Crisis Intervention - Behavior Health Training
EXPANDED COURSE OUTLINE
I. INTRODUCTION/ORIENTATION
A. Introduction, Registration and Orientation
B. Course Objectives/Overview/Exercises
C. Safety
II. STIGMA (a/c)
A. Provide context for stigma and the role it plays in mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and
substance use disorders;
B. Discuss both historical and modern day stigmatization of mental illness, intellectual
disabilities, and substance use disorders as it pertains to;
C. Compare and contrast the way different cultures treat mental illness, intellectual disabilities,
and substance use disorders in the areas of;
III. STIGMA REDUCTION (b/d)
A. Identify mechanisms to reduce personal bias against people with mental illness, intellectual
disabilities, and substance use disorders:
B. Identify mechanisms to reduce stigmatism against people with mental illness, intellectual
disabilities, and substance use disorders:
C. Present the perspective of individuals and families experienced with;
Suggestion: Utilize guest speakers and/or videos
IV. MENTAL ILLNESS/INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES/SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS (e/f/g/h)
Note: Information utilized for this learning objective will be derived from the Diagnostic and Statistics
th
Manual of Mental Disorders, 4 Edition (DSM-IV). Suggested topics; anxiety disorders (including
PostTraumatic Stress Disorder), mood disorders (depression and bi-polar disorder, including suicidal
behavior and risk assessment), psychotic disorders, impulse control disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder,
Down Syndrome, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, co-occurring disorders.
A. Mental Illness
B. Intellectual Disabilities
C. Substance Use Disorders
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Suggested Learning Activity: This learning activity is intended to reinforce the ability to identify and
differentiate between mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders and determine
appropriate responses when coming into contact with same. Provide trainees with case studies, scenarios,
or video examples of individuals that display indicators of mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and
substance use disorders to the trainees. Can be done as a class or in small groups.
In each example provided, trainees will:
- identify the indicators of mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and substance use
disorders
- based on indicators, distinguish between mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and
substance use disorders
- cite or demonstrate appropriate language and rapport building strategies for the
identified mental illness, intellectual disability or substance use disorder
V. IDENTIFYING AND UTILIZING RESOURCES (i)
A. Community
B. State
Suggestion: Include the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Veteran’s Services
VI. LAWS (this is an optional section – not mandated by the law)
1. Discuss how the following laws are applied in encounters with individuals with mental illness,
how they preserve the rights of individuals with mental illness, and protect public safety
2. Determine if an individual meets the criteria for a psychiatric hold and evaluation as described
in 5150 of the California Penal Code and 5585 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code
A. Mental, physical, and emotional state of the individual
VII. DE-ESCALATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN A VARIETY OF SITUATIONS (j/k)
1. Initial Response
2. De-escalation and Conflict Resolution
3. Completion
Suggested learning activity – This learning activity will allow trainees to practice skills learned in the earlier
activity while incorporating new material for problem solving.
1) Trainees will participate in role play scenarios or use interactive videos that depict a variety of situations
involving individuals in crisis. Trainees will demonstrate knowledge of the class material through;
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- Initial response and scene management
- Recognition of indicators of mental illness, intellectual disability, or substance abuse
disorder
- De-escalation and conflict resolution congruent with identified mental illness,
intellectual disability, or substance abuse disorder
- Final resolution of the incident with appropriate disposition of the individual and
providing resources to involved parties.
VIII. Student Evaluations and Conclusion
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