Provider Training to Support Families of Children With Behavioral and Mental Health Needs
As part of the University of Minnesota Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain's participation in the DoD Child Collaboration Study, we offer a comprehensive suite of free, self-paced training modules to help mental health and healthcare providers support children and adolescents with mental, emotional, developmental, and behavioral (M/E/D/B) health needs.
These modules are essential resources for any provider who works with children and families. They provide the most current, evidence-based information and practical tools necessary to better support children with M/E/D/B health needs and their families.
Sign up for access to the free M/E/D/B provider training modules
Please note: Due to high demand and the free nature of this resource, seats are limited. Completing the sign-up form above registers your interest. While we strive to grant access as quickly as possible, there may be a wait time before you receive your login credentials.
Modules
Autism: Supporting Newly Diagnosed Children and Their Families
Receiving an autism diagnosis can be an emotional and overwhelming experience for families, and providers play a critical role in guiding them through this journey. This module explores how to respond with empathy, honesty, and cultural sensitivity while helping families navigate their child’s strengths, challenges, and service options. You’ll learn strategies to build trust, support families’ emotional needs, and connect them to early interventions and resources that fit their unique values, routines, and goals.
Supplemental Materials
Autism Assessment
This course introduces evidence-based practices in autism assessment, focusing on how evaluations go beyond diagnosis to guide meaningful supports for children and families. You’ll learn about the DSM-5 criteria for autism, best practices in assessment, and commonly used tools, while also exploring how assessments help identify strengths, challenges, and co-occurring conditions. Through case examples, you’ll see how comprehensive assessments provide valuable insights for individualized planning and connecting families with resources.
Supplemental Resources
Early Autism Intervention: What Works, Why it Matters
This module explores early autism intervention, highlighting why starting support in the early years is so important. You’ll learn about behavioral, developmental, and blended approaches—including Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs)—and how they can be tailored to meet each child’s needs. We’ll also look at the evidence behind these methods, the role of goal setting, and how a neurodivergent-affirming approach helps ensure interventions are meaningful, strengths-based, and focused on improving daily life for children and their families.
Supplemental Resources
Anxiety Disorders in Youth
This module provides an overview of childhood anxiety disorders, exploring contributing factors, common screening and assessment tools, and evidence-based treatment strategies. Learners will gain practical knowledge to support identification and effective intervention.
Supplemental Resources
OCD and PANDAS
This module provides an overview of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome/Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANS/PANDAS). Participants will explore evidence-based psychiatric treatments for OCD. The course also covers the diagnostic criteria for PANS/PANDAS and introduces principles for effective treatment.
Supplemental Resources
Supporting Youth With Challenging Behaviors
This module explores challenging behavior across various settings, focusing on common examples and barriers to accessing support. Learners will gain an understanding of the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) model, Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) steps, and the process of developing an effective Positive Behavior Support plan.
Supplemental Resources
Medical Issues with Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health
This module explores the concept of a primary care medical home and its role in supporting children's health. Learners will apply an inter-professional framework to address behavioral health needs, identify common medical issues linked to behavioral challenges, and recognize warning signs that necessitate a healthcare visit.
Supplemental Resources
ABCs of ADHD
This course offers a brief overview of ADHD in children, including current prevalence statistics, DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, and the diagnostic process. Learners will also explore practical, evidence-based strategies for managing ADHD symptoms in home, school, and clinical settings.
Supplemental Resources
Learn More
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