Mental Health Prevention Programs and Process - EDU-X792J
Course Description
Become a Leader with Mental Health First Response Awareness - A Fully Online Program
Mental Health Prevention Programs and Process is one of five courses in the Mental Health First Response Certificate program. The main focus of this course is crisis prevention and response coordination efforts. It is said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure; certainly no better example could be found than that of mental health prevention measures. School systems have historically been reactive rather than proactive when it comes to mental health issues. This course is designed to tackle those tough topics related to mental health prevention including public and private fears concerning "labels," privacy and confidentiality, why school based mental health prevention services are needed more now than ever and prior precedents. Emphasis will be on creating age appropriate prevention measures that are proactive, yet sensitive to the concerns of parents and community.
Learner Outcomes
- Become familiar with tiers of prevention, active listening, signs and symptoms of mental or emotional distress among children
- Identify commonly encountered issues in school such as bullying, ostracized students, etc.
- Be able to discuss the pros and the cons associated with school-based mental health prevention programs in a meaningful manner. Issues such as parental concern over "labeling," stigma associated with mental health issues and other concerns will be addressed
- Recognize and know how to respond to privacy and confidentiality concerns, legal issues and other student rights related to emotional health
- Understand the importance of taking a proactive versus a reactive approach to school-based mental health prevention services
Course Details
Number of Units: 2.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours
Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for K-12 educators, as well as other school professionals, such as school nurses, psychologists, counselors and administrators. Parents and school volunteers can also benefit from this program.
Course Materials: Text, Crisis Prevention and Intervention in the Classroom: What Teachers Should Know (2nd edition), by Victoria Damiani, available at your local bookstore or online at Amazon.com.
Also required for Module 4 is the film, Bully, by Lee Hirsch (2012). This is available online to rent or purchase.
Suggested Ancillary Resource, The Parents' Guide to Psychological First Aid: Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Predictable Life Crises (paperback), by Gerald Koocher and Annette La Greca, available at your local bookstore or online at Amazon.com.
Prerequisites
EDU-X791J, Introduction to Mental Health First Response is recommended, but not required, to be taken prior to taking this course.
Applies Towards the Following Certificate(s), Professional Programs and Series
- Mental Health First Response Certificate : Courses - Enroll in Individual Courses, or Earn a Certificate with Required Courses (11 Units)
Online Self-Paced courses are a perfect blend of accessibility, convenience and flexibility for you to control your learning pace. You will use course textbooks, manuals, assignments and exams to learn and earn credit. Depending on the course, you may also use streaming audio and video, CD-ROM, and download embedded materials through the Internet. Communication with your instructor will take place through your course site online. Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams. You can register at any time and you will have six months from the time of registration to complete your course.