Specialist Certificate in Mental Health

Workshop Description

18-hour interactive virtual certificate course

This course focuses on specific mental health conditions with a strong emphasis on the support worker’s role. It does not include introductory material, allowing learners to build on existing knowledge and experience. The course takes a deeper dive into each topic, providing PSWs with comprehensive, practical information to enhance their confidence and effectiveness in supporting clients.

The course is graded and includes 1-2 assignments. Students successfully completing the course will receive a certificate. A pre-course consultation meeting with the trainer is included to help identify specific content areas your organization would like addressed and to tailor the course accordingly. We will also conduct a pre-session learning evaluation and can include an exemption process for students who have taken one of Capacity Builders 3-hour Mental Health workshops.

Benefits of the Specialist Certificate in Mental Health:

• A longer format allows time to explore conditions and concepts in greater depth, leading to stronger knowledge retention and application in real-world situations.
• PSWs have more opportunity to practice and refine specific skills—such as communication, engagement, and assessment—through discussion, reflection, and assignments.
• With time to absorb content and receive feedback, PSWs gain greater confidence in supporting clients with complex mental health needs.

Topics Covered:

• Fundamentals of rapport-building and communication 
• Understanding engagement and how to support it
• Depression & Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Hoarding
• OCD
  

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for PSWs who are ready to deepen their knowledge and expand their skills in this specific area. It is best suited for PSWs who are confident in foundational client care and are seeking more advanced training to better support clients with complex needs. This course is not appropriate for support workers who are new to the role, or new to working with mental health clients.