This intensive one-month program builds upon the Introductory Course on Mental Health, offering a comprehensive and practical approach to understanding and addressing mental health issues. Designed for students of psychology and social work, as well as early-career professionals, this course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience to develop essential skills in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and intervention.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Analyze clinically significant behavioral and psychological aspects of mental health issues
• Evaluate the impact of cultural, societal, and familial factors on mental disorders
• Assess the burden on families and caregivers of mentally ill patients
• Understand common pharmacological treatments and their side effects
• Apply appropriate psychological assessment tools for various age groups
• Demonstrate competence in clinical workups, assessments, and diagnostic formulations
• Implement basic recovery-oriented interventions and monitor progress

Course Structure

• Duration: One month
• Format: Weekday sessions (3 hours daily) and weekend assignments
• Components:
  • Lectures and presentations
  • Case studies and role-plays
  • Client interviews
  • Guided assignments with personalized feedback

Key Topics Covered

• Core concepts and history of psychiatry
• Mental Status Examination (MSE) and case history taking
• Diagnostic formulation and the bio-psycho-social approach
• Common rating questionnaires and psychological assessments
• Psychopharmacology basics
• Recovery-oriented approaches and disability assessment
• Caregiver support and family interventions
• Behavioral therapy and group interventions

Unique Features

• Assigned clinical guide for personalized support
• Immersive exercises with peer role-plays and real client interactions
• Focus on practical application of theoretical knowledge
• Opportunities for social work students to engage in community-based programs

Course is ideal for

• Psychology and social work students seeking practical experience
• Recent graduates in mental health-related fields
• Practicing clinicians and mental health workers looking to enhance their skills
• Mental health volunteers aiming to increase their impact

Facilitators
Our experienced team of facilitators includes psychiatrists, psychiatric social workers, and clinical psychologists with extensive expertise in mental health treatment and recovery.

Important Note
While comprehensive, this course does not qualify participants as independent mental health practitioners. Further training and certification are required for professional practice.

Number of Participants
The minimum number of participants expected is usually about 15.