Course Descriptions
Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology: This course explores mental health disorders and their pharmacological treatments, integrating DSM and ICD criteria. Students delve into diagnostic criteria, symptomatology, and psychopathology, examining systemic injustices’ impact on mental health disparities. Additionally, it covers psychopharmacology principles, including medication mechanisms, side effects, and interactions. Emphasizing integrated care, students analyze case studies and research, preparing to collaborate with healthcare professionals and provide holistic care.
Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling: This course delves into ethical principles, legal regulations, sources and types of law, professional liability, confidentiality, and privileged information, as well as risk management, professional standards and ethics, and the integration of modern technology in counseling. Covering confidentiality, liability, and ethical decision-making, it prepares students to navigate complex challenges, such as practice marketing. Topics include professional identification, licensure, and the integration of technology, addressing teletherapy and digital record-keeping. Through case studies and critical discussions, students explore ethical dilemmas within diverse counseling contexts, fostering culturally responsive practice. Students will gain the skills to uphold legal standards and provide effective counseling services to diverse populations.
Case Conceptualization and Treatment Planning: This course equips students with advanced skills in case conceptualization and treatment planning. Through theoretical frameworks and practical applications, students learn to assess and diagnose diverse client populations, integrating evidence-based interventions and culturally competent approaches. Emphasis is placed on developing comprehensive treatment plans that align with ethical guidelines and legal standards. Students engage in case studies, role-plays, and collaborative discussions to refine their clinical decision-making and intervention strategies. By the end of the course, students demonstrate proficiency in formulating holistic, client-centered treatment plans that address complex mental health concerns, foster therapeutic outcomes, and promote client well-being.
Addiction Counseling: Individual, Family, and Society: This course provides a comprehensive exploration of substance use and addiction, including process addictions and their effects on individuals, families, and society. Students will delve into the neurobiological foundations of addiction while examining assessment techniques, evidence-based interventions, and societal implications. Special attention is given to analyzing drug policy, implementing harm reduction strategies, and embracing multiple pathways to recovery. The course also emphasizes understanding family dynamics, cultural influences, and best practice strategies to effectively address substance use across the six advocacy domains.
Trauma and Crisis Counseling: This course examines the latest theories, interventions, and best practices for supporting individuals and communities in times of crisis. Through interactive coursework, case studies, and practical experiences, students gain the skills and knowledge needed to effectively assess, intervene, and provide compassionate care to those impacted by trauma. Students will study the science of trauma and how it affects the mind and body, and examine dynamic and disruptive life events and the effects these events have on individuals and other human systems (families, neighborhoods, schools/colleges/universities, clubs, teams, and organizations). The course will delve into anticipated and sudden losses including accidents, illnesses, domestic violence, school violence, homicide and suicide, as well as oppression and intergenerational trauma.