BH-002 Recognize Common Mental Health Diagnoses

COURSE DESCRIPTION — BHS-002: Understanding Mental Health Diagnoses
Credit Hours: 1.5 contact hours

Mental health diagnoses can feel complex — but for home care workers, a working understanding of the most common conditions is an essential professional skill. This course provides a clear, compassionate, and practical overview of the mental health diagnoses you’re most likely to encounter in direct care, equipping you to observe effectively, communicate accurately, and respond appropriately.

From mood disorders and anxiety to psychotic disorders and personality disorders, real-world home care scenarios bring clinical concepts to life. You’ll learn how each condition presents in daily care, what responses are most effective, and why person-centered language matters in every interaction.

This course covers:
– How the DSM-5 is used to classify and communicate about mental health conditions
– Mood disorders: depression, bipolar disorder, and their impact on daily care
– Anxiety disorders: GAD, panic disorder, OCD, and phobias in home care contexts
– Psychotic disorders: schizophrenia and how to respond to hallucinations and delusions
– Personality disorders: borderline personality disorder and the importance of consistency
– Trauma-related conditions: PTSD, trauma triggers, and trauma-informed responses
– Person-first language and non-stigmatizing communication

Audience: HHAs, CNAs, PCAs, DSPs, and all direct care staff.
Credit Hours: 1.5 contact hours
References: APA DSM-5 (2013) | SAMHSA Behavioral Health Resources | MN DHS Mental Health Division | CMS Behavioral Health Strategy | NAMI Condition Fact Sheets