Online Mental Health Counseling for Non-Clinicians (23SP-MentHlthNC-2)

Course Requirements

Must be a California Community College Counselor with a Master's Degree in Counseling or Licensed California Community College Mental Health Clinician employed by a California Community College with a current CCC email address.

Description

In this course, counselors will gain knowledge about how to support students in mental distress while counseling in the online environment including how to provide effective resources and referrals. Participants will also learn to use the various e-learning and communication tools.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, counselors will be able to:

• Summarize the importance of student mental health
• Identify multiple forms of distance mental health services
• Identify students in need of mental health services
• Demonstrate effective mental health referrals
• Identify local and statewide mental health resources

Disclaimer:

It is important to note the purpose of this module is to provide general information. It is not intended as formal training, permission to practice as a mental health counselor or for certification or licensure in the mental health field but rather to address the basic areas of consideration associated with the referral to mental health counseling when providing services in an online environment. Any included discussion or activities do not indicate specific solutions. Many practice requirements are specific to unique situations and individual providers, resulting in local standards and procedures. Counselors are advised to review and follow existing practice guidelines from their institutions and professional organizations.

Duration: 2 weeks

Time Commitment: approximately 10 hours per week, for a total of 20 hours

Weekly Live Session in Zoom: Choose one time per week on Wednesday, May 3 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. or 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday, May 10 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. or 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.  The Zoom Room Links will be available in the Canvas course.

Your time commitment will vary based upon your own level of experience with web technologies and mental health counseling.

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

The course material is designed for experienced Non Mental Health Clinicians, however the technology used in this course is designed for novice online counselors who should have the following:

•      Basic computer skills (word processing, email, file management)
•      Basic internet skills (use of browser, searches, uploading/downloading files)
•      Familiarity with discussion boards
•      An open mind and willingness to try new things

If you require any special accommodations for this class, please contact your facilitator for the week as soon as possible to ensure a quality learning experience.

Optional Continuing Education Credit

Participants in this course can seek optional professional development/continuing education credits by dual-enrolling in HBM 1594 at Fresno Pacific University. A separate fee due to FPU will apply.