Mental Health Challenges (CACC250)

Course nameMental Health Challenges
Course descriptionThis fully on-line is intended for Health Care Assistants (HCAs), prospective HCAs, or other unregulated care providers in BC. The course covers content from the BC Health Care Assistant Program Provincial Curriculum 2023 related to mental health challenges. 
Subject code CACC250
Learning outcomes The student will be able to describe ways to organize, provide, and evaluate person-centred care and assistance for persons experiencing mental health challenges 
Tuition $425 
Prerequisite Completion of English 12 with a minimum grade of “C” or proof of equivalent as outlined in detail on the General Admission Information page. Students who register are understood to be confirming successful completion of this requirement. Proof of successful completion is not required on registration but may be requested by Douglas College. 
Course content 

Topics include: 

  • Mental health models.
  • Factors that influence mental health and well-being in individuals and families, such as stress, illness, loss, and aging.
  • Common mental health disorders, including causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevalence of: 
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Affective (mood) disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Personality disorders
  • Substance-related and addictive disorders
  • Dual or multiple diagnoses
  • Suicide risks and prevention
  • Stigma associated with mental health challenges and stigmatizing language.
  • Perceptions of mental health challenges in diverse groups.
  • Caring for the person and family.
  • Principles and approaches used to plan and implement effective care.
  • Person-centred care.
  • Person-first language vs. identity-first language (e.g., person with a diagnosis of depression vs. depressed client).
  • Introduction to trauma-informed care.
  • When and what to report.
  • Implications of involuntary admission under the Mental Health Act.  
Learning resources All required resources will be provided within the course. 
Instruction method 

Interactive online course delivered through Blackboard. 

Due to the nature of an online delivery, the student will be expected be proficient in computer skills including email, adding attachments, navigating the internet etc. Resources for getting started with Blackboard are available online to help get the student comfortable in the Blackboard environment. 

Assignments Assessment will be based on completion of assignments and short quizzes throughout the course. 
Grading 

The course is graded as Mastery/Non-mastery. 

Successful course completion proven with official transcript request.

Completion timeframe Two (2) months (15 hours) from course start date. Students may need to spend additional time on assigned readings and assignments.