ED-CCTP-117 Mental Health Technician Professional Program

Abnormal Psychology

Mental Health Technician

• Recall the history and current trends of mental healthcare
• Name the characteristics of common psychiatric disorders
• Define human behavior and different elements affecting it
• Identify methods for assisting those suffering from loss of life
• Recognize legalities related to the mental health office 

Direct Support Professional

• Identify components of intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Recognize etiologies and conditions
• Recall aspects of human development
• Describe support and intervention techniques
• List aspects of health, lifestyles, and advocacy 

Better Interpersonal Communication

After completion of this course you should be able to:

• Recognize the basics and importance of verbal and nonverbal communication
• Identify steps associated with the learning process and how to improve your listening skills
• Recall types of personality styles and the perception process
• List styles of conflict and what contributes to it

Personal Excellence

After completing this course, you should be able to:

• Define what a strategic plan is and why you need one
• Recall potential success factors in life 
• Recognize how to implement goals and follow through on accomplishing them
• Identify how to select and implement successful strategies

Addiction & Recovery: An Introduction

After completing this course, you should be able to:

• Differentiate between types of substances and ways to detect addiction
• Identify signs of addiction and how to get help
• Recall the wide range of treatment options for addictions
• Identify methods for overcoming barriers for successful recovery

Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal Psychology Module 1     
Causes of Abnormal Behavior   

• Recognizing the Presence of a Disorder
• Features of Abnormal Behavior
• Defining Abnormal Behavior
• Who Experiences Abnormal Behavior?
• Psychopathology in Historical Context
• Systems Theory
• Biological Factors
• Psychological Factors
• Social Factors

Abnormal Psychology Module 2
Treatment of Psychological Disorders  

• DSM-5: Diagnosis and Treatment
• Biological Treatments
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapies
• Cognitive-Behavior Therapy
• Humanistic Therapies
• Research on Psychotherapy
• Couple, Family, and Group Therapy

Abnormal Psychology Module 3    
Classification and Assessment of Abnormal Behavior

• Basic Issues in Classification
• Classifying Abnormal Behavior
• Evaluating Classification Systems
• Basic Issues in Assessment
• Interviews and Observations
• Personality Tests
• Self-Report Inventories
• Biological Assessment Procedures

Abnormal Psychology Module 4
Mood Disorders and Suicide  

• Systems Associated with Depression
• Diagnosis for Depression and Bipolar Disorders
• Course, Outcome, and Frequency
• Social, Psychological, Biological Factors
• Treatment for Depressive Disorders
• Treatment for Bipolar and Mood Disorders
• Aspects of Suicide

Abnormal Psychology Module 5
Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Stress Disorders

• Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
• Diagnosis and Frequency of Anxiety Disorders
• Social, Biological, and Psychological Factors
• Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
• Acute and Posttraumatic Stress Disorders
• Frequency, Causes, and Treatment of PTSD and ASD
• Dissociate Disorders
• Somatic Symptom Disorders

Abnormal Psychology Module 6
Stress and Physical Health

• Defining Stress
• Stress as a Life Event
• Symptoms of Stress
• Immune System Responses
• Cancer
• AIDS
• Pain Disorder
• Sleep-Wake Disorders
• Coping and Resilience
• Diagnosis of Stress and Physical Illness
• Cardiovascular Disease and Stress

Abnormal Psychology Module 7
Personality Disorders

• Important Features of Personality Disorders
• Temperament and Personality Traits
• Context and Personality
• Schizotypal Personality Disorder (SPD)
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)

Abnormal Psychology Module 8
Feeding, Substance, and Addictive Disorders 

• Symptoms of Anorexia
• Symptoms of Bulimia
• Symptoms of Addiction
• Alcohol, Tobacco, and Psychomotor Stimulants
• Impact of Other Drugs on Human Physiology and Behavior
• Diagnosis of Substance Use Disorders
• Causes of Substance Disorders
• Gambling Disorder

