
-
Develop specific interventions and strategies
-
Write a detailed treatment plan outlining the proposed interventions
Design a mental health awareness campaign
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of mental health to create a project that promotes awareness and reduces stigma.
Browse courses on
Public Health
Show steps
-
Research effective communication strategies for mental health awareness
-
Develop a campaign message and slogan
-
Design materials and plan distribution channels
-
Implement the campaign and track its impact
Review basic mental health concepts
Show steps
Review basic mental health concepts to build a stronger foundation for the course.
Browse courses on
Mental Health
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read textbook chapters on the history of mental health and current perspectives.
- Review online resources and articles on mental health.
Participate in Online Discussion Forums
Show steps
Participate in online discussion forums to engage with peers and deepen understanding of course topics.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join the online discussion forums for the course.
- Read through the discussion topics and posts.
- Contribute to the discussions by posting your own thoughts and responding to others.
Review historical perspectives
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of asylum management and mental health in the United States and abroad to strengthen your foundational understanding of current practices.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read scholarly articles on the history of mental health treatment
- Review timelines and historical documents related to the evolution of mental health care
- Summarize key historical events and trends that have shaped mental health practices
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Organize course notes and materials
Show steps
Enhance your understanding and retention by organizing and reviewing course materials regularly.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create a system for organizing notes, handouts, and readings
- Review and summarize key concepts and theories
- Identify areas where further clarification or research is needed
Develop a Mental Health Assessment Tool
Show steps
Create a mental health assessment tool as a practical application of the course concepts.
Browse courses on
Assessment Tools
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different types of mental health assessment tools.
- Choose a specific type of mental health assessment tool to develop.
- Develop a plan for the assessment tool, including the questions, scoring, and interpretation.
- Create a prototype of the assessment tool.
- Test the assessment tool with a small group of people.
Learn about case management models
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of different case management models and their application in mental health settings.
Browse courses on
Case Management
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Explore online tutorials on evidence-based case management models
- Review case studies and examples of how models are implemented in practice
- Practice applying different models to hypothetical scenarios
Engage in peer-led discussions
Show steps
Foster collaboration and deepen your understanding through discussions with fellow learners.
Browse courses on
Collaboration
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join online forums and discussion groups
- Participate actively in class discussions
- Organize study groups with classmates
Identify mental health disorders
Show steps
Strengthen your ability to accurately diagnose mental health disorders based on symptoms and diagnostic criteria.
Browse courses on
Mental Health Disorders
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Use online diagnostic tools and quizzes
- Practice applying diagnostic criteria to case scenarios
- Review and compare different diagnostic systems
Volunteer at a Mental Health Organization
Show steps
Volunteer at a mental health organization to gain practical experience in the field.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different mental health organizations.
- Choose an organization to volunteer with.
- Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Complete the necessary training.
- Start volunteering.
Assist at a mental health support group
Show steps
Gain practical experience in providing support and guidance to individuals with mental health challenges.
Browse courses on
Mental Health
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Contact local mental health organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities
- Participate in training and orientation programs
- Assist group facilitators and provide support to participants
Develop a treatment plan
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of mental health diagnosis, assessment, and treatment planning to create a comprehensive plan for a hypothetical client.
Browse courses on
Treatment Planning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather information about the client's history, symptoms, and needs
- Identify appropriate diagnoses and treatment goals
- Develop specific interventions and strategies
- Write a detailed treatment plan outlining the proposed interventions
Design a mental health awareness campaign
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of mental health to create a project that promotes awareness and reduces stigma.
Browse courses on
Public Health
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research effective communication strategies for mental health awareness
- Develop a campaign message and slogan
- Design materials and plan distribution channels
- Implement the campaign and track its impact
Career center
Learners who complete Mental Health Theory and Practice will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Social Worker
Social Worker
A Social Worker helps people cope with mental health conditions and other challenges and provides resources that address their mental health needs. A course in Mental Health Theory and Practice complements Social Work by going over case management skills, assessment tools, and more.
Mental Health Counselor
Mental Health Counselor
Mental Health Counselors assess and treat people with emotional and behavioral issues. The Mental Health Theory and Practice course would be a strong choice for a Mental Health Counselor as it teaches about mental health diagnosis, assessment tools, case management, and other related topics.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist
A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats mental health issues. Taking a course in Mental Health Theory and Practice would be useful for a Psychiatrist as it covers mental health diagnoses and other topics that are relevant to a Psychiatrist’s work.
