This course is an introduction to the Behavioral Health industry. Topics that will be introduced in this founda-tional level course include understanding individual wellness, effective communication, healthy relationships, addictive behaviors, mental health conditions, and protective laws and rights of patients and practitioners. *This course is not designed for the student to diagnose themselves, friends, or family. It is an introduction to the behavioral health career field only.
Core Standards of the Course
STRAND 1 Students will explore individual wellness. *Performance skill included - see below.
Behavioral Health, Introduction Core
Standard 1 Introduce the different components of individual wellness
The 7-dimension Wellness Wheel includes environmental, physical, spiritual, intellectual, social, financial/occupation, and emotional wellness
Performance Skills Students will evaluate their overall health using the wellness wheel, setting goals in each dimension.
Standard 2 Explain how self-concept and self-esteem are built and preserved and how it relates to the perception of individual strengths and weaknesses.
Define Self-Concept, Self-Esteem & Self-Ideal
Self-Concept: how someone thinks about, evaluates or perceives themselves; the mental image or perception that one has of oneself
Self-Esteem: is the positive or negative evaluations of the self, as in how we feel about it.
Self-Ideal: the way we would like to be
Describe the positive and negative development of self-concept and self-esteem.
Ways to build self-esteem.
Things that might hurt self-esteem.
Self-responsibility (resiliency)
Self-talk and affirmations
Bullying
Prevention and resources
Resiliency
Define how personal values, goals, and decision making contribute to self-concept.
Define and discuss values and their impact on self-esteem.
Values (Ideas, qualities, beliefs, and attitudes that guide the way you live) can change over time/ experiences, if behaviors are consistent with your values, it will build self-esteem.
Behaviors inconsistent with or lack of values can negatively impact self-esteem.
Describe how goals impact values, behavior, decisions, and self-esteem.
Goals: the result of something a person intends to acquire, achieve, do, reach, or accomplish- sometime in the near or distant future.
SMART Goals: refers to goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable/Attainable, Realistic, and
Time Framed.
Short-term and long-term goals
Decision making
Describe the influence of social pressure on our decisions.
Evaluate the role of emotions, attitudes, and behavior in making decisions.
Standard 3 Explore the reward circuit and prefrontal cortex development on behavior.
Define the function of the Reward Circuit
Impulsive, emotional, and reactive
Primary area of brain utilized during adolescence
Impacts risky behaviors and poor decision making
Define the function of the Prefrontal Cortex Development
Thoughtful, logical, reasoning, and higher-level thinking
Not fully developed until mid-20's.
Regulates emotions
Recognizes social cues and non-verbal communication
Promotes processing of the potential consequences of actions
Standard 4 Identify the role of experiences that impact self-concept. in creating one's perception and on personal wellness & resilience.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years). i.e. violence/abuse, death, divorce, substance misuse, etc.
ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood.
ACEs can also negatively impact education and job opportunities.
The effects of ACEs, with intervention, can be managed.
Trauma: when a person feels intensely threatened by an event that they are involved in or witness. The event is a trauma.
Acute - A single traumatic event that occurs in one's life.
Complex - Exposure to multiple trauma events often of an evasive, interpersonal nature and the wide ranging, long term effects of this exposure.
Chronic - Traumatic event that has occurred over and over in one's life.
Protective Factors/Resilience
Individual, family, and community resources
Standard 5 Stress Management
Stress - the body's and mind's reaction to everyday demands or threats. Can affect how you feel, think, and behave as well as how your body works.
Eustress - positive impact on physical and mental health. Creates challenge response motivating one to rise to the occasion and increase confidence.
Distress - negative impact on physical and mental health. Creates a crippling response affecting productivity or ability to think clearly.
Coping Skills
Coping Skills - the method a person uses to deal with negative emotions.
Helpful - assists in thought processing to allow progression through negative emotion. i.e. Exercise, diet, journaling, hobbies
Hurtful - prevents progressing through the thought process of a negative emotion. i.e. self- harm, eating disorders, avoidance, substance abuse
Coping skills can vary for each individual.
Performance Skills Students will explore different healthy coping skills (Imagery, Meditation, Mindfulness, Yoga etc.
Standard 6 Students will explore careers related to individual self-concept wellness.
If possible, guest speakers in career areas related to each strand would add greatly to the course.
Clinical or counseling psychologist
Clinical social worker
Psychiatric nurse practitioner
Psychiatric registered nurse
Mental health counselor
STRAND 2 Students will practice personal and professional effective communication.
Behavioral Health, Introduction Core
Standard 1
Identify effective destructive and constructive verbal communication.
Destructive communication: Methods that tear down communication. i.e. blaming, interrupting, endless fighting, character assassination, calling in reinforcements, withdrawal, need to be right.
