• Continuing professional development (CPD)

Dual Diagnosis: Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders

CPD Level 7
Location
How to apply
How to apply
Overview

Overview

The aim of this course is to enable practitioners to:

  • Develop an understanding of the vulnerability and multiple needs of people with mental health problems and problematic substance misuse
  • Enhance knowledge and competence necessary to provide evidence-based effective treatment interventions in line with current policies and guidelines
  • Work effectively with other agencies.

Course requirements: Evidence of study at Level 6 (Degree Level).

Cost and funding: This fee covers the full course cost.

  • Sept 23 - Aug 24 fees: £900
  • Sept 24 - Aug 25 fees: TBC

Credits: 20

Assessment method: Essay 100%

A woman with a notepad and pen comforts another woman, they are both sitting at a desk
Study dates and times

Study dates and times

This course is taught on day release, select a start date to see the study days:

The course is delivered online with study days running from 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Please note, study days are subject to change. In this circumstance, students will be notified of date changes in advance.

The course will focus on:

  • Definitions and epidemiology of Dual Diagnosis
  • Challenges for service providers and users 
  • Policy development of Dual Diagnosis
  • Drug classification and drug effects
  • Diagnosis / Classification, recognition of drug use, abuse and dependence
  • Neuropsychology of mental health and substance misuse
  • Vulnerable groups
  • Learning disabilities- mental illness and substance misuse
  • Concept of stigma and stereotyping in relation to mental health and substance use: impact on help-seeking behaviour and treatment
  • Dual Diagnosis and Cultural Diversity
  • Substance misuse assessment
  • Risk assessment and risk management 
  • Models of treatment/ different treatment approaches: strengths and limitations 
  • Motivational Interviewing, elements of CBT for relapse prevention, mindfulness
  • Pharmacological treatment and drug interactions
  • Formulating a care plan with a dual diagnosis client
  • Care Management: difficulties and available options
  • Good practice in record keeping.

For more information, please contact Raffaella.Milani@uwl.ac.uk.

Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Margherita Milani Raffaella Photo

Associate Professor Raffaella Margherita Milani

I am a chartered psychologist, a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Trustee of Addiction Professionals. I have researched the effect of ecstasy polydrug use on mental wellbeing and also published in the areas of gender, binge drinking and sexual behaviour.

I teach on the following modules:

  • Addiction Treatment Interventions - Level 6 and Level 7

  • Dual Diagnosis: Substance Use and Mental Health - Level 6 and Level 7

  • Substance Use and Infectious Diseases - Level 6 and Level 7

  • Dissertation (Addiction Studies)

I also contribute to teaching in Psychology and MSc Health Psychology.

I am a chartered psychologist, a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Trustee of Addiction Professionals. I have researched the effect of ecstasy polydrug use on mental wellbeing and also published in the areas of gender, binge drinking and sexual behaviour.

I teach on the following modules:

  • Addiction Treatment Interventions - Level 6 and Level 7

  • Dual Diagnosis: Substance Use and Mental Health - Level 6 and Level 7

  • Substance Use and Infectious Diseases - Level 6 and Level 7

  • Dissertation (Addiction Studies)

I also contribute to teaching in Psychology and MSc Health Psychology.

Study and career progression

Study and career progression

This can be taken as a standalone module or the credits can be used towards another course such as:

  • PgCert/PgDip/MSc Professional Practice (badged awards available e.g. Substance Misuse, Complex Mental Health Needs)
  • MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Substance Misuse).
How to apply

How to apply

We recommend your application is submitted to the University at least two weeks prior to the start of the course.

After your application is accepted and you have been offered a place on the course, you will be sent information about how to enrol. You must complete enrolment before your course starts.

Apply for this course

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Contact us

For more information about our CPD courses please get in touch with Dr Claire Anderson, Associate Dean (Berkshire), College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare:

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Find out more about Continuing Professional Development with the College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare and see the range of courses on offer.

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