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Mental Health Support Specialist Course
This course prepares students to become Mental Health Support Specialists capable of providing compassionate, evidence-based care in mental health settings. Participants will develop skills to assist individuals dealing with psychiatric disorders, substance use, trauma, and developmental challenges. The course covers essential knowledge in psychology, psychiatric terminology, therapeutic communication, crisis management, legal and ethical responsibilities, and interdisciplinary care. The program concludes with a 160-hour externship to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world behavioral health setting.
 
(Note: You will be responsible for selecting your externship site)

Mental Health Support Specialist Course

$550.00Price

  • Module 1: Introduction to Mental Health & Psychology

    • History and evolution of mental health care

    • Overview of psychology and human behavior

    • Role of the support specialist in mental health care

    Module 2: Mental Health Disorders

    • Classification of mental illnesses (DSM-5 criteria)

    • Mood, anxiety, personality, psychotic, and developmental disorders

    • Signs and symptoms of major mental health conditions

    Module 3: Therapeutic Communication

    • Active listening and empathy

    • Nonverbal communication and cultural sensitivity

    • De-escalation techniques and patient rapport

    Module 4: Substance Use & Co-Occurring Disorders

    • Common substances and effects on behavior

    • Dual diagnosis and integrated care

    • Motivational interviewing techniques

    Module 5: Trauma-Informed Care & Crisis Intervention

    • Understanding trauma responses

    • Crisis management models (e.g., CPI, ABC model)

    • Supporting clients in acute distress

    Module 6: Suicide Prevention & Risk Assessment

    • Warning signs and risk factors for suicide

    • Use of risk assessment tools (e.g., Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale)

    • Safety planning and emergency procedures

    Module 7: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

    • HIPAA, patient rights, and boundaries

    • Mandated reporting and documentation

    • AMCA Code of Ethics

    Module 8: Cultural Competency

    • Cultural, spiritual, and socioeconomic considerations

    • Working with LGBTQIA+ and underserved populations

    • Avoiding bias and stereotyping

    Module 9: Mental Health Settings & Teams

    • Inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based care

    • Multidisciplinary collaboration and roles

    • Coordinating referrals and community resources

    Module 10: Medications and Modalities

    • Psychotropic medication classes

    • Side effects and monitoring responsibilities

    • Overview of CBT, DBT, group therapy, and holistic methods

    Module 11: Documentation & Observation

    • SOAP notes and behavioral charting

    • Legal and professional standards for documentation

    • Recognizing and reporting changes in client status

    Module 12: Role of the Mental Health Support Specialist

    • Daily duties and scope of practice

    • Time management and professional boundaries

    • Advocacy and patient empowerment

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