Nov 25 - Mental Health and Addictions

In this subject, students will explore a spectrum of substance use disorders and the compounds commonly misused. Topics include: anabolic steroids, inhalants, infectious diseases associated with substance misuse, and the medical marijuana debate. Students will also learn about synthetic drugs; preferred language in referring to those who struggle with substance use disorders as well as substance use and misuse in older adults.

In this subject, students will learn the interactions of various forces that contribute to psychopathology. Balancing biological, psychological, social, and cultural approaches, this subject takes an integrative approach with a modern, and scientifically valid method for studying abnormal psychology.

In this subject, students will be provided with an overview of concurrent disorders, and be introduced to treatments options about substance use and mental health problems and how they interact. Students will also learn about the impact on families and social supports and explore treatment and support for people affected by concurrent disorders.

In this subject, students will learn the three main areas in the field: the social patterning of health and illness, the social construction of health and illness, and the social organization of health care. Students will be introduced to structural functionalism, conflict theory and symbolic interactionism, and recent theories such as Foucaultian theory, postmodernism, Bourdiesian theory and sociology of the body.

In this subject, students will learn the framework of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development across the lifespan including: birth and infancy, early and middle childhood, adolescence and early adulthood and middle and late adulthood.

In this subject, students will learn the art of creating and maintaining accurate, up-to-date comprehensive client records that meet legal scrutiny.

In this subject, students will learn the task model to provide a systematic way of dealing with people in crisis: Defining the Problem, Ensuring Client Safety, Providing Support, Examining Alternatives, Making Plans, and Obtaining Commitment.

In this subject, students will explore the client referral, assessment and treatment planning process to ensure the delivery of effective and appropriate supports to clients.

In this subject, students will explore the essential framework for developing and implementing new substance user programs, modifying existing programs to respond to identified needs and evaluating the outcomes of new or revised programs.

In this subject, students will learn a step-by-step guide through the case management process, from intake and assessment to referrals and termination. Students will also explore current practice trends and considerations, current legal issues, and ethics and ethical issues. Students will also focus on the importance of maintaining accurate client information and collaborating with other service providers.

In this subject, students will learn the basic skills of the counselling or psychotherapy session: listening, influencing, and integrating these skills into an effective session with individual and multicultural sensitivity.

In this subject, students will learn the "what is" and the "how to" of group counseling, along with the latest research, ethical guidelines, and practices.

In this subject students will learn the principles of pharmacology and calculations in a simplified step-by-step process. Students will also learn medication preparation, supplies, and specific information on each route of administration by following administration checklists allow the learner to put the knowledge into practice. Students will also learn how to organize drugs by classifications including their purpose, side effects, cautions, interactions, and contraindications.

In this subject, students will explore various health promotion and prevention strategies, including coverage of the normal aspects, the unique problems, and the health promotion needs found in each stage of development.

In this subject, students will learn how counselors work with families where a family member has an addiction or mental health issue. Students will explore several different family structure models and theories, and how counselors can use them with their clients. The main focus of the process will focus on working with families must be how the client and families can make systemic changes within their family structure.

In this subject, students will be provided with an overview of trauma response and treatment. Students will explore the assessment and treatment of various forms of posttraumatic distress disorder and interventions that stress a nonpatholgizing, growth-oriented and hopeful view of recovery from trauma.

In this subject, students will learn the basis for discovering their own guidelines for helping within the broad limits of professional codes of ethics and divergent theoretical positions. Students will develop their critical thinking skills when dealing with ethics issues and focus on self-care strategies.

In this subject, students will explore the issues facing Canadian social work, human services and community health professionals towards influencing community change. Students will learn to identify the issues related to change and discover how they can become effective agents of promoting community change; and how local actions bringing clients, families, and other community members into an active role in building a healthier community for themselves, their families, and their neighbours.

In this subject, students are provided with an experiential opportunity to practice emerging skills, knowledge, and attitudes required to be an effective helping professional in a professional mental health setting. Students complete a comprehensive virtual project, simulating the real-world experience of working with a client through multiple steps in the case management process.