Mental Health in Social Work

As humans are continuously faced with challenges in our lives and in our society, it is essential to grow a trauma informed, and culturally grounded workforce of helpers. This program will explore the history and treatment of individuals with mental health disorders in the United States. Learners will explore the unique opportunities and challenges faced by social workers, and prepare them to provide case management and assessment services to people with mental health disorders.

Utilizing a strengths-based framework and a recovery model, the aim is to help those with mental health challenges to move beyond survival and empower 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
• community

Created by a social work educator and licensed clinical social work with a private practice, this certificate program will prepare learners for jobs in organizations focused on mental health treatment and recovery using a strength-based lens and honoring the vast diversity of experiences and ways of knowing and being.

Courses under this program:
Course 1: Mental Health History and Treatment

This course will explore the history and treatment of individuals with mental health disorders in the United States. Learners will be introduced to diagnoses, current treatment, and social impacts to care.

Course 2: Mental Health Theory and Practice

This course prepares learners to utilize a person-centered approach to mental health assessment and case management. Learners will also be introduced to community-based models of care and working with interdisciplinary teams.