OAL 560 - Clinical First Responder I

1 credit
The CFR I course trains outdoor professionals and adventure therapist to competently assist in the care and treatment of clients with psychological, emotional, and behavioral issues in the backcountry environment. Mental health crises are inherent to wilderness treatment due to the nature of clients served and the novelty of the environment. The training will increase the students’ understanding of psychological issues and give them the tools to respond effectively to crises. In particular, CFR I focuses on gaining knowledge on Wilderness Therapy/Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare and Adventure Therapy as a method of treatment and an industry; analyzing the research that informs us about wilderness therapy, describing adolescent development; discussing clinical assessment; reviewing most common adolescent diagnoses; examining ethical practice and guidelines; determining field staff’s role in assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing care; describing the change process and increasing motivation for change; recognizing signs and symptoms of trauma and how to respond effectively; discussing abuse disclosure; discussing suicidality; practicing crisis counseling and de-escalation techniques; identifying addiction and detoxification issues; discussing instructor judgement as a risk management tool; and examining how to stay physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy in the demanding role of wilderness field staff. (CFR I and II are two stand-alone courses and can be taken out of sequence.)
Graded Pass/No Pass only.