Mental Health Theory and Practice from edX

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.

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

Week 5: Working With Supports, and Other Considerations

Week 6: Taking Care of Your Mental Health and Wellness

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

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

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Review basic mental health concepts to build a stronger foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Mental Health

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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

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Participate in online discussion forums to engage with peers and deepen understanding of course topics.

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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

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Refresh your knowledge of asylum management and mental health in the United States and abroad to strengthen your foundational understanding of current practices.

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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

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Organize course notes and materials

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Enhance your understanding and retention by organizing and reviewing course materials regularly.

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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

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Create a mental health assessment tool as a practical application of the course concepts.

Browse courses on Assessment Tools

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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

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Deepen your understanding of different case management models and their application in mental health settings.

Browse courses on Case Management

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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

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Foster collaboration and deepen your understanding through discussions with fellow learners.

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Join online forums and discussion groups
Participate actively in class discussions
Organize study groups with classmates

Identify mental health disorders

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Strengthen your ability to accurately diagnose mental health disorders based on symptoms and diagnostic criteria.

Browse courses on Mental Health Disorders

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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

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Volunteer at a mental health organization to gain practical experience in the field.

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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

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Gain practical experience in providing support and guidance to individuals with mental health challenges.

Browse courses on Mental Health

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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

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Apply your knowledge of mental health diagnosis, assessment, and treatment planning to create a comprehensive plan for a hypothetical client.

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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

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Apply your knowledge of mental health to create a project that promotes awareness and reduces stigma.

Browse courses on Public Health

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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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mental Health Counselor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychiatrist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marriage and Family Therapist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social and Community Service Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Health Worker

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Correctional Officer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Crisis Support Specialist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Case Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Substance Abuse Counselor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychiatric Nurse

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst