Course description
Mental Health History and Treatment
As humans, we are continuously faced with challenges in our lives and in our society, depending on the severity of the challenge and the resources we have to cope with that challenge, it is essential to grow a trauma informed, and culturally grounded workforce of helpers that can provide support in navigating these challenges.
This course will explore the history and treatment of individuals with mental health disorders in the United States. This course will also highlight the historical and present day societal views of mental health services and the criminalization of mental health.
Learners will also have exposure to the importance of re-entry support from a variety of institutions. Throughout this course we will use person-first language around mental health with the understanding that mental health is not just mental illness. You will, however, see the use of the term "mental illness" in a lot of course materials, and will see that some resources will still use only the term "mental illness" or separate "mental health" and "mental illness". Understand that some of these terms are interchangeable in the field, however the focus in this course will be on mental health as a whole, viewing "mental illness" instead as mental health disorders or mental health challenges. It is important to acknowledge that many learners may have, or had in their lifetime, mental health disorders, challenges, and/or have had traumatic events occur in their lifetimes.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
Prerequisites
SWK1x: Introduction to Social Work and SWK2x: Areas of Social Work Practice on edX are recommended prerequisites for this course.
Outcome / Qualification etc.
What you'll learn
- Learners will gain an understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice in the context of mental health services at the individual and system levels.
- Learners will be able to discuss the history of mental health in the United States including deinstitutionalization, basic symptoms of mental health disorders, and the impact of stigma surrounding mental health disorders and care.
- 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.
- Learners will demonstrate an understanding of the strengths and challenges of diverse groups, as well as how life situations and societal factors affect symptoms of mental health disorders and access to services.
Training Course Content
- Introduction to Mental Health
- Policies and Deinstitutionalization
- Societal Views and Criminalization
- Etiology, Diagnosis, Co-Occurring Disorders
- Social Determinants and Mental Health Across the Life Span
- Indigenous Mental Health & Cultural Considerations
Course delivery details
This course is offered through University of Alaska Fairbanks, a partner institute of EdX.
4-6 hours per week
Expenses
- Verified Track -$99
- Audit Track - Free