Course

Introduction to Mental Health and Cognitive Disorders

Important Notice

This course is not active. Please contact Department Chair for more information.

Course code
HCSW 1140
Credits
3.00
Semester length
6
Max class size
35
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
This course builds upon the content of the Interpersonal Communications for Health Care Support Workers and Concept: Health and Healing courses and helps the learner to explore the concepts and approaches involved in assisting individual experiencing changes in mental functioning and mental illness.
Course content

1.             Concepts of mental disorders

  • Basic concepts
  • Mental health theories
  • Mental health treatment modalities

 

2.             Changes in mental functioning

  • Irreversible changes in mental functioning
  • Reversible changes in mental functioning
  • Common disease processes contributing to changes in mental functioning
  • Mental illness in the older adults
  • Persons with multiple disabilities

 

3.             Responses in individuals experiencing changes in mental functioning

  • Individuality and diversity
  • Stress and illness
  • Environmental effects on behaviour
  • Loss

 

4.             Concepts of Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR)

  • Recovery in mental health: Philosophy, mission, and core values of PSR
  • Principles and domains of PSR

 

5.             Problem-Solving and Safe Practice

  • Promotion of dignity, self-worth, and integrity
  • Effective strategies and approaches to care
  • Non-threatening environment
  • Safety,  comfort, and security
Learning activities

1.             Classroom lecture/discussion

2.             Role playing/group work

3.             Guest speakers

4.             Audio-visual materials

5.             Computer resources

Means of assessment

Course evaluation is consistent with Douglas College course evaluation policy.

 

This is a graded course, and minimum requirement for successful completion of the course if 65%. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course.

Learning outcomes

This course is based on the competencies of the Provincial Curriculum Guide for Home Support/Resident Care Attendant Program, 1992.

1.     Demonstrate a basic understanding and knowledge of mental disorders, use current and relevant theory to understand common mental health issues, and understand various mental health treatment modalities.

2.     Describe the relationship between observable behaviours of the individual and changes in mental functioning.

3.     Assess the effects of aging, loss, stress, and illness in relation to the care of individuals experiencing changes in mental functioning.

4.     Demonstrate a basic understanding of the concepts, principles, and domains of Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) within the Recovery model.

5.     Utilize a problem-solving approach to plan and implement care that is based on the principles of safe practice and effective communication strategies to maintain appropriate levels of independence, dignity, and worth of the individual.

Textbook materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students

1.             A list of reading materials is provided to the students at the beginning of the semester.

Requisites

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer details for HCSW 1140
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Winter 2025