Working in an inpatient psychiatric unit can be unpredictable, intense, and emotionally charged, and it demands more than just clinical knowledge. It requires fast-thinking, trauma-informed care, and confident crisis intervention to ensure the safety and dignity of both patients and staff.

Whether you're new to the unit or a seasoned professional looking to sharpen your skills, this course offers the real-world training and support you need to meet those demands with skill, compassion, and resilience.

"Practical Applications: 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 hands-on experience as a therapist, clinical supervisor, and educator. With a deep commitment to supporting clinicians working in high-pressure settings, Dr. Rosalind will translate theory into practical, actionable skills that truly impact patient care and staff confidence.

Her teaching approach is experiential and interactive, ensuring that participants don’t just understand the material—they can apply it effectively. Through case studies and more, Dr. Rosalind equips professionals with tools they can use on the floor, the same day.

This course covers trauma-informed care in acute psychiatric settings, how to recognize and respond to patient distress, strategies to de-escalate behavioral health crises, effective team-based intervention protocols, HIPAA compliance, and best practices in maintaining boundaries and confidentiality. Participants will also learn from exercises to enhance documentation skills and therapeutic communication.

Key Takeaways:

• De-escalation and crisis response tools: Apply effective, trauma-informed strategies to calm patients and manage behavioral escalations.
• Stronger team integration: Enhance your ability to function confidently in multidisciplinary teams during high-stakes interventions.
• Confidence in documentation and compliance: Maintain patient safety and legal standards with accurate, ethical communication and professional boundaries.

Why this course?

• Real-world application, not just theory: This training prepares you to manage the daily challenges of inpatient psychiatric work, not just understand them.
• Led by an experienced clinical supervisor: Dr. Rosalind combines decades of inpatient, outpatient, academic, and supervisory experience to support your learning and growth.
• Offered by a trusted CE provider: Telehealth Certification Institute is known for quality, evidence-based training that empowers clinicians with the skills they actually use.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze trauma-informed care and its relevance in psychiatric settings.
• Examine mental health diagnosis through the demonstrations provided.
• Identify signs of trauma and patient distress and describe strategies to support emotional safety.
• Recognize early indicators of escalating behavior and apply de-escalation techniques to prevent crises.
• Integrate effectively in team-based crisis intervention, while ensuring patient dignity and staff safety.
• Demonstrate understanding of HIPAA, confidentiality, and the importance of maintaining professional boundaries.

This is more than a CE course—it’s a hands-on training that prepares you to show up for your patients, your team, and yourself with clarity and confidence. You’re invited to participate in this course, which transforms challenges into competencies and helps you thrive in the dynamic environment of inpatient psychiatric care.