Constructive communication: Methods that promote and strengthen communication. i.e. "I" messages, clarity, timing, asking questions, reflective listening, respect and consideration, avoiding intense anger)
Communication Styles
Assertive - Confidently aggressive or self-assured.
Self-Advocacy - learning how to speak up for yourself, making your own decisions, reaching out to others, personal problem solving skills, etc.
Refusal skills: set of skills to help avoid high risk behaviors.
Say no, walk away, broken record, make joke, ask questions, etc.
Passive aggressive- Denoting or pertaining to a personality type or behavior marked by the expression of negative emotions in passive, indirect ways, as through manipulation or noncooperation.
Aggressive- Boldly assertive and forward; pushy.
Passive- Submissive, unresisting.
Standard 2 Identify positive and negative nonverbal communication.
Identify nonverbal behaviors and messages (Most communication is nonverbal)
Body Language
Gestures
Eye Contact
Posture
Dress
Demonstrate effective ways to communicate personal boundaries and show respect for the boundaries of others.
Zones of Personal Space in Communication
Intimate Space: This zone is guarded closely and is reserved for close friends, relatives, and those we trust most.
Personal Space: This space is for those that we like. The closer someone is, more we like them.
Social Space: Used for friendly gathers and acquaintances.
Public Space: Used by speakers and audiences. Can vary from one person, family, or culture to another.
Can vary from one person, family, culture to another.
Standard 3 Examine the effect of technology on communication
Discuss positive and negative ways that technology effects communication.
Identify the purpose of Social Media and the effect on communication.
Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, etc.)
Effect on Relationships (Friendships, Family, Romantic, Professional, etc.)
Potential negative professional implications (loss of job or educational opportunities due to social media posts)
Positive effects
Maintain relationships with others, communicate easily, part of a peer/social network that can provide support, more social interaction, educational.
Social Etiquette
Human Connection
Standard 4 Explore careers related to effective communication in behavioral health.
Speech Pathology
Audiologist
Communicative Disorders
Behavioral Youth Counselor
Outreach Specialist
STRAND 3 Students will explore the importance of healthy relationships.
Behavioral Health, Introduction Core
Standard 1 Explore types of relationships and role responsibilities.
List the types of professional relationships (client/patient, teacher/student, employer/employee)
Review the important functions of professional relationships (respect, communication, productivity, collaboration, cooperation)
Identify appropriate role responsibilities in professional relationships (client/patient, teacher/student, employer/employee)
List the types of personal relationships (family, friends, romantic relationships)
Analyze the functions of personal relationships in growth and development (support, safety, guidance, etc.)
Identify responsibilities in personal relationships (honesty, respect, setting boundaries, clear expectations, respecting privacy, trust, etc.).
List types of community-based relationships (civic, religious, neighbor)
Analyze the functions and benefits of participating in community-based relationships. (volunteer-work, educational, networking, invested in community etc.)
List virtual environments where relationships can develop (social media, professional affiliates, dating sites, gaming forums etc.).
Identify the functions of virtual relationships (entertainment, networking, friendship, dating, professional etc.)
Compare and contrast the functions of virtual relationship to professional, personal, and community relationships.
Discuss the importance of awareness and safety when participating in virtual relationships.
Standard 2 Evaluate strategies to foster healthy relationships.
Discuss the level of personal responsibility needed to form and participate in healthy relationships.
Review components of communication skills practiced in relationships (verbal, non-verbal, compromise, conflict resolution).
Demonstrate positive communication within each type of relationship. (personal, professional, community, virtual)
Analyze the value of trust when developing relationships.
Compare and contrast the characteristics of trust for each type of relationship. (personal, professional, community, virtual)
Assess resources that support and foster healthy relationships. (therapy, workshops, community courses, counselor etc.)
Standard 3 Identify characteristics of unhealthy relationships and apply strategies to protect against unhealthy relationships.
Define abuse and identify physical/social/emotional forms of abuse and violence.
Abuse:
Physical: Intentional use of physical force that can result in physical injury.
Emotional: Behaviors that harm one's self-worth or emotional well-being.
Identify different types of abuse in relationships (dating, professional, family, peers, community)
Identify characteristics and motivations of participants in the abuse/violence cycle
Stages of violence cycle: tension building, incident, reconciliation, calm.
Motivations: control, codependency, people pleaser, rescue mentality.
Define the types of sexual violations (harassment, assault, rape, abuse)
Consent: explicit vs. implicit
Explicit: an individual is clearly presented with an option to agree or disagree with and clearly
indicates their choice
Implicit: when surrounding circumstances exist that would lead a reasonable person to believe
that this consent had been given, although no direct, express, or explicit words of agreement had been uttered.
