Vegas PBS Teacher Professional Development
Student Well-Being & Social-Emotional Growth

Student Mental Health

Mental health disorders can manifest early in life. Disorders should be identified, correctly diagnosed, and successfully treated to ensure success of children who have mental health disorders. Our Student Mental Health course is geared towards all types of professionals in educational settings such as teachers, district staff, school psychologists, school nurses, social workers, and counselors. We provide information and resources required to advocate for children’s needs in school. We cover a wide variety of topics: evidence-based teaching methods, coordinating services, creating school mental health plans, student violence, special education policy issues, and healthy lifestyles related to mental health.

Course details+

Mental health disorders can manifest early in life. Disorders should be identified, correctly diagnosed, and successfully treated to ensure success of children who have mental health disorders. Our Student Mental Health course is geared towards all types of professionals in educational settings such as teachers, district staff, school psychologists, school nurses, social workers, and counselors. We provide information and resources required to advocate for children’s needs in school. We cover a wide variety of topics: evidence-based teaching methods, coordinating services, creating school mental health plans, student violence, special education policy issues, and healthy lifestyles related to mental health.

After completing this course, you should be able to:

  • Describe types of mental health disorders that affect children and adolescents
  • Recognize diagnosis methods and treatment options for mental health disorders
  • Identify school district policies and procedures
  • Recall types of school practices that work to promote learning
Syllabus & lessons+

Module 1 - Types of Mental Health Disorders Affecting Children

Module 2 - Diagnosis and Treatment

Module 3 - School District and School Policies and Procedures

Module 4 - School Practices to Promote Learning

Student Mental Health Module 1

Types of Mental Health Disorders Affecting Children

Approximately one in five children, adolescents, and adults are noted to have a mental health disorder and only one in five children receive even minimal treatment for their disorders. Teachers play an essential role in assisting children and adolescents with mental health disorders. This module introduces the clinical-behavioral spectrum, mood disorders, and mental health disorders.

  • Introduction to Mental Health
  • The Clinical-Behavioral Spectrum
  • Mood Disorders
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Substance Use Disorders
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Student Mental Health Module 2

Diagnosis and Treatment

Many different types of professionals treat children with mental health disorders. These people have different education, trainings, and expertise in their fields. In this module, we take a look at these various professionals who diagnose and treat children, as well as different treatment methods.

  • Diagnosis and Treatment of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Disorders
  • Professionals Who Diagnose and Treat
  • Comprehensive Mental Health Evaluations
  • Overview of Psychotherapy of Children and Adolescents
  • Rational Use of Psychiatric Medications

Student Mental Health Module 3

School District and School Policies and Procedures

In this module we discuss the roles of school districts and school professionals in providing services for a variety of mental health disorders. Although schools aren’t considered clinical settings, staff members address mental health issues on a daily basis.

  • The Roles of School Districts, Schools, and Staff
  • The Roles of District and School Professionals
  • The Relationship Between the School and Mental Health Professionals

Student Mental Health Module 4

School Practices to Promote Learning

Schools across the country are addressing mental health problems with a variety of interventions. In our final module we provide an overview of the ways schools are meeting the challenges of student mental health. We describe effective teaching strategies and evidence-based educational interventions.

  • Schools and Meeting the Challenges of Students Mental Health
  • General Education, Special Education, and 504 Plans
  • Effective Teaching Strategies for Students with Emotional or Behavioral Problems
  • Evidence-Based Educational Interventions for Students with Emotional or Behavioral Problems
Instructor+

Lori Burke

Lori has over 30 years of experience in the health and human services field. She has a BA in Psychology and Health and Human Services, earned the Senior Professional in Human Resource Certification and is also a certified Mental Health First Aid Trainer. She has extensive knowledge and experience in working with people in crisis, treatment and recovery. Lori has spent the last decade as the Director at a non-profit, creating and conducting training for staff on a wide variety of topics.

Prerequisites+

No prerequisites required.

Instructional materials+

All materials included in course.

System requirements+

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 10 or higher
  • Microsoft Office 2019 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 version 11 or higher
  • 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 Amazon 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

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