Abnormal Psychology Module 9
Paraphilic and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders 

• Human Sexual Response Cycle
• Origins of Sexual Dysfunction
• Paraphilic Disorders
• Gender Dysphoria
• Symptoms and Diagnosis of Schizophrenia
• Treatment of Schizophrenia

Abnormal Psychology Module 10
Neurocognitive and Intellectual Disorders 

• Symptoms of Neurocognitive Disorders
• Diagnosis of Neurocognitive Disorders
• Frequency of Delirium
• Prevalence of Dementia
• Measuring Intelligence
• Causes of Intellectual Disabilities
• Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abnormal Psychology Module 11
Psychological Disorders of Childhood

• Externalizing Disorders
• Causes of Externalizing Disorders
• Treatment of Externalizing Disorders
• Internalizing and Other Disorders
• Causes and Treatment of Internalizing Disorders

Abnormal Psychology Module 12
Adjustment Disorders and Life-Cycle Transitions 

• Symptoms and Diagnosis of Adjustment Disorders
• The Transition to Adulthood
• Family Transitions
• The Transition to Later Life

Abnormal Psychology Module 13
Mental Health and the Law

• Conflicts
• Mental Illness and Criminal Responsibility
• Civil Commitment
• Committed Patients’ Rights
• Mental Health and Family Law
• Professional Responsibilities and the Law

**Outlines are subject to change, as courses and materials are updated.**

Mental Health Technician

Mental Health Technician Module 1
Mental Health Care: Past and Present   

• The History of Mental Health Care
• Early Years
• 19th Century United States
• 20th and 21st Centuries
• Current Mental Health Care Systems
• Care Settings
• Delivery of Community Mental Health Services
• Client Populations
• Ethical and Legal Issues

Mental Health Technician Module 2  
Theories and Therapies

• Sociocultural Issues
• Influences of Culture
• Cultural Assessment
• Historical Theories
• Developmental Theories and Therapies
• Behavioral Theories and Therapies
• Humanistic Theories and Therapies
• Cognitive Theories and Therapies
• Body-Based CAM Therapies
• Energy-Based CAM Therapies

Mental Health Technician Module 3
Principles and Skills of Mental Health Care  

• Psychotherapeutic Drug Therapy
• Classification of Psychotherapeutic Drugs
• Client Care Guidelines
• Skills for Mental Health Care
• Principles and Practices for Caregivers
• Mental Health Assessment Skills
• Mental Health Treatment Plan
• The Health History
• Mental Status Assessment

Mental Health Technician Module 4
Therapeutic Environment    

• Theories and Characteristics of Communication
• Levels of Communication
• Dynamics of the Therapeutic Relationship
• Characteristics of the Therapeutic Relationship
• Roles of the Caregiver
• Problems Encountered in the Therapeutic Relationship
• Use of Inpatient Setting
• Goals of the Therapeutic Environment
• The Therapeutic Environment and Client Needs

Mental Health Technician Module 5
Childhood to Adulthood  

• Normal Childhood Development
• Environmental Problems
• Emotional Problems
• Behavioral Problems
• Mental Health Problems of Adolescence
• Therapeutic Interventions
• Adult Growth and Development
• Mental Health Problems of Adults

Mental Health Technician Module 6
Cognitive Impairment and Managing Anxiety

• Overview of Aging
• Common Problems of Older Adults
• Cognitive Impairment
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Dementia
• Types of Anxiety
• Stages of Dying
• Hospice Care

Mental Health Technician Module 7  
Illnesses and Depression

• The Nature of Illness
• The Hospitalization Experience
• Loss and Grief
• The Dying Process
• Theories Relating to Emotions and Their Disorders
• Emotions Throughout the Life Cycle
• Mood Disorders

