Counseling

This course involves an introduction to the study of abnormal behaviors in children, adolescents, and adults. The etiology, definition, prevalence rate, and morbidity of disorders in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) are reviewed. The course will focus on an introduction to the science and art of clinical assessment as the foundation of practice in mental health settings and the use of assessment techniques in a professional and ethical manner. In part, adjustment disorders, V codes, and the ICD system will be studied. Students will primarily concentrate on serious mental disorders in the context of normal lifecycle transitions and review various methods of treatment related to the disorders covered. The course will make a concerted effort to apply the above to the "real world" of mental health professionals by examining treatment and assessment considerations.

This course includes studies that provide a broad understanding of the nature and needs of individuals at all levels of development: normal and abnormal behavior; personality theory; lifespan theory; and learning theory within cultural contexts. Appropriate strategies for facilitating development over the lifespan are also integrated into the course.

This course provides advanced training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of serious psychopathology as depicted in the standard nomenclature of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and subsequent revisions/editions. Students will focus on the descriptions, etiology, and major diagnostic categories in order to effectively diagnose and develop appropriate treatment options. In addition, students will learn how to utilize the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Clinical Modification System according to the latest version. Upon completing the course, students will have an understanding of the techniques practitioners use in the diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology.

This course will provide an in-depth review of the multifaceted aspects (historical, philosophical, societal, cultural, economic, political), professional identity (e.g., roles, functions), and practice issues (e.g., managed care, reimbursement, expert witness status) specific to Clinical Mental Health Counselors. The course also examines ethical and legal standards (ACA and AMHCA Code of Ethics), risk management, and professional credentialing according to the Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

This course will provide an introduction to the field of clinical mental health counseling according to clinical and professional issues. Specifically, students will examine treatment delivery systems and gain an understanding of the dynamic interplay of professionals within these systems. The course will also focus on program analysis via theory and empirical methods.

A broad understanding of group and individual educational and psychometric theories, ethical, and legal approaches to appraisal is the goal of this course; also examined are data and information gathering methods; validity and reliability; psychometric statistics; factors influencing appraisals; and use of appraisal results in helping processes. Also, the specific ability to select, administer and interpret tests and inventories to assess abilities, interests, and identify career options is considered.

In this pre-practicum experience, the student is required to receive 15 hours of faculty instruction that will focus on writing a resume and cover letter, identifying possible clinical placement sites, interviewing at potential clinical sites, securing a site and signing a field agreement, purchasing liability insurance, clinical skills practice, and reviewing necessary paperwork for practicum and internship.

This course is designed to serve as an academic, clinical and professional development opportunity for students to gain 1) additional experience and knowledge regarding case conceptualizations and clinical skill development, 2) professional presentation experience in the context of campus and system-wide audiences, 3) advanced knowledge regarding ethical, legal, and professional issues in the profession, 4) exposure to techniques that will enhance their professional development and marketability following graduation in the context of employment and/or graduate studies at the doctoral level. Pass/Fail

This experience is designed to serve as a preliminary examination of the knowledge and skills obtained/achieved by a student, to date, in the program. The bodies of knowledge include (yet are not limited to) Human Growth and Development, Social and Cultural Foundations, Helping Relationships, Group Work, Career and Lifestyle Development, Appraisal, Research and Program Evaluation, Professional Orientation and Ethics, Fundamentals of Counseling, Assessment and Career Counseling, and Group Counseling. The examination is comprised of a multiple-choice exam. Students must pass all portions of the exam in order to advance in the program. Those desiring to take the examination must have student status (as defined by South University) in order to enroll and sit for the exam. Pass/Fail