Hepatitis C for Mental Health Professionals E301

Course Summary

Practice Level: Intermediate

The liver is a crucial organ for human thriving and survival and plays an extensive role in the body’s overall health. When clients are diagnosed with liver disease, the effects are broad and influence the physical, social, and psychological aspects of the person’s quality of life. Mental health clinicians are best equipped to support these clients and participate as useful members of a treatment team when they have a clear understanding of the disease and its management. In addition to the medical aspects, clients will need support and education related to transmission, disclosure, lifestyle changes, and navigating stigma.

This learning material provides an overview of the liver and its role in the body’s wellbeing, as well as the most common liver diseases, with a special emphasis on hepatitis C. Hepatitis C has its own implications for clients who are living with it, particularly with regards to transmission and stigma. Improving clients’ understanding of their disease and supporting them in working through the social aspects of living with it are important parts of the mental health clinician’s role. Medical information in simple terms related to diagnosis, treatment, and disease management, as well as case examples and tools for navigating the clinical relationship with clients who have liver disease, will equip clinicians to most effectively support them.

Course Format

This course contains downloadable online lessons (PDF) and a practice test. When you’re ready, purchase the course by clicking the “Add To Cart” or “Enroll” button. This will let you take the test, complete the course evaluation and receive your certificate for CE credits.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe liver conditions, including their risk factors, symptoms, and psychosocial effects.
2. Explain appropriate screening and treatment management protocols for individuals living with liver disease.
3. Explain the role of the mental health professional in supporting individuals and families affected by liver conditions.

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
• Overview of the Liver
  • Liver Structure and Functioning
  • Role of the Liver in Wellbeing
• Types of Liver Disease
  • Hepatitis C
  • Other Liver Diseases
  • Common Co-Occurring Conditions and Complications
• Risk Factors and Screening
  • Risk and Protective Factors
  • Screening Tools
• Treatment Options and Disease Management
  • Medical Management
  • Counseling and Case Management
  • Lifestyle Management
  • Outreach Services and Community Support
• Psychosocial Implications
  • Health Beliefs and Stigma
  • Cultural Considerations
• The Role of the Mental Health Professional
  • Ethical Considerations
  • Reduction of Implicit Bias and Stigma in Provider Care
  • Counseling Techniques for Psychological and Physical Adjustment
• Summary

Author

Jessie Timmons, LCSW

Jessie Timmons, LCSW, is a seasoned clinician and teacher of clinical social work. She has experience working in a variety of outpatient medical and mental health settings, including in a primary care clinic for individuals living with HIV. She has been an adjunct and full-time instructor at Temple University and served for 10 years on the board of the Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work (PSCSW), including one term as president. Her teaching and professional development have focused on ethical and competent clinical social work practice, social determinants of health, and cultural humility.

Accreditation Approval Statements

CE4Less.com is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CE4Less.com maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

CE4Less.com, provider #1115, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 8/8/24-8/8/27.

Social workers completing this course receive 1 clinical continuing education credits.

This course has been approved by CE4Less.com, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #91345, CE4Less.com is responsible for all aspects of the programing.

We are committed to providing our learners with unbiased information. CE4Less never accepts commercial support and our authors have no significant financial or other conflicts of interest pertaining to the material.