Continuing Education Directory

This course introduces you to the field of mental health by describing the scope of practice of mental health providers. It gives a detailed look at how Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Counselors, Social Workers, School Counselors and School Psychologists approach the diagnosis and treatment of psychological and emotional problems. It provides you with a clear map of to whom to refer, should the need arise, and gives you a sense of how mental health professionals work. As a health professional working with clients, you are likely to encounter people who talk to you about their psychological and emotional problems. While most people limit their talk to “everyday problems” there will be times when clients discuss issues that may need the attention of a mental health professional. When that occurs it is helpful for you to know the “who, what, when, where, why and how” of mental health providers. This course helps you maintain professionalism and boundaries. When holistic practitioners don’t know how the mental health field works and to whom to refer, they may be putting themselves and their clients in harm’s way. They can be liable if the client does something to hurt themselves or others and it comes out later that the practitioner knew about it but didn’t make a referral. It can be harmful to clients because they aren’t getting the help they need. Even when it is not a life-or-death situation, it’s important for people to seek mental health help when needed. This course also provides you with a sense of how licensed mental health providers go about the art and science of making diagnoses and determining treatment, which gives you a greater understanding of the field in general, and of specific clients who are receiving mental health treatment.