Dual Diagnosis Training

The Dual Diagnosis Curriculum is part of a joint initiative of The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) to address the needs of people who have an intellectual disability as well as mental health challenges.

Please note when you click on the link below, it will take you to the MyODP.org website where you will need to sign into your account to access the course materials. 

The curriculum contains 20 core training modules which provide the basic information that anyone would need to support an individual who has a dual diagnosis. Module topics include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Common Chronic Health Conditions
• Common Medications and Side Effects
• Communicating with the Psychiatrist
• Crisis Supports and Debriefing
• Dual Diagnosis in the United States: Past, Present, and Future
• Functional Behavioral Assessment and Behavior Support Planning
• Intellectual Disability and Psychiatric Disorders
• Mental Health Therapy and Dual Diagnosis
• Mental Health Wellness and Recovery
• Naming It: Mental Health Challenges and People with an Intellectual Disability
• Older Adults and Dual Diagnosis
• Overview of Syndromes
• Psychotropic Medication
• The Role of Everyday Lives and Recovery
• Signs and Symptoms of Physical Illness
• Stress Management for the Direct Supporter
• Target Symptoms of Mental Illness vs. Challenging Behavior
• Understanding Trauma-Informed Care and Stressful Life Events