The Behavioral Health module is designed according to the AES course framework, which includes four phases:
- Explore
- Learn & Practice
- Reflect
- Reinforce
Below you'll discover how AES can help you teach your students about behavioral health according to these four phases.
Phase 1: Explore
Activity: 12-Step Program Flyer
In this activity, students are directed to create a flyer based on a 12-step program used in many self-help treatment programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
Activity: Suicide Prevention Flyer
In this activity, students are directed to explore information about suicide prevention, learn about help for people who might be at risk for suicide, and to develop a flyer with critical suicide prevention information.
Phase 2: Learn & Practice
Unit 1: Introduction to Behavioral Health
This unit defines and explains what behavioral health is, addresses what stigma toward behavioral health looks like and how it affects patients, explains why healthcare professionals are important to behavioral health, and highlights various careers in the field.
Lessons
1. Behavioral Health Defined
2. Stop the Stigma
3. Careers in Behavioral Health
Unit 2: Common Mental and Behavioral Disorders
This unit introduces students to anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorder. Students will discover the nature of the disorders, associated symptoms, and common treatment options.
Lessons
1. Anxiety Disorders
2. Mood Disorders
3. Eating Disorders
4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
5. Substance Use Disorder
Unit 3: Managing Behavioral Health
This unit addresses how to recognize signs that someone is suffering from behavioral health issues, offers tips on self-care, and highlights facilities and programs that are beneficial for behavioral health patients.
Lessons
1. Risk Factors for Behavioral Health Disorders
2. Reducing Risk Factors
3. Treatment Options and Care Facilities
Phase 3: Reflect
Activity: Reflection Questions and Discussion
In this activity, students will journal about personal accountability regarding behavioral health stigmas, whether a career in behavioral health would be a possibility for them, and what a plan for their personal self-care might include.
Phase 4: Reinforce
Activity: Local Behavioral Health Resources
In this activity, students will research and identify local behavioral health resources. Options can include resources for anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, PTSD, and substance use disorder and addiction.
Activity: Current Event
Students will review articles for information related to a topic in the module. Once an article is found, students complete a Current Event form.
