Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Orientation to the counseling profession through an examination of the history and philosophy of the counseling profession; professional roles of counselors; professional issues in professional counseling. Introduction to stages and strategies in the counseling process. Development of attending skills and case conceptual-ization abilities. Includes an intensive laboratory focused on developing interviewing skills and mastering counseling procedures. This is a fundamental course. 

Overview of human development processes and stages. Analysis of predictable conflicts and crises associated with progression throughout lifespan, as well as the impact of cultural and environmental factors upon development. Overview of developmental theories (physical, psychosexual, cognitive, emotional, and social development) that describe development from conception to death. Concentration upon applying theoretical concepts to counseling various populations across the lifespan. This is a beginning level course.

Exploration of social and cultural diversity in counseling, including diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural heritages and sexual identities and socioeconomic statuses. Study of historical and current issues of equality as applied to socially marginalized groups. Personal reflection on the impact of one's own attitudes, beliefs, world view, and racial and cultural identity on the counseling process. Strategies for employing culturally competent counseling in individual, group, and family modalities, including specific behavioral skills and application of various theories of racial and cultural identity development. The role of the counselor as an advocate for members of marginalized groups and for the pursuit of social justice. Ethical and legal obligations of counselors in dealing with social and cultural diversity.

Course presents the biopsychosocial approach to the etiology, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders and addictive behaviors. Includes application of counseling theories and techniques in chemical dependency counseling as well as an overview of treatment stages and environments. Examines the impact of addiction on the family and the role of self-help groups in the recovery process. This is an intermediate level course.

Orientation to the professional specialty of clinical mental health counseling, including professional roles, identity and functions, the history and philosophy of the profession, scope of practice, ethical and professional practice issues (such as managed care), credentialing, and clinical supervision, models and processes. Exploration of the models and programs used in the prevention and treatment of mental health across diverse populations, and the design of mental health service delivery systems across levels of care. Investigation of the organization (including emergency management systems), financing, public policy, and regulatory processes of mental health service delivery systems. Consideration of advocacy for mental health service needs across diverse populations and for the advancement of the profession.