This introductory course lays the foundation of the expectations of the Peer Support Program. You will review the syllabus, course orientation guides, reaffirm your commitment to excellence, and introductory assignments. 

You will understand the importance of peers and review key concepts such as:

• hope
• recovery
• advocacy
• wellness
• autonomy
• nonmaleficence

This course provides an overview of how to use empathy to communicate with patients. You will analyze digital elements of peer communication and understand the role of telehealth. 

In this course you will define substance use disorders and analyze the elements that lead to addiction. You will understand the stages of change in substance use treatment.

You will identify the most common mental health disorders and understand the unique needs of patients with co-occurring disorders. In this course you will analyze what components lead patients to anger and other mood disorders.

This course is designed to provide students with fundamental understanding of the types of psychiatric and substance use treatment options for patients. You will identify methods to provide support to patients through advocacy and person-centered planning. 

This course is designed to provide students with the understanding of the unique support needs of special populations such as (but not limited to): 

• Veterans
• Black communities
• Latine communities
• Youth population
• People experiencing homelessness
• Undocumented patients
• People living with disabilities
• Reentry populations

We will examine how transference and countertransference impact patient progress. You will understand the role unconscious bias plays in harming patients.

You will define trauma and trauma-informed care while identifying interventions to support patients with trauma history.

We will explore the role of a group facilitator and compare process groups to educational groups. We will identify strategies to support strong groups and provide conflict resolution.

Understand the reporting protocols for suicide, suicidal ideation, child or elderly abuse, and self harm. We will understand how to recognize the signs of an overdose and respond safely.

You will examine additional opportunities for patient support and understand how to refer a patient to supportive services. We will review how to complete referral documentation.

Together we review how to demonstrate competence in patient rights, ethics, and professional liability. We will review federal and state laws that address patient rights, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Together we will identify strategies to cope with stress, burn-out, and negative emotions. We will learn how to incorporate self-care-specific technology into regular practices.

As we close out, we will explore employment opportunities and practice techniques to use in the professional interviewing process. We will understand skills to complete components of workforce entry.