The program, developed through support of the Center for Community Change, the Vermont Division of Mental Health, the Vermont Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Programs, and the van Ameringen Foundation, Inc., offers an innovative, competency-based curriculum specifically focused on best practices in behavioral health care. Classes are held one intensive weekend per month , and are geared to adult learners, most of whom work full time. The program is designed to meet the needs of professionals in the mental health field, alcohol and drug services, corrections, and rehabilitation services, as well as consumers and family members who would like to work with children or adults and their families. Members of the general public who are interested in graduate study that will prepare them for work in the field of behavioral health are encouraged to apply. The weekend format makes participation in the program feasible for students from a broad geographical area.
Many students commute several hours to participate in weekend instruction.
PCMH is developing opportunities for students to take selected courses on-line. This exciting and highly interactive format will involve national experts in the field. The next online classes are scheduled to begin in the spring of 2001. We encourage mental health service managers to consider the value and relevance of this curriculum and to support the training and development of your staff through its offerings. Please feel free to copy as many as you and your colleagues need.