Lecture: 60 hours
In this course, students engage in a variety of learning activities such as lecture, group work, case studies, and team-based exercises.
• Historical views of mental illness and treatment
• Best practices of mental health care
• Mental health promotion and prevention
• Common medical and physiological conditions relevant to mental health
• Marginalized and vulnerable populations
• Cultural sensitivity and cultural humility
• Legal and ethical issues
• Professional approaches to practice
• Ethics of care
o Ethical issues
o Ethical dilemmas
o Ethical decision-making frameworks
• Mental Health Act (MHA) and current relevant legislation
• Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA)
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the relevant foundational perspectives, the frameworks, and legislation for providing care to individuals experiencing mental health challenges;
2. Understand the role of the Mental Health and Substance Use Worker (MHSU) in the promotion of health and mental health with individuals experiencing mental health challenges;
3. Comprehend and apply principles related to managing ethical dilemmas utilizing an ethical decision-making framework;
4. Demonstrate an understanding of interactions with other members of the healthcare team which would contribute to effective working relationships.
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course.
This course is a graded course, not a mastery course.
Textbooks and materials are to be purchased by students. A list of required textbooks and materials will be provided for students at the beginning of the semester.
Students in the MHSU program are required to maintain a passing grade of 65% (C+) in all courses to progress in the program.