Mental Health and Substance Use Issues in Justice-Involved Individuals

Course description

Despite the reality that mental health and substance use challenges are prevalent within society, stigma continues to make it difficult to address, cope, and provide effective treatment. Navigating through the justice system with mental health and/or substance use challenges makes for further complications, given the level of stereotyping and prejudice additionally associated with justice-involved individuals. Students will learn about the biological and psychosocial foundation of mental health and substance use and the misconceptions that impact criminalization. Students will explore signs, symptoms and behavioural characteristics of common mental health and substance use and will be tasked with developing an equitable and inclusive approach in broadening their perspectives. Students will explore the importance of developing strong skills within this field and learning about personal self-care when providing support to those with mental health and substance use issues.

Course details