Mental Health Technician Module 8  
Physical and Dissociative Issues

• Role of Emotions in Health
• Anxiety and Stress
• Somatic Symptom Disorders
• Eating Disorders
• Sleep-Wake Disorders
• Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Within the Community
• Continuum of Self-Concept Responses
• Self-Concept Throughout the Life Cycle

Mental Health Technician Module 9  
Anger, Outward and Inward Focused Emotions

• Theories of Anger and Aggression
• The Cycle of Assault
• Anger-Control Disorders
• Social Factors and Violence
• Mental Health Disorders Relating to Violence
• Impact of Suicide on Society
• Dynamics and Theories of Suicide
• Suicide Throughout the Life Cycle

Mental Health Technician Module 10  
Substance, Sexual, and Personality Disorders

• Role of Chemicals in Society
• Categories of Abused Substances
• Characteristics of Substance Use and Abuse
• Sexuality Throughout the Life Cycle
• Modes of Sexual Expression
• Psychosexual Disorders
• Personality Throughout the Life Cycle
• Theories Relating to Personality Disorders

Mental Health Technician Module 11  
Schizophrenia and Chronic Mental Health Disorders

• Psychoses Throughout the Life Cycle
• Theories Relating to Psychoses
• Psychotic Disorders
• Public Policy and Mental Health
• Experience of Chronic Mental Illness
• Special Populations
• Challenges for the Future
• Change and Mental Health Clients

**Outlines are subject to change, as courses and materials are updated.**

Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional Module 1    
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

• Should Disability Terms Be Used?
• Disability Terms in Today’s Context
• Historical Overview of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
• Expansion of Disability as Difference
• Changing Perspectives
• Understanding Disabilities
• Social Model of Disability
• Trends and Issues

Direct Support Professional Module 2    
Advocacy 

• International Human Rights and Intellectual Disabilities
• Advocacy and Legal Considerations
• Models of Action
• Development of the Self-Advocacy Movement
• Self-Advocacy as a Social Movement
• Strategies to Promote Advocacy and Self-Advocacy
• Making Services More Effective Through Research and Evaluation

Direct Support Professional Module 3   
Human Development

• Introduction to Early Development
• Stages of Development Before Birth
• Important Processes in Prenatal Development
• Complications
• Development After Birth
• Genetics, Genomics, Epigenetics
• Nervous System
• Brain Plasticity

Direct Support Professional Module 4
Etiology and Conditions

• Factors Causing or Contributing to Intellectual and Development Disabilities
• Biomedical Risk Factors
• Down Syndrome
• Fragile X Syndrome
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome 

Direct Support Professional Module 5    
Etiology and Conditions Part 2

• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Challenges
• Cerebral Palsy
• Other Syndromes and Conditions
• Epilepsy
• Introduction to Behavior and Mental Health

Direct Support Professional Module 6    
Support and Intervention

• Assessment, Diagnosis, Interventions, and Services
• Intellectual and Developmental Disability Service Systems and Service Approaches
• Roles, Skills, and Competencies of Direct Support Professionals
• Responding to Cultural and Linguistic Differences
• Defining Culture
• Behavioral Intervention

Direct Support Professional Module 7   
Support and Intervention Part 2

• Challenging Families
• Challenging Service Systems
• Psychopharmacology
• History of Psychoactive Medication
• Speech, Language, and Communication Assessments and Interventions
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Direct Support Professional Module 8    
Disabilities Through the Life Span

• Typical Milestones Achieved in the First 1,000 Days
• Factors Important for Development
• Early Intervention for Young Children
• Inclusive Early Education
• Maltreatment of Children with Developmental Disabilities
• Education for Students
• Transition from School to Adult Life
• Work and Employment for People with Disabilities

Direct Support Professional Module 9    
Lifestyles and Support 

• Lifestyles of Adults with Disabilities
• Historical Evolution of Policies and Services
• Providing Support that Enhances a Family’s Quality of Life
• Families as Dynamic Systems
• Sexuality
• Parenting by People with Disabilities
• Gender Issues
• Aging

