All Courses

This course examines the intersection of race and behavioral health in Colorado. You will increase your understanding of the unique challenges faced by communities of color and the cultural factors that influence help-seeking behaviors and treatment outcomes. Topics will include the impact of racial discrimination on behavioral health, cultural beliefs and values related to mental health and substance use, and strategies for addressing behavioral health disparities and improving treatment outcomes.

Throughout the course, you will self-reflect and examine your biases and assumptions about race and mental health. Consistent with the Culture and Behavioral Health foundational course, this course intends to continue your lifelong journey of developing cultural competence and responsiveness.

This course explores behavioral health within the context of Native American culture. You will gain an understanding of the unique mental health challenges faced by Indigenous communities.

Topics covered will include historical trauma, intergenerational trauma, substance abuse, suicide, and the impact of colonialism on mental health. You will also examine the importance of cultural identity, spirituality, and community in promoting resilience and well-being among Indigenous peoples.

By the end of the course, you will have a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness and diversity of American Indian & Alaska Native (AIAN) communities and a greater awareness of the need for culturally responsive mental health care.

An estimated 1 in 69 adult U.S. residents were under community supervision at the end of 2021 (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2023). Community supervision of justice involved individuals is an important component of the criminal justice system. This course equips Colorado parole officers, probation officers, and community correction workers with knowledge and skills to identify and address the behavioral health needs of individuals under supervision. Parole officers, probation officers, and community correction workers will examine how utilizing the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) Model in combination with tailoring supervision strategies can reduce recidivism. By leveraging community health resources alongside the RNR Model, officers can more accurately match individuals to appropriate services, reduce recidivism, and support safer, more successful transitions back into the community. This course will have an emphasis on identifying the Need and Responsivity Principles for effective matching of services and resources. Topics include recognizing co-occurring mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and applying trauma-informed care strategies. Upon conclusion of the course, participants will be better prepared to promote recovery in community supervision settings.