Dual Diagnosis Training Course

Dual diagnosis is where someone experiences both mental health and substance use challenges. It can influence relationships, employment, wellbeing, and physical health. For those in the social care sector, understanding dual diagnosis is essential for providing the right support and improving outcomes for people who use services.

This free dual diagnosis course aims to give you a clear understanding of dual diagnosis. Using evidence-based approaches, you’ll learn how mental health and substance use interact, how to identify challenges, and how to offer meaningful support in a variety of settings.

Whether you’re new to the subject or looking to strengthen your professional knowledge, this course is packed with practical tools, real-world insights, and guidance relevant to your care role.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

Supporting individuals with both mental health and substance use challenges can be complex – but the right understanding and tools can make all the difference. Here are some reasons why you should enrol:

• Enhance your knowledge: The course explores the link between mental health and substance use. You’ll learn how one challenge can often affect another and how to approach people who use services with empathy and understanding.
• Respond effectively: This training gives you the skills to recognise signs, apply effective interventions, and support individuals toward recovery. This strengthens your ability to provide safer and more appropriate care.
• Gain practical tools: You’ll learn how to use screening tools, offer evidence-based treatments, and apply integrated care approaches to help people who use services move forward.
• Familiarise yourself with frameworks: The course aligns with legislative guidelines, ethical principles, and practices in health and social care in England, ensuring that the knowledge and strategies you gain are up-to-date.
• Build confidence in your role: Knowing when and how to act can feel daunting. This course equips you with the right strategies to provide support in your role with confidence.

You’ll be more prepared to meet dual diagnosis challenges head-on while contributing to better outcomes for individuals and communities.

Learning Objectives

By completing this course, you’ll gain a solid understanding of dual diagnosis, including:

• What dual diagnosis is and why it matters in the context of social care.
• The common mental health issues (like anxiety and depression) and substance use struggles (like alcohol or drug misuse) faced by people who use services.
• The ways mental health and substance use affect one another, including examples of self-medication and bidirectional impacts.
• Screening tools and methods for assessing dual diagnosis, including practical advice for navigating challenges during diagnosis.
• Integrated treatment approaches combining mental health and substance use care, including both medical and psychosocial interventions.
• How to manage dual diagnosis across different settings, such as primary care, inpatient services, outpatient services, and community-based settings.
• Ethical and legal considerations, including safeguarding responsibilities, consent, and confidentiality.
• Strategies for promoting self-care and resilience as a frontline health or social care worker.
• Practical recovery plans and rehabilitation models that support meaningful change for people who use services.

This course provides a clear, step-by-step approach to understanding dual diagnosis, making it easier for you to apply the knowledge directly in your role.

Target Audience

This training is ideal for:

• Social care professionals, like carers, support workers, and healthcare assistants.
• Social workers, community outreach professionals, and housing support teams.
• Team leaders or managers in care settings looking to support their teams in addressing dual diagnosis effectively.
• Health and social care students or volunteers who want to build a solid foundation around dual diagnosis.
• Any professional working with communities vulnerable to mental health and substance use challenges.

The course suits everyone, from seasoned professionals to those entering the social care field. If your work touches on mental health, substance use, or general wellbeing, this training is for you.

FAQ

How long does this free course take to complete?
The course includes around 1.5–2 hours of self-paced learning. You can take it at your convenience and fit it into your schedule.

Do I need any prior experience?
No experience is required. The content is written in clear, understandable English, suitable for both beginners and those currently working in social care.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, you will. Upon completing the course, you’ll get a certificate to show that you’ve enhanced your skills and understanding of dual diagnosis.

Is this course specific to the UK?
Yes. The content is shaped around legislation, policies, and practices relevant to England, ensuring that it’s directly applicable to your role.

Can I apply this course to real-life scenarios?
Absolutely. The training includes practical tools, real-world examples, and evidence-based strategies designed for immediate use in your daily role.

What if I have questions during the learning process?
You’ll have access to support throughout. If anything is unclear or you need guidance, our dedicated team is here to help.

Is this CPD accredited?
Not currently, but it will be shortly.

Start Learning Today

This free dual diagnosis training is the perfect opportunity to strengthen your skills and understanding. By completing this course, you’ll be prepared to make a positive difference in the lives of people who use services while building confidence in your professional role.

Take the first step now – enrol today and start your journey towards becoming a more informed and effective social care professional!