Emergency mental health - framework for practice (CMHC 711)

This online course introduces healthcare professionals to emergency mental health practice. This course facilitates learners’ understanding of the role of emergency mental health practitioners by examining legal and ethical issues related to EMH practice, as well as by considering models of care and how they guide EMH practice.

Learners will also acquire knowledge and skills in conducting comprehensive mental health assessments and triaging individuals and families experiencing Mental Health and/or Substance Use (MHSU) crises or emergent situations. Psychiatric interviewing and critical thinking skills are core components of this course.

Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• articulate an understanding of the professional and legal roles and responsibilities of mental health professionals (MHPs) in the specialty practice of emergency mental health (EMH); 
• differentiate among crisis theory, violence and trauma informed, and recovery models of practice as they relate to EMH practice; 
• articulate an understanding of relevant legislation and how this impacts EMH practice;
• conduct comprehensive mental health assessments in triaging and caring for individuals and families experiencing MHSU crises or emergencies: 
• demonstrate an understanding of the principles of Truth and Reconciliation, cultural humility, equity, diversity, and inclusion as they relate to EMH practice; 
• identify key elements to contributing to a safe working environment in EMH;
• apply advanced psychiatric interviewing and communication skills in caring for individuals and families experiencing MHSU crises or emergencies.

$834.00

Textbook not included in tuition fee. Contact the Douglas College Bookstore for prices and ordering information.

Note: Effective Fall 2025, the fee for this course will be $1,250. 

Proof of official designation in a health or human services profession - including registration or licensing with a regulatory body to ensure the professional is licensed to provide a specific level of care/risk assessment.

Completion of English 12 with a minimum grade of “C” or proof of equivalent as outlined in detail here: General Admission Information. 

• Emergency Mental Health Services including trauma informed services, professional scope of practice, and inter-professional collaboration
• Crisis Theory, Crisis Intervention and Models of Practice
• Ethical and Professional Standards
• Truth and Reconciliation, cultural humility, equity, diversity and inclusion
• Legislation relevant to EMH practice
• Referral, Triaging, and Safety
• Mental Status Assessments
• Risk Assessments

Glick, R. L., Berlin, J. S., Fishkind, A., & Zeller, S. L. (2019). Emergency Psychiatry: Principles and Practice (2nd ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health. 

Robinson, D. (2022). The Mental Status Exam Explained. (3rd ed.). Ontario: Rapid Psychler Press.

Shea, S.C. (2017). Psychiatric interviewing: The art of understanding. (3rd ed.). Pennsylvania: Elsevier

Available through the Douglas College Bookstore.

Online self-directed learning with instructor support as required. 

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.

Registration is easy; simply contact the Program Assistant at cehs@douglascollege.ca, for the program application form. Payment of the tuition fee must accompany registration.

Instructions on how to access your course materials will be emailed to you by the Program Assistant within five (5) business days prior to your chosen course start date.