Working in an inpatient psychiatric setting can be both deeply rewarding and incredibly demanding, especially when you’re responsible for de-escalating crises, maintaining safety, and supporting clients in their most vulnerable moments. This foundational training equips professionals with the tools, strategies, and mindset they need to thrive in this high-stakes environment.

Whether you’re new to inpatient psychiatric care or seeking to refresh your knowledge, this course provides an essential framework to ensure you’re prepared to meet the complex clinical, ethical, and interpersonal demands of the role.

"Foundations for Success: Training for the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Specialist" is one of two courses that comprise the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Specialist Certificate (IPUS) Training Program. Enroll in the discounted full program and earn 8 total CEs and the IPUS.

Dr. Rosalind Polk-Hall, EdD, LPC, CMFT, CPCS, brings decades of clinical, supervisory, and academic experience to this training. As a licensed professional counselor and clinical supervisor for decades, Dr. Rosalind has mentored hundreds of behavioral health professionals and worked extensively in community counseling agencies. Her guidance is rooted in real-world expertise and a deep understanding of what success looks like on the unit floor.

Dr. Roz takes a compassionate, structured, and trauma-informed approach to instruction. Her teaching is grounded in clinical best practices and regulatory standards, with a focus on helping professionals translate theory into confident, effective practice.

This course covers the fundamentals of inpatient psychiatric care, including psychiatric diagnoses, crisis intervention, and safety protocols. Participants will explore effective de-escalation strategies, trauma-informed communication, professional boundaries, HIPAA compliance, and the role of the interdisciplinary team. Emphasis is placed on cultural competence, ethical practice, and maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment for both staff and patients.

Key Takeaways:

• Master essential inpatient skills: Gain confidence in de-escalation, documentation, communication, and crisis intervention.
• Understand your role in a team: Learn how to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary psychiatric care team.
• Strengthen professionalism and ethics: Apply legal, ethical, and cultural principles to ensure safe and respectful patient care.

Why this course?

• Tailored for real-world challenges: This course directly addresses the high-pressure realities of inpatient care, preparing you for situations you’ll likely face on the job.
• Led by a seasoned expert: Dr. Rosalind brings over decades of experience as a therapist, professor, and clinical supervisor.
• Trusted by professionals nationwide: Offered by Telehealth Certification Institute, a leading provider of high-quality continuing education for behavioral health clinicians.

Learning Objectives:

• Consider foundational concepts in mental health care.
• Assess legal and Ethical Considerations.
• Interpret key factors of HIPAA and confidentiality.
• Recognize the value of cultural competence.
• Differentiate between professional vs. nonprofessional boundaries.
• Integrate Trauma-Informed Care into daily work functions.
• Identify the use of de-escalation techniques and crisis prevention.

Whether you're stepping into your first shift on a psychiatric unit or mentoring staff who are, this training offers the clarity, structure, and confidence-building tools needed to succeed. Join us for this course and walk away equipped to provide high-quality care in even the most challenging clinical settings.