Working with Complex Mental Health Needs

Course Content:

This course addresses how best to support clients with complex needs, including “dual diagnosis”; i.e., comorbidity of diagnosed and un-diagnosed mental health needs and substance issues.

Delegates will have an opportunity to:

• Examine and reflect on their own engagement with people who use their service in the light of up-to-date knowledge of different mental health issues
• To be better equipped to identify signs and symptoms of mental health disorders and distress
• To become a better advocate for vulnerable clients, with greater knowledge and understanding of their needs and rights and of the resources available to them.

Preference will be given to delegates have attended a Foundation in Mental Health Course first as this will be a distinct advantage.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, delegates should be able:

• To understand a greater range of mental health issues and concerns that may affect our service users, whether in congregational or residential settings
• To understand the impact of undiagnosed mental illness on individuals, families and communities
• To identify factors that can negatively impact mental health (eg, social exclusion; loss of work, home or dignity)
• To recognise how signs and symptoms of mental distress can be confused or exacerbated by substance/alcohol misuse
• To enable delegates to better advocate on behalf of vulnerable service users and to find resources and to make referrals to appropriate agencies

Additional Information

Course Duration: 14 hours

Required pre-course reading:

• Understanding Mental Health Problems. Mind.
• Dual Diagnosis: a challenge for the reformed NHS and for Public Health England. A discussion paper from Centre for Mental Health, DrugScope and UK Drug Policy Commission.
• Removing Barriers: Dual Diagnosis and Motivational Interviewing. Published by K. Sciacca in Professional Counselor, 1997.

Who Should Apply?

Anyone whose role involves supporting those with mental health issues.

Cost

£92 (Online)

Note: Costs for Learning and Development course programme are covered by departmental employee/officer levy payments. However, should an employee/officer book a place on a course but then subsequently fail to attend or complete the course, repayment of cost of the course will be charged to the department/appointment concerned (recoverable from the individual) (Policy CS04 Sect 6.5). Please note a separate process for funding approval exists for accredited programmes.