In Ontario, the availability of mental health services and supports for children, youth and their families varies greatly across communities and the problem of access has reached serious proportion, according to the Ontario Centre for Excellence in Child and Youth Mental Health. But the Centre states that brief services, if well‐implemented, can provide one solution to these demand and access challenges. As part of the Working with Children and Youth with Complex Mental Health Needs Project, Hincks-Dellcrest Gail Appel Institute, Mind Your Mind and Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario have developed an introductory e-learning course on this subject. The course is called“Brief Services – Foundational Principles and Therapeutic Approaches” and is now available online to registered participants.
This course was designed specifically for direct service workers who are providing counseling and social support to children and youth with complex mental health needs. Participants will learn the foundational principles of brief service interventions, which unlike traditional therapeutic approaches, are quick, culturally responsive and focus on the client’s strengths. Brief service interventions also promote shared decision-making with clients.
For more information on the course or the project, and to register, visit the project website.