Disability Competent Care | Behavioral Health

This course for behavioral health providers offers a deep dive into the unique needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), focusing on mitigating diagnostic overshadowing. Central to the course is an examination of diagnostic overshadowing; participants will explore its definition and multifaceted concerns. Participants will learn about the complexities that hinder accurate diagnoses and tailored interventions, such as gatekeeping tendencies and barriers to accessing healthcare. By exploring co-occurring diagnoses, we will analyze essential definitions and considerations that are crucial for accurate assessment and intervention planning, laying the groundwork for nuanced care provision.

Delving into assessment considerations will equip you with practical strategies for navigating the complex diagnostic landscape for individuals with I/DD. By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of I/DD care, reduce diagnostic overshadowing, and provide holistic, culturally sensitive support to individuals with I/DD, ultimately enhancing your capacity to deliver effective, person-centered care.

1 in 36 individuals in the U.S. is autistic. This course is designed to provide knowledge and skill development for individuals working with neurodivergent clients. It covers common characteristics of autistic individuals with average to above-average cognitive abilities and risk factors, including associated medical concerns and suicide.

Additionally, treatment, research, and cultural considerations are discussed to develop cultural competency skills when serving this population group.

This course delves into the unique experiences, needs, and challenges encountered by Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing communities in accessing medical healthcare. Participants will gain insights into deafness and Deaf culture, enabling them to identify barriers to care, understand health disparities, and implement standards of care to promote equitable health outcomes. Emphasizing the significance of a linguistically and culturally responsive approach in clinical practice, the course guides participants in developing tailored action plans to better serve Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients. Through a combination of research-based readings, observational learning, and practical exercises, learners will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to enhance healthcare equity and outcomes for these communities.

This course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to provide relationship and sexual health support to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). By the end of the course, participants will be able to identify challenges faced by people with IDD in developing relationships and managing sexual health. They will learn to integrate support strategies addressing development, intimacy, consent, and safe internet practices. 

Additionally, participants will identify relevant resources for assisting individuals with IDD and will develop a treatment considerations plan for educating them about engaging in healthy relationships and safe sexual activities.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often goes undiagnosed in patients who have a substance use disorder (SUD), but it's actually quite common. At least one in five people with a substance use disorder may also experience the effects of a brain injury.

This is often an invisible disability. This course will give you the knowledge you need to identify, understand, and help your patients prevent and manage their symptoms.

Welcome to Decision-Making Options training, presented by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing. 

This course provides an overview of the legal and practical aspects surrounding decision-making options for individuals with disabilities. It specifically focuses on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are more often placed under restrictive decision-making arrangements.

Whether you are a medical professional, behavioral health provider, or anyone involved in the care and support of individuals with disabilities, this course will equip you with the knowledge to understand and properly communicate the decision-making options available to individuals in the state of Colorado.

Many youth with brain injuries may experience difficulties with emotional regulation due to changes in brain function. As a behavioral health professional, you should be prepared to provide immediate and long-term care that includes strategies and support to help youth manage emotions to effectively cope with frustration, anger, anxiety, and depression, among other things.