Consent is freely given, reversible, specific, silence is NOT consent
Force/coercion: Force does not always refer to physical pressure
Perpetrators may use: threats, emotional coercion, manipulation, intimidation tactics etc.
Discuss the warning signs of abusive relationships. (jealousy, short temper, no privacy, raised in an abusive home, controlling, manipulation, isolation, reacts physically, lies)
Standard 4 Explore careers related to healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Any type of therapy can relate to healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Specializations could be:
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Shelters
Marriage and family counselor
Psychologist
Abuse specialist
Victim advocate
Occupational therapist
Marriage and relationship educator
Sexual crisis counselors
Non-profit resource specialist
Different agencies offer specific resources and opportunities within the industry.
STRAND 4 Students will identify patterns in addictive behaviors.
Behavioral Health, Introduction Core
Standard 1 Overview of Addiction
Understand the process leading up to addiction and define key terms
Tolerance: when a person no longer responds to a drug or behavior in the way they did at first. People may seek more and more of a drug or behavior to get the "high" they seek.
Dependence: a condition where the body or brain has become so adapted to a substance that an individual would experience negative side effects should they abruptly cease use. This is known as withdrawal.
Addiction: a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive behavior, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain.
Cravings: intense urges to use a particular substance or engage in a particular behavior
Identify the two types of addiction (behavioral & substance) and examples of each
Behavioral addiction: the individual is addicted to the behavior or the feeling brought about by the relevant action.
Signs of behavioral addiction: craving, excessive behavior, psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms, loss of control, development of tolerance, whenever a habit changes into an obligation.
Examples: gambling, video game playing, eating disorders, sports and physical exercise, media use, sex addiction, pathological working, and compulsive criminal behavior.
Substance use disorder: chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain.
Review that addiction can affect people of all ages, race or gender. (teens, adults, parents, babies)
Standard 2 Explore the function of brain chemistry on mental health
Identify major parts of the brain and their main functions
Emphasis should be placed on a basic overview, with more detail given to parts of the brain that are involved with course content (behavior, addiction, mental illness, etc.)
Healthy Brain Function
Neurons (nerve cells) - sends and receives electrical signals to/from other parts of the brain, spinal cord and nerves in the rest of the body.
Neurotransmitters - chemicals released into the gap (synapse) between neurons that causes changes in the receiving cell.
Reward circuit -
Group of neurons in the brain (basal ganglia) that control behavior and memory.
Neurotransmitters help the brain make connections between an activity and pleasure. Certain neurotransmitters trigger either "go" or "stop" signals to pass along messages.
Example: food, hobbies, relationships, etc.
Prefrontal Cortex -
Thoughtful, logical, reasoning, and higher-leveling thinking (promotes the processing of potential consequences of actions)
Regulates emotions, recognizes social cues and non-verbal communication
Not fully developed until mid-20's
Chemical changes within the brain
Substances that can modify neurotransmission.
Medications - over the counter and prescription
Alcohol
Nicotine
Illicit/illegal drugs
Chemical changes that can lead to addiction
Repeatedly exposes the brain to a flood of neurotransmitters (by blocking transporters, blocking receptors, exciting neurons, etc.
With each repeated exposure, the brain slowly adjusts
Effects are
Diminished natural highs - what once brought joy/fulfillment does not
Higher tolerance - need to increase quantity, potency, and frequency of substance to have the same effect
Standard 3 Explore the addiction recovery process.
Determine how the brain can reverse the effects of addiction.
Define Neuroplasticity: the ability of the brain to form new neural pathways. The more you use your brain in a specific way the stronger the brain and pathways become, but it can also work in reverse.
Explore the concept of Use it (to learn new things) or Lose it (the brain can change back through soberness)
An addict's neural pathway is strong but with long periods of sobriety it can begin to heal chemically and physically.
Treatment varies depending on the type of drug and the characteristics of the patients. Matching treatment settings, interventions, and services to an individual's particular problems and needs is critical to his or her ultimate success in returning to productive functioning in the family, workplace, and society.
A patient may require varying combinations of services and treatment components during the course of treatment and recovery. (Examples: Counseling or psychotherapy, family therapy, medications, etc.
Standard 4 Identify the effects of addiction on family and friends of an addict.
Trauma, abuse, neglect, violence, financial hardships, exposure to other drugs, poor school performance, strained relationships, loss of legal custody, reckless behavior.
Standard 5 Explore careers related to addiction recovery.
Marriage & Family therapy
Group therapy
Addiction recovery specialist
Social Workers
Medical Professionals
STRAND 5 Students will identify mental health conditions and the common signs, symptoms, and treatment.