Direct Support Professional Module 10
Health 

• Ethics of Decision Making and Consent
• Supporting Moral Agency
• Physical Health
• Mental Health Needs
• Nutritional Considerations
• Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
• Future Trends and Advances

**Outlines are subject to change, as courses and materials are updated.**

Better Interpersonal Communication

Better Interpersonal Communication Module 1
Introduction to Communication

Because it’s such a commonplace activity, we usually don’t think about how we communicate too much. However, the power of effective, persuasive communication should never be underestimated. Your success in any number of settings—in your relationships, in school, on the job, and as a member of society— hinges on your ability to master the full communication process. Our first module discusses the basics of verbal and nonverbal communication, as well as uses and misuses.

• Why We Communicate
• Verbal Communication
• Nonverbal Communication
• Uses and Misuses
• Cultural Differences and Language

Better Interpersonal Communication Module 2
Listening, Self-Esteem, and Self-Disclosure

Listening is the learned process of hearing, attending, evaluating, retaining, and responding to verbal and nonverbal messages. In this module we will learn more about each stage of the listening process: review both the benefits to listening, as well as the challenges to effective listening; and explore the ways in which you can improve your listening skills. We’ll also discuss the principles behind self-concepts and self-disclosure.

• Listening Process
• Benefits to Listening
• Steps for Improving Your Listening Skills
• Self-Concepts
• Self-Disclosure

Better Interpersonal Communication Module 3
Personality Styles and Perception

Do you notice that you act in different ways around certain people? Perhaps you act inhibited around your supervisor, but you wish you could act confident like you do around your co-workers and other colleagues. In other situations, you act polite and deferential around acquaintances, but may wish you could act more sociable like you do around your friends. In this module, we’ll discuss how personality styles effect communication as well as the perception process. Finally, we’ll explore the basics behind defense mechanisms.

• How Does Personality Style Effect Communication?
• Physiological and Psychological Factors of Perception
• Challenges to the Perception Process
• What is Defensiveness?
• Defense Mechanisms

Better Interpersonal Communication Module 4  
Conflict and Electronic Communication

Interpersonal conflict occurs in interactions where there are real or perceived incompatible goals, scarce resources, or opposing viewpoints. We’ll discuss types of conflict and conflict styles in our final module, as well as characteristics of electronic communication.

• What is Conflict and What Contributes to It?
• Types of Conflict
• Conflict Styles
• What is Electronic Communication?
• Characteristics and Misuses of Electronic Communication

Personal Excellence

Personal Excellence Module 1
Your Mission and Vision in Life

In week one, we will learn what a strategic plan is and why you need one in your life. We will also go over the finding your main purpose in life and how to take the steps to reaching that goal of success.

• Life Strategic Plan
• Why Have a Strategic Plan
• Find Your Purpose
• Your Personal Mission
• Your Vision of Success

Personal Excellence Module 2
Success Factors in Life

This week we will look at what it is that you need in order to succeed. So many times we are pulled way and distracted by menial things and our success is deferred.

• Critical Success Factors
• Finding Your Strengths
• Finding Your Weaknesses
• Finding Your Opportunities
• Finding Your Threats

Personal Excellence Module 3
Steps to Success

What goals would you like to set for yourself? This week we will study how we can implement goals and follow through on accomplishing them. We will touch on time management and how happiness is sometimes left out of our daily schedules.

• Setting Goals
• SMART Goals
• Time and Emotions Study
• Time Management
• What Makes You Happy

Personal Excellence Module 4
Creating Your Simplementation Plan

In our final week we will discuss how to select our successful strategies and how to implement them. We will also go over what happens when you are overwhelmed, or feel like there isn’t enough time – there are strategies to help overcome these obstacles. Finally, we will learn how to create our own Simplementation plan and apply it to everyday life.

