Mental Health Basics with Dr. JB: Conditions & Treatment

This course is designed to help learners understand when and how to seek mental health support for themselves and others. The information provided in this course is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional mental health care, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, crisis, or thoughts of suicide, please seek immediate professional help or contact emergency services.

One in five adults in the United States will experience some form of mental illness. Moreover, more than half of adults with a mental illness did not receive mental health services in the previous year. This course aims to increase awareness of common mental health conditions and provide learners with tools to help lessen the burden of these illnesses.

The first half of the course focuses on when to seek help. It includes overviews of some of the most common mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, eating disorders, and personality disorders. This section also includes information about suicide prevention and safety planning. A safety plan is an important tool to have available during times of crisis.

The second half of the course focuses on where to find help and what to expect in different treatment settings. These settings include outpatient appointments, behavioral health areas within emergency departments, and psychiatric inpatient units. The course also discusses when therapy or medication may be recommended and what to expect after treatment begins.

The ultimate goal of this course is to help learners feel more informed and confident advocating for themselves and others when seeking and receiving mental health care.

The content in this course reflects general educational information and does not represent the views, policies, or positions of my employer, organizations, professional affiliations, or associations.