This course is designed to foster a competent and compassionate workforce to address challenges related to mental health. It explores the history, treatment, and societal views of mental health disorders in the United States, emphasizing the importance of culturally grounded and trauma-informed responses.

It also covers the significance of support systems in reintegration and uses person-first language to discuss mental health, distinguishing between mental illness and mental health disorders. The aim is to prepare learners to handle sensitive material with care and promote self-awareness and bias recognition in mental health provision.

• Understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice in relation to mental health services.
• Historical contexts of mental health in the U.S including the deinstitutionalization movement.
• Self-awareness regarding personal mental health and biases.
• Insight into the diverse challenges and strengths of different groups, and the impact of societal factors on mental health.

It is recommended that students first complete the courses SWK1x: Introduction to Social Work and SWK2x: Areas of Social Work Practice on edX before enrolling in this course.

• Overview of mental health and mental illness.
• Exploration of policies affecting mental health care and their historical context.
• Analysis of societal perspectives and the criminalization of mental health issues.
• Focus on diagnosis, etiology, and co-occurring disorders.
• Understanding social determinants of mental health over various life stages.
• Examination of indigenous mental health and cultural considerations.

This course is suited for social workers, mental health professionals, students in related fields, and anyone interested in a deeper understanding of mental health issues and their treatment within the social context.

Skills acquired from this course can be applied in various professional settings, enhancing mental health services and advocacy, providing support for the reintegration of individuals into society, and promoting equitable care practices. These capabilities are vital for improving mental health outcomes and fostering inclusive environments.

• Week 1: Introduction to Mental Health
• Week 2: Policies and Deinstitutionalization
• Week 3: Societal Views and Criminalization
• Week 4: Etiology, Diagnosis, Co-Occurring Disorders
• Week 5: Social Determinants and Mental Health Across the Life Span
• Week 6: Indigenous Mental Health & Cultural Considerations