• Selecting Successful Strategies
• Implementing Strategies Into a Plan
• How to Prioritize
• Overcoming Obstacles
• How to Create a Simplementation Plan

Addiction & Recovery: An Introduction

Addiction and Recovery: An Introduction Module 1
Detecting Addiction

There is no cure for addiction.  However, there is hope for managing it.  In Module one, we will look at the differences between abuse and dependence and the consequences associated with each. Also included is the descriptions of the different classes of drugs.  We will examine how experimenting with certain substances can easily escalate to an addiction, and will review the risk factors for experimentation. Those struggling with addiction requires a patience in themselves to learn new coping skills.  Also in module one, we will explore the cost of addiction. 

• The Difference Between Abuse and Dependence
• Fears and Obstacles to Recovery
• Understanding the Substances
• Substance and Behavioral Addictions
• The Cost of Addiction to Families

Addiction and Recovery: An Introduction Module 2
Taking the First Steps

In module two, we will focus in on how to determine whether or not treatment is needed.  First is a look at risk factors for developing addictions and then assessing the severity of addictive behaviors.  Guidance to family members on how to detect addictions in a loved one is also included.  As we move through the week, we will look at the general characteristics of different treatments and how to understand the different aspects of addiction so that treatment needs are fully met.  We will wrap up module two by dispelling myths about quitting an addiction. 

• Recognizing Addiction
• Deciding When to Start
• Successful Quitting
• Becoming Aware of Triggers
• Increasing Motivation to Change

Addiction and Recovery: An Introduction Module 3
Examining Treatment Approaches

Module three acts as a reference guide to a wide range of treatment options for addictions.  We will look at different models and treatment approaches for addictions.  Also included is the difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment options, and the pros and cons of each.  As we move through the module, we will look at how long it takes to detox from specific substances and examine the risk of sever withdrawal symptoms and which medications may help.  We will wrap up module three with looking at an array of self-help and peer support treatment approaches for addiction, alternative treatments, and considerations for teens.

• Treatment Choices
• Understanding Detoxification
• Twelve Step Programs
• Nutritional Therapy
• Teen Treatment Options

Addiction and Recovery: An Introduction Module 4
Life in Recovery

Module four will focus on longer-term recovery issues.  We will look at methods for overcoming barriers to successful recovery and how to handle slips and relapses during recovery.  Relationships can be difficult during the recovery process and in module four we will look at how to positively deal with relationships with family, friends, and co-workers.  Module four will also provide guidance to families in handling relationships with the addicted member as well as each other.

• Building Skills for Recovery
• Learning from Relapse
• Helping with Follow Through
• Sustaining Optimism
• Helping Friends and Family

Internet Connection

• Broadband or High-Speed - DSL, Cable, and Wireless Connections

*Dial-Up internet connections will result in a diminished online experience. Classroom pages may load slowly and viewing large audio and video files may not be possible.

Hardware Requirements

• Processor - 2GHz Processor or Higher
• Memory - 1 GB RAM Minimum Recommended

PC Software Requirements

• Operating Systems - Windows 7 or higher
• Microsoft Office 2013 or higher. Also, you could use a general Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
• Internet Browsers - Google Chrome is highly recommended
  • Cookies MUST be enabled
  • Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
• The Kindle Reader App or VitalSource Bookshelf App are needed for many of our courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded for FREE onto your computer.)
• PowerPoint Viewer (if you do not have PowerPoint)

• Adobe PDF Reader

• QuickTime, Windows Media Player &/or Real Player

MAC Software Requirements

• Operating Systems - Mac OS x 10 or higher with Windows
• Mac office programs or a Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
• Internet Browsers- Google Chrome is highly recommended
  • Cookies MUST be enabled
  • Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
• The Kindle Reader App or VitalSource Bookshelf App are needed for many of our courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded for FREE onto your computer.)
• PowerPoint Viewer (if you do not have PowerPoint)
• Adobe PDF Reader
• Apple QuickTime Media Player