HUMS 2231: Introduction to Mental Health and Substance Use
Students develop an understanding of human service work with people in the areas of mental health and substance use. They explore mental health and substance use in Canada, incorporating Indigenous perspectives. They investigate perceptions about mental health and substance use, theoretical foundations and key foundational concepts in the prevention, screening, assessment and treatment of mental health and substance use related difficulties. Students examine the Canadian mental health system and the influence of social and cultural factors on mental health and substance use in Canada. Students reflect on their own attitudes and beliefs regarding mental health and substance use.
Learning outcomes
- Describe self-awareness of personal values and attitudes about mental health and substance use as well as mental health and substance use issues.
- Articulate a professional value stance consistent with human service work.
- Identify the etiology and prevalence of mental health and substance use issues in Canada.
- Contrast the models used to understand mental health and substance use.
- Recognize the basic terms and classification systems of mental health and substance use issues.
- Review the key components of effective and ineffective treatment and prevention strategies.
- Apply a variety of screening and assessment tools to identify mental health and substance use risks.
- Describe key concepts of motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and other brief interventions.
- Identify the continuum of mental health and substance use treatment resources and interventions commonly utilized in Canada.
- Articulate ethical issues and obligations when working in the areas of mental health and substance use.
Course topics
- Lesson 1: The Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) Continuums
- Lesson 2: Stigma, Wellness, and MHSU
- Lesson 3: Theoretical Models and Perspectives on MHSU – Part 1
- Lesson 4: Theoretical Models and Perspectives on MHSU – Part 2
- Lesson 5: Ethical Considerations and Diagnoses of MHSU Disorders
- Lesson 6: Substance Use
- Lesson 7: Crisis, Patient Rights, and Assessment
- Lesson 8: Interventions
- Lesson 9: Early Life, Childhood, and Adolescence
- Lesson 10: MHSU in Adulthood
- Lesson 11: Intersectional Considerations
- Lesson 12: MHSU Service Delivery and Practice Competencies
Required text and materials
Students require the following e-textbook, which can be purchased directly from the TRU bookstore site at: https://thebookstore.tru.ca/site_digital.asp
- Jenkins, E., Slemon, A., Bilsker, D., & Goldner, E. M. (2022). A Concise Introduction to Mental Health in Canada (3rd ed.). Canadian Scholars.
Type: E-Textbook. ISBN: 9781773382548
Assessments
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory project.
| Assignment 1: Societal Perspectives and Stigma | 10% |
| Assignment 2: MHSU and Diagnosis | 25% |
| Midterm | 25% |
| Mandatory Final Project | 40% |
|
Total |
100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
