Cost: $65.00 USD


Dual Diagnosis:
Developmental Disabilities / Mental Illness



Tuesday, October 19th 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

The diagnosis of mental illness in a person with developmental disabilities can change every aspect of that person's ability to function in the world and interact with others. The dually diagnosed client often becomes the focus of conflict and frustration in community settings.

An overview of various mental illnesses offers staff a foundation for exploring the world through the eyes of their clients. General information is presented on the mental health system, including diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.

Understanding the differences in skill acquisition between people with developmental disabilities and those with mental illness helps staff set realistic expectations for progress when working with dually diagnosed clients.

Emphasis is placed on maintaining healthy relationships with good emotional boundaries, helping direct care staff to not personalize the client's behavior.

This introductory course is designed for direct care staff working in community settings with people who have developmental disabilities and a mental illness. This course is also helpful for social workers, case managers, and job coaches who do not have a background in mental health.

Course Information:
  • Course materials, refreshments and a light lunch are included in the course fee
  • Pre-registration is required
  • Register early! Class size is limited
  • Payment must accompany registration form
  • Video/audio taping of courses is prohibited
 Cancellation Policy:
  • Cancellations must be made no later than 5 business days prior to the course
  • The full course fee will be charged if cancellation is made in less than 5 business days
  • Registration is transferable to another person
About the instructor

Karen Finck, RN, MS, CS, is an expert in psychiatric nursing and president of HCS. An engaging speaker, Ms. Finck lectures throughout Minnesota on mental health topics. She adeptly uses humor and presents real-life anecdotes from her experiences in the field. She provides not only an understandable theoretical framework, but offers practical approaches as well.
Continuing Education

This course is designed to provide 4.8 contact hours for nurses, 3.8 continuing education hours for social workers,
4.0 education hours for direct care staff

Please contact HCS if you would like to have this course presented at your own facility.