Behavioral Health, Introduction Core
Standard 1 Categorizing and defining mental health conditions and related stigma
Mental Health Condition: "A major disturbance in an individual's thinking, feelings, or behavior that reflects a problem in mental function" (APA, Understanding Mental Disorders p. xvi)
Deviant, Distressful, Dysfunctional
Diagnosing a condition
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychological Disorder IV (DSM-5)
What is the purpose of the DSM-5? To standardize mental health diagnosis and care
What is in the DSM-5?
Symptoms
Diagnostic Criteria
Risk Factors
Prevalence
Comorbidity- conditions that commonly go together
Differential Diagnosis- conditions that can be mistaken for other conditions
Prognosis
Treatment Options
Conditional vs. diagnosed mental conditions
Conditional - normal day to day
Diagnosed mental conditions
3 types of stigmas related to mental health conditions
1.Self stigma- within oneself, internalizing other forms of stigma.
2. Social stigma- interpersonal
3. Structural/Institutional- examples: societal, hiring practices, government policy
Mental Health disorder conditions can happen at any age and will be a life-long journey.
Examples of Types of Treatment
DBT - dialectical behavior therapy, CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, ACT - Acceptance, Commitment Therapy- Value Based Therapy, Psychotherapy, etc.
Treatment options
Psychotherapy - talk therapy
Psychotherapy can be offered individually, in couples, families, or groups
Some types of psychotherapy (Information via Mayo Clinic)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)- helps you identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)- teaches behavioral skills to help you handle stress, manage your emotions and improve your relationships with others
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)- becoming aware of and accept your thoughts and feelings and commit to making changes, increasing your ability to cope with and adjust to situations
Psychodynamic and psychoanalysis therapy- increase awareness of unconscious thoughts and behaviors, developing new insights into your motivations and resolving conflicts
Pharmacological - prescription drugs
Standard 2 Identify some common mental health condition categories, starred categories* are essential: (See addendum)
Anxiety Disorders *
Bipolar and Related Disorders
Depressive Disorders *
Dissociative Identity Disorder
Schizophrenia Spectrum and Related Disorders
Feeding and Eating Disorders *
Personality Disorders
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Related
Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders *
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Standard 3 Explore knowledge of risk factors, protective factors, warning signs and resources for suicide prevention
Risk Factors of suicide
Mental health conditions
Social isolation
A time of crisis
Substance misuse
Trauma
Societal pressures
Life-changing illness or injury
Suicidal ideation- thinking about, planning, or considering suicide
Suicidal attempt
Protective Factors
Connectedness
Reduced access to lethal means
Access to quality Healthcare
social supports
coping strategies
Resiliency
Warning Signs
Isolation from friends & family
Change in behavior and sleeping patterns
Impulsive, irrational, or extreme mood swings
Giving away personal items
Substance misuse
Boredom and indifference
Violent actions or rebellious behaviors
Running away
Writing about death or suicide (Example: poems, diary, songs, social media, etc.).
Talking about hopelessness, death, or being a burden Identify suicide prevention resources Identify suicide prevention resources
Identify suicide prevention resources
Identify support for individuals in crisis
If you believe someone may be at risk
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) - Consider bringing in district or health department instructors as a guest speaker.
Ongoing support
HOPE Squad
Resources for suicide prevention
Safe Utah App
Trusted Adults
Emergency 911
Statewide Crisis Line 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Emergency Mental Health number being considered: 988
STRAND 6 Students will explore patient protection laws and rights and professional obligation
Behavioral Health, Introduction Core
Standard 1
Legal, Ethical and professional responsibilities/boundaries
Abuse and neglect recognizing & reporting (based on Utah law)
Accurate documentation
Professional: Correct grammar and proper English
Law associated with Behavioral health (History)
Tarasoff Law Case
HIPAA Laws
Hitech
42CFR Part 2
Ethical responsibility: Guided by Behavioral Health professional organizations
Students will evaluate their overall health using the wellness wheel and set goals in at least 3 of the dimensions. (Strand 1)
Students will identify coping skills that are potentially helpful and potentially hurtful and will explore a variety of different positive coping skills (Imagery, Meditation, Mindfulness, Yoga etc.) (Strand 1)
Demonstrate refusal skills in a variety of situations. (e.g., professional, peer, relationships) (Strand 2)
Workplace Skills Students will develop professional and interpersonal skills needed for success in the Family & Human Services industry.
Determine the difference between hard skills and soft skills.
Hard Skills: Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that can be defined and measured
Soft Skills: Personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people.
Identify soft skills needed in the workplace
Professionalism
Respect Legal requirements/expectations
Good communication skills
Resourcefulness & creativity
Work Ethic
http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education
(USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE). Send questions or comments to USBE
Specialist -
MAREN HANSEN
and see the
CTE/Health Science & Human Services website.
For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director -
THALEA LONGHURST.
These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the
State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced
for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials,
credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These
materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other
format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of
Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah
84114-4200.