Mental Health Technician Specialist Certificate Program

Overview

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This training program combines a two course training track:

• Abnormal Psychology
• Mental Health Technician

Under the direction and supervision of a psychiatric nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist, as a mental health technician you provide care to mentally ill and emotionally disturbed patients. Your specific care duties might include monitoring patient behaviors, emotions and physical conditions; recording patient statistics, such as temperature and blood pressure; administering medications; providing direct personal interaction with patients; encouraging patients to take part in social activities; helping patients maintain personal hygiene and leading therapy sessions. You also confer with superiors about patients and assist with the implementation of treatment plans.

The Job Outlook

According to a 2011 report issued by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, potential employers include psychiatric hospitals, mental health facilities, residential mental retardation centers and substance. State agencies, general medical hospitals and family services providers are also potential employers. About 62,500 people worked as mental health technicians in 2008. By 2018 employment was projected to rise six percent to 66,100 workers total. Job growth was expected to be driven by an increasing population of elderly patients and their need for mental health services. Opportunities at residential facilities are expected to be strong due to an ongoing trend in favor of residential care over hospital care.

Abnormal Psychology

The Abnormal Psychology course is the study of abnormal behavior in order to describe, predict, explain and change abnormal patterns of functioning. Designed for anyone interested in the way we perceive and respond to our experiences, and especially for people considering careers in psychology, this course covers the dynamics and prevention of abnormal behavior, including neuroses, psychoses, character disorders, psychosomatic reactions, schizophrenia, and other abnormal personality patterns.

After completing this course, you should be able to:

•  Define abnormality and current trends in treatment
•  Identify common conditions of stress and anxiety
•  Identify common mood disorders
•  Identify eating disorders and the effects drugs have on the body
•  Define disorders that span the lifetime

Mental Health Technician

This Mental Health Technician course provides a solid background in mental health so you can work comfortably with clients who exhibit both effective and maladaptive behaviors. Nurses, case managers, psychiatric technicians, direct care providers, and other health care professionals will increase their awareness and understanding of a holistic view of mental health care with this comprehensive online training program. A variety of therapies and treatments are explored to assist in dealing with psychological or psychosocial problems, such as substance use conditions, medical illnesses, developmental delays and disabilities, and social stressors such as poverty, domestic violence, and homelessness.

After completing this course, you should be able to:

•  Recall the history and current trends of mental healthcare
•  Name the characteristics of common psychiatric disorders
•  Define human behavior and different elements affecting it
•  Identify methods for assisting those suffering from loss of life
•  Recognize legalities related to the mental health office