Psychologist
Psychologist
Psychologists assess and treat mental health challenges, and many focus on a specific type of challenge, population, or approach. The Mental Health Theory and Practice course would be helpful for a Psychologist since it covers diagnoses, assessment tools, various approaches to mental health, and more.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists work with people with mental health conditions to help them live independently and reach their goals. The Mental Health Theory and Practice course may be helpful for an Occupational Therapist as it covers how mental health challenges can affect individuals and how to work with them.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and Family Therapists address mental health challenges that partners and families face. A Mental Health Theory and Practice course could be beneficial for these professionals since it would teach them assessment tools, mental health diagnosis, and how to work with people with mental health disorders.
Social and Community Service Manager
Social and Community Service Manager
Social and Community Service Managers plan, direct, and coordinate social service programs and community outreach initiatives. A Mental Health Theory and Practice course would be useful for these professionals since it covers topics such as mental health diagnoses, case management, and working with people with mental health challenges.
Community Health Worker
Community Health Worker
Community Health Workers provide support and resources to individuals and families in their communities, often focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. The Mental Health Theory and Practice course would provide a solid foundation for Community Health Workers as it goes over mental health challenges, diagnoses, and resources.
Correctional Officer
Correctional Officer
Correctional Officers work in prisons and jails and are responsible for the safety and security of inmates. The Mental Health Theory and Practice course might be useful for Correctional Officers as it covers mental health challenges and diagnoses, which can help them better understand the needs of inmates.
Crisis Support Specialist
Crisis Support Specialist
Crisis Support Specialists provide support and assistance to people experiencing a mental health crisis. The Mental Health Theory and Practice course could be helpful for these professionals as it covers mental health diagnosis, assessment tools, and other relevant topics.
Case Manager
Case Manager
Case Managers help people with mental health challenges access resources and services. The Mental Health Theory and Practice might be helpful for Case Managers as it covers case management skills and other related topics.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance Abuse Counselors help people overcome addiction. As mental health challenges and substance abuse often go hand-in-hand, understanding mental health conditions and diagnoses could benefit a Substance Abuse Counselor.
Psychiatric Nurse
Psychiatric Nurse
Psychiatric Nurses provide care and support to individuals with mental health disorders. The Mental Health Theory and Practice course may be helpful for Psychiatric Nurses as it covers topics like mental health diagnoses, assessment tools, and case management.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers work with young people who may have mental health challenges, and understanding these challenges could be helpful. The Mental Health Theory and Practice course could help Teachers recognize signs of mental health challenges and understand how they might affect students.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts may focus on mental health policy and legislation. The Mental Health Theory and Practice course could be helpful for these professionals as it discusses the impact of policies on mental health.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/2u2rti/mental
Reading list
We've selected seven books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Mental Health Theory and Practice.
An advanced-level textbook that provides an in-depth examination of the neurobiological basis of mental illness, providing a deeper understanding of the causes and mechanisms of mental health disorders.
Offers a strengths-based and recovery-oriented approach to mental health treatment, emphasizing the importance of client-directed care. It provides valuable insights for professionals working with individuals in recovery from mental health challenges.
An commonly-used academic textbook that covers the core concepts of mental health nursing, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
Save
Explores the social determinants of mental health, emphasizing the role of factors such as poverty, education, and housing on mental well-being. It provides evidence-based recommendations for interventions aimed at improving mental health outcomes.
Save
Provides a practical guide to case management for mental health professionals, covering assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation. It useful resource for professionals seeking to develop their case management skills.
Introduces the strengths perspective in social work, which emphasizes building on clients' strengths and resources rather than focusing on their deficits.
Provides an overview of mindfulness-based therapies and their applications in psychotherapy, which can be beneficial for promoting mental health and well-being.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/2u2rti/mental
Share
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Effort
4 to 6 hours per week for 6 weeks
Level
Intermediate
Via
edX
Institution
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Instructor
Christina Ireton
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Explores the Recovery Model, which is crucial for working with people with mental health disorders
Develops case management skills, which are core for social workers in mental health
Examines the impact of policies and societal views on mental health, enhancing social workers' understanding
Emphasizes self-care and community-care, promoting well-being for social workers
Instructed by Christina Ireton, a recognized expert in mental health
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