DipCMH (B42) for Medical Doctors
Diploma in Community Mental Health
DipCMH (B42) for Medical Doctors
6-Month Blended Learning Programme | 60 Hours
NIMHANS Digital Academy
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Our Learning Community
NIMHANS Digital Academy faculty and participants during a live teleECHO session
Programme Overview
The Diploma in Community Mental Health is specially designed for Medical Officers (MBBS or above) working in various parts of the country. This comprehensive course provides a solid foundation in understanding common mental health conditions and their effective management.
Key Features:
- Blended learning model combining self-paced e-learning and live interactive sessions
- Case-based learning with real patient presentations
- Weekly teleECHO sessions every Tuesday (2:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
- Comprehensive curriculum covering CMD, SUD, and SMD
- Expert faculty from NIMHANS
Learning Objectives
On completion of this diploma, participants will be able to:
- Identify mental health disorders including Anxiety disorders, Depressive Disorders, Alcohol use Disorders, Nicotine use disorders, and Psychotic disorders
- Formulate pharmacological treatment for Depressive disorders, Anxiety disorders, Alcohol use disorders, and Nicotine use disorders
- Prioritize cases that can be managed at primary care level versus those requiring specialist referral
Eligibility Criteria
MBBS or Above
Medical degree holders
Valid Registration
State/Central Medical Council
Medical Officers
Practicing physicians
Six Core Modules
Module 1: General Principles
Assessment, evaluation, communication skills, history taking, and mental status examination (MSE)
Module 2: Depressive Disorders
Classification, assessment, medical conditions, SSRI (Escitalopram, Sertraline), TCAs (Amitriptyline, Imipramine)
Module 3: Anxiety Disorders
Suicide risk assessment, common anxiety disorders, OCD, behavioral interventions, benzodiazepine use
Module 4: Substance Use Disorders
Alcohol use-abuse-addiction, withdrawal management, relapse prevention, nicotine use, brief interventions
Module 5: Psychotic Disorders
Schizophrenia, antipsychotics (Risperidone, Olanzapine), bipolar affective disorders, acute management
Module 6: Special Conditions
Emotional and behavioral disorders in elderly, childhood disorders, Mental Health Care Act
Teaching Methodology
Self-Paced E-Learning
12 hours of self-paced learning through Moodle LMS (elearn.vknnimhans.in) with recorded videos, reading materials, articles, and PowerPoint presentations. Access anytime, anywhere.
LIVE Interactive TeleECHO Sessions
48 hours of live sessions via Zoom Healthcare teleECHO. Every Tuesday 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM. Includes case discussions, doubt clarifications, and didactic lectures by NIMHANS faculty.
Core Competencies
✓ What You CAN Do
- Screen and identify common mental health conditions (Depression, Anxiety, Alcohol use Disorder, Psychosis)
- Dispense commonly prescribed drugs (Sertraline, Escitalopram, Amitriptyline, Diazepam, Lorazepam, Risperidone, Olanzapine)
- Discuss with caregivers and family members about mental health conditions
- Choose brief psychological interventions (relaxation exercises, brief intervention for alcohol, problem-solving)
- Recommend appropriate referrals to higher centers when needed
✗ What You CANNOT Do
- Manage severe/chronic mental health disorders (Chronic Psychosis, Bipolar disorder, with suicidal ideation)
- Manage substance use disorders except alcohol, dementia, childhood disorders
- Prescribe psychotropics with life-threatening side effects (Lithium, Clozapine)
- Administer ECT or other brain stimulation
- Call yourself or designate as a Psychiatrist
Accreditation Requirements
⚠️ Important: No Participation Certificate - Only Accreditation Certificate
All criteria below are non-negotiable for receiving the Diploma certificate.
- Attendance: Minimum 75% (18/24 live sessions) with >60 minutes video presence per session
- Case Presentation: Present TWO case summaries during weekly live sessions
- E-Assignments: Complete SIX e-assignments with minimum 75% score each (Second attempt available if first attempt is completed)
- Monthly Reports: Submit monthly patient reports during the course
- Pre & Post Tests: Complete both (no scoring involved)
🔒 Assignment Requirements:
Assignments must be taken on laptop/PC with webcam or tablet with webcam. Each attempt is live for 48 hours only. First attempt is mandatory for second attempt eligibility. Includes case-based questions, multiple answers, match the following, essays with negative marking.
Programme Duration & Schedule
📅 Total Duration: 6 Months (24 Weeks)
- Self-Paced Learning: 12 hours at your convenience
- Live Sessions: 48 hours (24 sessions × 2 hours each)
- Total Course Hours: 60 hours
- Weekly Schedule: Every Tuesday, 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM IST
- Entry Deadline: Session starts at 2:30 PM, locked after 2:45 PM
Recognition & Accreditation
Official Recognition:
This is a professional development programme approved by NIMHANS Digital Academy Board of Studies. This is NOT recognized by Medical Council of India (MCI) or National Medical Council (NMC).
The certificate won't automatically guarantee credit by your institution, organization, or state. We recommend submitting your certificate along with the course syllabus for potential approval by your home institution.
Key Programme Information
🔧 Digital Tools Used:
- Zoom Healthcare teleECHO: HIPAA compliant video conferencing for live sessions
- Moodle LMS: elearn.vknnimhans.in for course materials and assignments
- Jotform: Case intake record forms
- Slido: Interactive quizzes and polls
📚 Reference Materials:
- Manual for Medical Officers: Assessment and management of Mental health in general practice (MOHFW GoI)
- NIMHANS Manual for Primary health care providers
- WHO mhGAP intervention guide
- NIMHANS SOPs and Primers for Alcohol and Tobacco
- Ahuja Short textbook of Psychiatry
Contact & Support
Course Coordinator
vk*@********ns.in
Communication Manager
Manjunath BR
Support Team
Ms Sanchitha, CAM
📝 For Queries & Clarifications:
Post your questions in the discussion forum at elearn.vknnimhans.in where subject experts and participants can help clarify your doubts.