Interviewing Clients with Severe Mental Illness and/or Cognitive Decline

This course provides Adult and Aging Services (AAS) professionals with practical, evidence-informed strategies for effectively engaging clients experiencing severe mental illness and/or cognitive decline.

Participants will learn advanced interviewing techniques and communication tools designed to build rapport, navigate complex interactions and gather critical information in the field. Emphasis is placed on real-world application, with a focus on fostering trust, ensuring safety and improving service outcomes. Through interactive training and scenario-based learning, staff will gain the confidence and skills needed to respond compassionately and effectively in challenging situations.

After attending this training, participants will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of severe mental illnesses and cognitive decline, including the ability to identify and describe common symptoms and behavioral presentations in diverse client populations.
  • Utilize advanced interviewing techniques and validated tools to elicit accurate and meaningful client responses that support investigative and assessment processes.
  • Establish and maintain a respectful, trauma-informed communication environment that fosters trust and openness.
  • Apply evidence-based safety protocols to assess risk and respond effectively to potentially dangerous or escalating situations.
  • Exhibit compassionate, ethical, and culturally sensitive engagement with individuals affected by trauma, abuse, or mental health challenges, promoting dignity and psychological safety.
Academic Units
0
Section Number
253CTS917
Instruction Method
Online class

Section Notes

Fee Details: The enrollment fee for this 1-day class is $255.00 per participant or .06 training units for those utilizing their county contract. This fee includes quality instruction from subject-matter expert(s), research-based curricula and all digital course materials.

Training Format: This program will be offered via remote learning using Zoom. Login information will be provided after your enrollment is processed.

Enrollment Policies

Enrollment closes on 3/4/26

Those paying by check or with credit card, please have payment to us at your earliest convenience.

To be officially dropped from the class, please notify us at least 10 business days prior to the training start date to drop a class and cancel the billing, or request a refund of fees paid, less than a $30 processing fee (no exceptions). Please use this link to cancel from the class:  Enrollment Cancelation Link If you have questions, please contact us at (530) 757-8538 or at human@ucde.ucdavis.edu.

Substitutions can be made with 48-hour minimum notice prior to the training start date. A 48-hour notice is needed to get all updated information processed.