Fundamentals of Mental Health Online Course

Overview 

One in five Canadians experiences a mental health problem in a given year.  This five-module, self-directed online course offered by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health explores basic concepts of mental health and mental illness.  We look at the prevalence of mental health problems in Canada, the risk and protective factors that influence mental health, and the links between mental health and the social determinants of health.  We explore the importance of creating a safe space for clients and developing a positive therapeutic relationship.  We also describe the various treatments for mental health challenges-including psychoeducation, lifestyle changes, medications and psychotherapy-and explore additional strategies to support clients and their families.
  

Learning Objectives

After successfully completing the course, participants will be able to:

• -explain the prevalence of mental health issues
• -describe the link between the social determinants of health and mental health challenges
• -outline the components of building a positive therapeutic alliance with a client
• -describe the signs and symptoms of common mental health challenges, including:
  •  -depression
  • - anxiety
  • - bipolar disorder
  • - schizophrenia
  • - substance use disorder and 
  • - post-traumatic stress disorder
• -describe assessment and treatment approaches for common mental health challenges
• -discuss strategies to support clients and their families.
•  
• Target Audience: Health care professionals, social service and other care providers working with people who may be experiencing mental health challenges.
    

Certification and Accreditation

Continuing Professional Development has awarded the Fundamentals of Mental Health Online Course with the following credits: 

• College of Family Physicians of Canada Mainpro+ (1 credit/hour) Self-Learning: 15.0 credits
• Royal College Maintenance of Certification Section 1: 15.0 hours
•  

• Course Requirements

• - Complete the pre-course survey (accessible once logged in)
• - Allocate a minimum of two to three hours per week to read the course content
• - Complete Modules 1 to 5, including each end-of-module quiz
•  -Complete all end-of-module reflection questions and the post-course survey

Feedback from former participants: 

“The course is very user friendly and presents material in a multifaceted manner. The combination of videos, interactive activities, and short bursts of information help to stay engaged and interested.”

“The course provided clear, practical, and easy-to-understand information about mental health and how to support individuals experiencing various mental health challenges. It combined theory with real-life examples and case scenarios, which made the learning more relatable and applicable to practice. I also appreciated the focus on empathy, communication, and holistic care, as well as the emphasis on self-care for health care providers.” 

Cost: $475 

• The course is self-directed and self-paced, and can be worked on at any time until the course end date.  However, participants are recommended to set aside two to three hours per week to complete each module. The course consists of five modules, and each module takes two to three hours to complete. 

• For additional info, please see: https://www.camh.ca/en/education/academy/continuing-education-directory/fundamentals-of-mental-health

• Contact info: Mahreen Hasan, mahreen.hasan@camh.ca