About the Course

Young adults (ages 18-35) have unique characteristics and needs related to their age and developmental stage, as they transition to independence and integrate into the community. Additionally, there are age-related characteristics concerning coping with mental health crises. For example: questions of identity, the age of crisis and its impact, labeling and disclosure, and career development.

The course focuses on understanding these characteristics and their interconnections, and aims to provide participants with knowledge and skills to promote young people on their recovery journey.

Course participants will learn about recovery-promoting programs for young people in Israel and worldwide, and acquire practical tools based on research and experience for working with young individuals facing challenges. Students will be exposed to rehabilitation principles adapted for young people, and ongoing discussions will be held about engaging with young people in the field and with their families. Additionally, points and questions requiring sensitivity when interacting with young people will be highlighted.

The principles taught in the course can be applied in individual, group, and systemic work within any organization that encounters young people dealing with mental health challenges. The learning will combine theory with interactive and experiential practice.

Core topics in the course:

Characteristics of Young People in Crisis and the Development of Personal Identity. Unique Models and Interventions That Promote Rehabilitation and Recovery for Young People. Gender, sexuality, and risky behaviors among young people. Principles for creating youth-centered services; the importance of early intervention. Tools and skills for working with young people; the role of the family in supporting young people facing challenges; professional development; and program adaptations to support young people.  

Course Objectives:

• The student will learn age-specific characteristics and specific characteristics of young people facing challenges.
• By the end of the course, students will understand the basic principles for supporting young people in rehabilitation.
• The student will acquire applied knowledge based on research and experience for working with young individuals facing challenges and adapting services for young people.

Course Structure:

The course includes 14 sessions, each lasting 6 academic hours, with a guidance workshop held in two groups during the last two hours.

Participants:

The course is intended for up to 30 rehabilitation professionals who work with young people or are interested in working with young people, from a variety of fields within community-based mental health rehabilitation.

Course Requirements:

• Mandatory attendance in 90% of classes.
• Active participation in classroom discussions and exercises
• Dilemma presentation in the training workshop and its processing in a written assignment
• Submission of required exercises and submission of a final assignment in the course

Admission Requirements

• Rehabilitation worker in any of the mental health rehabilitation fields within the community system