Dual Diagnosis (working with people who have a drug/alcohol mental health problem)

20 Credits Level 5 and Level 6

Overview

Are you on drugs Image

For more information, contact Ian Hamilton on 01904 321673 or email ian.hamilton@york.ac.uk

For an application form please contact Student Information Service on 01904 321319 or email: dohs-cpd-enquiries@york.ac.uk

Dual Diagnosis Course

It is now accepted that dually diagnosed clients are the norm and not the exception.  The range of skills, knowledge and interventions required to work with people who have concurrent mental health and substance use is changing rapidly.

This module aims to look at the complex relationship between substance use and mental health, examining the implications for patients, practitioners and services. It is not restricted to those working with people who have a severe mental illness but will include all mental health problems. 

The module is suitable for all those who come into contact with clients who have these problems.  This course is highlighted nationally as an example of good practice by Turning Point and the Department of Health in ‘Dual Diagnosis Good Practice Handbook’ (2007).

Dual Diagnosis Good Practice Guide

Subject areas

Topics covered include:

  • concepts of substance use and addiction and how this relates to mental health
  • commonly used illicit drugs and misused prescription drugs
  • the relationship between mental illness and substance misuse
  • the skills that can be effectively used with this client group
  • models of treatment and service delivery
  • attitudes and values in relation to dual diagnosed clients and the impact this has on care
  • harm reduction, assessment, intervention and relapse prevention
  • cognitive and motivational interventions.

Availability & Entry

Availability

The course is delivered both on the University campus and in the workplace. The facilitators are able to travel and deliver this module at other venues around the country, reducing participant travelling time and tailoring the educational and skills content to the needs of the organisation.

Please contact us on 01904 321319 to find out when the next course will be held.

Entry requirements

This course will appeal to broad group of people including: drug workers, mental health workers, practise nurses, general practioners, psychiatrists, prison workers, midwives, health visitors, social workers and probation staff.  All applications must be approved by your manager or employer.

Credits & Cost

Qualification awarded

If you successfully complete this module you will be awarded 20 credit points by the University of York, at Level 5 or Level 6.

Cost

Places are offered at no charge to NHS Trust and primary care staff in areas covered by the Yorkshire and the Humber Strategic Health Authority (SHA).  Places are available by agreement with the SHA to South Tees and Tees Esk and Wear Valley staff; please contact us for details. Funding is also available to professionals working in the ambulance service, prison service and hospices.

You must get approval from the appropriate manager in your organisation to access SHA funded places. 

Places may be available to social services staff working in a health care environment or to the independent health and social care sector providing placements for pre-registration students.