The promotion, preservation, and restoration of mental well-being, including services for mental health disorders and addiction.
Mental health disorders: An understanding of the different types of mental health disorders that exist, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Human development across the lifespan: A grasp of the different stages of human development, from infancy to old age, and the mental health challenges that may arise during each stage.
Trauma and resilience: An understanding of the impact of trauma on mental health, as well as techniques for building resilience.
Cultural considerations: An awareness of the ways that culture, ethnicity, and race can affect one’s mental health, as well as the importance of culturally sensitive care.
Stigma and discrimination: An understanding of the negative effects that stigma and discrimination can have on those living with mental health disorders, and strategies to combat these attitudes.
Prevention and early intervention: An understanding of the importance of early intervention and prevention in promoting good mental health.
Communication skills: The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with individuals who may be experiencing mental health challenges.
Crisis intervention: Techniques for managing crisis situations, including de-escalation and risk assessment.
Medication and treatment options: An understanding of the different medication and treatment options available to those living with mental health disorders.
Ethics and confidentiality: An understanding of the ethical considerations involved in working with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, as well as the importance of respecting and protecting client confidentiality.
Family systems: An understanding of the ways that family dynamics can impact an individual’s mental health, as well as strategies for supporting families.
Community resources: Knowledge of community resources available for mental health support, including clinics, hospitals, and support groups.
Social determinants of health: An understanding of the social determinants of health, including poverty, housing insecurity, and discrimination, and their impact on mental health.
Care coordination and collaboration: Skills for coordinating care among different providers and professionals, as well as collaborating with families and caregivers.
Self-care: Strategies for promoting self-care and avoiding burnout when working in the mental health field.
Anxiety disorders: Characterized by excessive and persistent worry, fear, or dread.
Mood disorders: A group of mental illnesses that affect a person's emotional state, including depression, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.
Schizophrenia: A severe mental disorder that affects a person's thinking, behaviors, and emotions where they may have hear, see, and/or believe things that are not real.
Personality disorders: A range of mental illnesses that affect a person's ability to form healthy relationships and interact with others, including borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder.
Eating disorders: A group of mental illnesses that involve abnormal eating habits, including bulimia, anorexia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
Substance use disorders: A group of mental illnesses related to addiction and substance abuse, including alcoholism, drug addiction, and prescription drug abuse.
Autism spectrum disorder: A neurological disorder that affects a person's social interaction, communication, and behavior.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person's ability to focus, sit still, and control their impulses.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Characterized by repetitive, unwanted thoughts or behaviors that can be distressing and time-consuming.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, military combat, or sexual assault.