Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

This Specialization doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more.

Psychology of Substance Use, Depressive Disorders, & Trauma Specialization

Psychology of Substance Use, Depressive Disorders, & Trauma Specialization

Disorders due to Substances, Depression, & Trauma. To understand depressive disorders, disorders due to substance use, and Trauma-Induced Disorders

Instructor: Kyle Smith

Included with Coursera Plus

Learn more

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

Earn a Certificate

With paid plans

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

Earn a Certificate

With paid plans

What you'll learn

Users will learn about the symptoms, prevalence, and diagnostic criteria for depressive, bipolar, substance-related, and trauma-induced disorders
The courses cover biological and psychological factors that contribute to these conditions, along with current, evidence-based treatments
Users will learn about the cultural influences and the application of psychology to better understand these disorders in society and personally

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from American Psychological Association

Specialization - 3 course series

This specialization is designed to elevate public understanding and application of psychological knowledge concerning major psychopathologies: depressive and bipolar disorders, substance use and addictive behaviors, and trauma-induced disorders. Learners will gain a scientific and comprehensive understanding of these conditions, including their symptoms, prevalence, contributing factors (biological/psychological), diagnostic criteria, treatments, and cultural influences. The goal is to equip individuals with the knowledge to better understand these disorders, which are highly relevant to both the learner and society.

Applied Learning Project

Throughout the course, the learners will be presented with formative assessments to assess their knowledge of concepts that have just been covered. At the end of every module, there are summative assessments which are tracked and graded to assess their overall understanding. Finally, at the end of the course, learners are presented with an overall course-level assessment.

Disorders Due to Substance Use and Addictive Behaviors

Course 112 hours

What you'll learn

Many people around the world struggle with substance use disorders and addictive behaviors. You might know someone, possibly a family member or close friend, who is currently dealing with one of these problems. This course provides a review of common substance use disorders associated with the use of common depressants, opioids, stimulants, hallucinogens, dissociative drugs, and inhalants. Because they share many of the same characteristics, addictive behaviors, such as gambling and gaming disorders, are covered. In addition, the course discusses the diagnostic criteria, demographics, contributing factors, and treatments for each disorder.

Skills you'll gain

Substance Abuse, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Psychology, Mental and Behavioral Health, Demography, Psychiatry, Epidemiology, Pharmacology, Neurology, Diagnostic Tests, Cultural Diversity, and Behavioral Health

Depressive and Bipolar Disorders

Course 212 hours

What you'll learn

Depressive and bipolar disorders are estimated to affect more than 400 million people around the globe. Although treatments are available, most people who are affected by these disorders are not properly diagnosed or treated. This course provides a review of common depressive and bipolar disorders, including dysthymic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, peripartum depressive disorder, as well as bipolar type I disorder, bipolar type II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. In addition, the course presents the diagnostic criteria, demographics, contributing factors, and treatments for each disorder.

Skills you'll gain

Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mental Health, Pharmacotherapy, Psychiatry, Psychology, Demography, Psychiatric Assessments, Cultural Diversity, Psychotherapy, Mental and Behavioral Health, Pharmacology, and Clinical Psychology

Disorders Related To Trauma

Course 312 hours

What you'll learn

Different types of trauma, their definitions, and the range of potential outcomes—both negative and positive—that can follow traumatic experiences
How PTSD, acute stress disorder, and dissociative disorders are understood, diagnosed and treated by clinicians

Skills you'll gain

Mental Health, Cultural Sensitivity, Psychotherapy, Trauma Care, Psychiatric Assessments, Psychology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Mental and Behavioral Health, and Stress Management