Mental Health Training in Options Counseling

Online Courses

Description

This course is designed to help options counselors provide information and resources to consumers who can then make choices about services that support a self-defined quality of life. Options counselors are not expected or trained to diagnose or assess individuals with mental health issues. However, it is important for options counselors to understand mental health issues in a historical context, be familiar with language used to describe psychiatric issues, know the various perspectives on mental health, and recognize self-determination as a human right.

*You can register for this course individually or as part of a certificate program.

Learner Feedback:

“The course was very informative and strongly aligned with my background as a Protective Service Worker working with elders with various health or mental issues. With my new knowledge, I’m now able to empathize and build better rapport with my consumers despite the time constraints I may face. Thank you.”

Objectives

• Recognize the diverse language used to describe mental health and define specific terms related to mental health challenges.
• Explain the role of options counseling in supporting consumer’s choice, self-determination, and participation.
• Describe the importance of options counselor self-reflection.
• Identify the different perspectives on mental health.
• Summarize the importance of communication skills in interacting with consumers, families, and caregivers.