Collaborating with Families Affected by Concurrent Disorders

Course Overview

Families are an immense resource in the care, treatment and recovery of individuals with co-occurring mental health and addiction problems. However, they often have limited access to the resources, information and help that they need to be supportive to the ones they love. This six-week facilitator-led online course for health care and social service care providers explores the needs of families affected by concurrent disorders, as well as the strategies that health care providers can use to empower families and ensure that their experiences are positive ones.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• describe the benefits of having families involved in the care of clients affected by concurrent disorders
• explain the impact of mental illness, including addiction, on families
• outline the challenges health care providers may experience while working with families
• describe the challenges and barriers families face with the mental health care and addiction system
• explain physical, emotional, social and spiritual self-care strategies families can use to reduce their stress
• explain how health care providers can provide support

Delivery Method

Online - facilitator-led course.

Participants read a module each week and participate in activites by responding to questions, case scenarios and activities in a discussion forum. The facilitator summarizes key themes each week. Each module takes 2-3 hours to complete each week, and can be done at any time at the participant's convenience.  

Certification and Accreditation

The course has been approved for University of Toronto accreditation and has been awarded with the following credits:

• College of Family Physicians of Canada Mainpro+ (1 credit/hour) Group Learning: 17.0 credits
• Royal College Maintenance of Certification Section 1: 17.0 hours

Registration Fee: $475

Feedback from former participants: 

"This course provided me with a better idea on how to work with my clients and families, and how to support them better". 

"The course showed me the importance of involving the family in recovery. Before this,  I rarelyi nvolved the family, and now realize how richer the experience of recovery can be with family involved. I loved the discussions with other participants".

"Fantastic videos! I am very grateful to have been part of this educational experience".

For more information  and to register,  please see: Collaborating with Families Affected by Concurrent Disorders

Contact: courses.help@camh.ca