Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Primer for Helping Professionals

Course overview

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are currently more than 110 million cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. Some are curable with proper medical treatment; however, many are not. Symptoms vary by infection, and many STIs are asymptomatic. If left untreated, many STIs can develop into more serious health concerns, including certain types of cancer, severe reproductive health complications, infertility, and even death. Because of the prevalence of STIs across populations, human service and mental healthcare professionals in the course of their work are likely to encounter many people living with STIs. This basic-level course provides human service and mental health clinicians with information about STIs and a framework for working with clients suspected of having an STI. The course explains the sexual health assessment, the biopsychosocial components of prevention, and ways to sensitively and successfully discuss STIs with clients. Case vignettes illustrate how human service and mental healthcare professionals can aid in STI education and prevention.