Re-Thinking Mental Health
The History of the Mad Movement
& Alternatives to Biomedical Approaches
Course Description
Mental health in the United States is in a state of crisis. Contemporary practice is driven by a dated paradigm that reduces mental health conditions to disorders of the brain, while erasing the numerous other factors that impact our mental health (e.g. trauma, adverse life experiences, socio-economic status, social exclusion, discrimination, and lack of access to important resources). As a recent report by a UN Special Rapporteur indicates, the prevailing biomedical model has contributed to the exclusion, neglect, coercion, and abuse of those who experience mental distress, while showing few positive results to justify its measures.
For at least three decades, organized movements led by current and former users of mental health services have played a critical role in calling attention to the failures of traditional mental health services to meet their needs and secure their rights. However narratives driven by those of us lived experience have not yet reached a critical mass. Today, many researchers and clinicians are beginning to understand the complexity of factors that influence mental health outcomes, and are calling to reform the way we diagnose and treat individuals.
There is a push to promote an overall narrative of mental health that addresses contextual determinants, empowers rights holders, fosters independence, eliminates stigma, and gives a voice to current and prior mental health service users. As we apply a critical lens to the “medicate and separate” institutional model, and promote new frameworks for understanding mental health, we create the potential to produce a mental health system that will truly make a difference in the lives of those it seeks to serve.
What you’ll learn:
An overview of the political and social landscape that bolstered the biopsychiatric model from the 1980s until now
The widespread impacts of big pharma, the marketing of psychotropic medication, and cultural reforms in response
Alternative frameworks for understanding mental health (e.g. social, trauma-informed, and generative)
A brief history of the mad movement and human rights reform in mental health
The power of lived experience and listening to the voices of survivors of trauma and adversity
Faculty
Celia Brown
President of Mind Freedom International, Regional Advocacy Specialist for the New York State Office of Mental Health
Issa Ibrahim
Artist, Activist, Author of The Hospital Always Wins
Jonah Bossewitch, PhD
Educator, Technologist, Activist, Director of Software Architecture and Applications for Vibrant Emotional Health
Jazmine Russell, NYCPS
Holistic Counselor, Peer Specialist, Co-Founder of IDHA
Sascha DuBrul, MSW
Writer, Educator, Co-Founder of the Icarus Project
Bradley Lewis, MD, PhD
Author, Practicing Psychiatrist, Associate Professor at New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study
“Phenomenal speakers and topics! All very rich and valuable. Information is dense but presented in a very approachable and relatable way.”
What You Get
7 videos full of history, research, and unique perspectives (80 minutes of content)
3 bonus articles written by our faculty and other leaders in the field
Discussion with a creative community of professionals and advocates inside the course
A reference and resource list to aid ongoing learning and exploration on the course topics
Audience
This course is for:
Mental health and physical health professionals, including: clinicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, peer specialists, recovery support specialists, housing specialists, nurse practitioners, wellness support workers, coaches, holistic practitioners
Students
Activists
Family members and advocates
Anyone who works or plans to work with people experiencing mental health-related challenges
“I loved how the presenters moved between structural and individual applications. I learned some tools as a supporter on an individual level but also some food for thought on ways I can contribute to broader changes in or outside the system.”
Take the Class
This self-paced course is hosted on Mighty Networks, home to IDHA's School for Transformative Mental Health. This virtual community space supports sustained learning, engagement with other students, access to supplemental resources, and opportunities to interact with your faculty.
We provide the option of enrolling for free, or at the supporter rate ($20) to ensure the sustainability of IDHA’s work and enable us to create more accessible, cutting-edge training content.
Click the buttons below to Join us on Mighty Networks!
If you already have an account, simply log in to proceed to the course.
If you’re new to IDHA’s Mighty Network, you will be prompted to create an account and then receive access to course content.
FAQ
When does the course start and finish?
This is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course, content, or platform?
We love hearing your feedback on what we can do to improve our efforts to bring transformative mental health to the public! Shoot us an email at contact@idha-nyc.org and let us know your thoughts. If you disagree with any of the perspectives shown in this course - that's great! We encourage differing perspectives, so feel free to leave a comment in the course - so long as your comments remain respectful and you speak from your own point of view.
I am a person struggling with mental health issues/a family member of someone who is struggling. Can I take the course?
Absolutely! Just note that this course is geared towards professionals in the field, and will speak mostly to those working in a formal support role. However, we welcome anyone who wants to join!
Are refunds available?
At this time, all sales are final, we cannot offer refunds after purchase.