Course Descriptions

This course is a survey of the history and philosophy of the counseling profession and its specialty areas as well as ethical standards of counseling organizations and credentialing bodies. This course focuses on ethical codes and standards for professional practice in behavioral health and their various professional activities (e.g., appraisal, group work, substance-related). Important topics include roles and functions of counselors, advocacy, credentialing, and applications of ethical and legal considerations in professional counseling, the impact of technology on the counseling profession, strategies for personal and professional self-evaluation and implications for practice, self-care strategies appropriate to the counselor role, and the role of counseling supervision in the profession.

This course is an analysis of the theoretical, historical, statistical, psychometric, sociometric, and clinical principles crucial to professional screening, appraisal, assessment, interpretation, diagnosis, and outcome monitoring. It includes a survey of commonly used assessment instruments (e.g., intelligence/aptitude, personality, achievement, substance-related, clinical interviewing, behavioral observation, mental status examination, checklists) and applications of assessment in different settings (e.g., academic, clinical, forensic). Special attention is given to substance-related disorders, risk to self/others, trauma and abuse, and reporting criteria. Assessment issues related to ethics, diversity, disability, individual differences, technology, and legal implications are also examined.

Note: Lab fees apply.

This course is an introduction to the major theories of addiction and compulsive behaviors. Topics include the history of clinical addiction counseling and the physiological, psychological, environmental, social, familial, spiritual, and behavioral theories/domains concerning the etiology and maintenance of addictions and compulsive behaviors contained in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The study and application of research-based theories of addiction counseling is emphasized. Recent developments and issues in the field are discussed. Students are expected to engage in active learning projects.

Prerequisite / corequisite:

• PSY-G 513 Psychopharmacology & Counseling
• Or by permission of instructor

This course evaluates treatment modalities of substance-related and addictive disorders contained in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Special attention is given to treatment readiness, assessment, treatment planning, counseling modalities, psychopharmacology, client education, case management, crisis intervention, referral, consultation, community resources, and reports and record keeping. Recent issues in addiction and recovery, evidence-based practices, and co-occurring disorders are discussed. Students are expected to engage in active learning projects.

Prerequisite(s) / corequisite(s):

• PSY-G 513 Psychopharmacology in Counseling
• Or by permission of instructor

This course is an introduction to psychopharmacology, the study of drugs that affect mood, sensation, thinking, and behavior, with an emphasis on substance-related disorders of the DSM and prescribed psychopharmacological medications. Special emphasis is placed on appropriate uses of medications, identification of effects and side effects, as well as acute and chronic observable signs and symptoms of substances. Attention will also be given to diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and prevention. Recent trends in psychoactive substance use, and the wide-ranging research addressing substance-related and addictive disorders is included.

This course examines the nature and needs (physical, cognitive, emotional, social) of individuals from conception through death. Theories of family development and transitions across the life span, as well as learning and personality, will also be covered. Special attention is given to understanding influence on development of crises, disaster, disability, trauma, addictive behavior, psychopathology, systemic and environmental factors that affect both normal and abnormal behavior, as well as strategies for facilitating resilience and optimum development and wellness over the lifespan. This course also has a focus on how human development influences the client, counselor, and counseling process.

This course explores the historical, theoretical, and ethical importance of research in advancing the counseling profession, including a critique of research and identification of evidence-based practices. Research methods, designs, statistical methods, analysis and use of data in counseling, are covered. Research integration into clinical decision-making is also reviewed, i.e., applications of research to conducting needs assessments, development and evaluation of outcome measures for counseling programs, development and evaluation of counseling interventions. Special attention is given to research methods in addictions counseling. Current issues/controversies will be covered.

This course analyzes and evaluates mental health counseling theories while focusing on social/environmental impacts, research, human diversity, gender, and substance-related issues. This course facilitates the student’s ability to create necessary and sufficient conditions for therapeutic change.

Prerequisite:

• PSY-G 502 Professional Orientation & Ethics
• Or by permission of instructor

This course provides closely supervised counseling experiences, i.e., analysis of interviews and role-playing, in a laboratory setting and will help students acquire a repertoire of basic counseling interview skills, strategies, and specific helping techniques such as motivational interviewing and conducting a biopsychosocial intake.

Prerequisite:

• PSY-G502 Professional Orientation & Ethics
• Or by permission of instructor

This course offers experiential training in providing counseling services to clients. It includes intensive supervision and instruction to help students develop basic clinical competencies in preparation for their internship experiences. The goal is to help students develop professionalism and proficiency at conceptualizing cases and counseling techniques.

Note: Lab fees apply.

Prerequisite(s):

• PSY-G 502 Professional Orientation and Ethics
• PSY-G 505 Clinical Appraisal & Assessment
• PSY-G 513 Psychopharmacology & Counseling
• PSY-G 522 Counseling Theories
• PSY-G 523 Laboratory in Counseling
• PSY-G 575 Multicultural Counseling
• Or by permission of instructor

This course explores the practical and theoretical concepts of group theories, dynamics, process, and stages of group counseling and integrates interpersonal communication styles, fundamental group strategies, group facilitation along with clinical training/skills building that will prepare future group leaders. Special attention is given on the use of group therapy with addictive/ substance-related disorders. This course incorporates laboratory experiences and students are required to explore interpersonal factors as they contribute to counseling skills and techniques. Current issues, controversies, and ethics in group counseling will be examined.

This course expands the experiential training students received in practicum. The course provides a continuing opportunity to apply theory to practice in mental health counseling under direct clinical supervision. Students will engage in a variety of professional activities performed by regularly employed counseling professionals in the setting.

Note: Lab fees apply.

Prerequisite(s):

• PSY-G 524 Practicum in Counseling
• PSY-G 615 Psychopathology & Treatment
• Or by permission of instructor

This course evaluates theories, techniques, and information resources for enhancing vocational development across the lifespan; and facilitating client problem solving and decision-making related to maintaining balance among work, family, and leisure roles. Students will develop a knowledge base concerning objective and projective methods for exploring and assessing career client interests, skills, and values that inform clients making reasoned career and lifestyle decisions. Current issues/controversies related to ethics, sociocultural factors, maladaptive workplace behaviors (e.g., addiction, sexual harassment, etc.), and individual differences in career counseling will be examined.

Note: Lab fees apply.

This course provides the practical application of career counseling theories, techniques, and information resources with clients seeking services from the university and greater community. Under close supervision by faculty and/or staff, students will use objective and projective methods to assess the interests, skills, and values of these clients. Students will relate codes of ethical practice, understanding of sociocultural factors, understanding of maladaptive workplace behaviors, and knowledge of individual differences to individual career and lifestyle counseling cases.

Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s):

• PSY-G 522 Counseling Theories
• PSY-G 523 Laboratory in Counseling
• PSY-G 552 Career Counseling & Development
• Or by permission of instructor

This course critically examines the foundations and contextual dimensions of the mental health counseling profession. Topics will include roles, functions, and professional identity of mental health counselors; structures and operations of professional organizations, training standards credentialing bodies, and legal, administrative, and ethical codes pertaining to the practice of mental health counseling; and implications of sociocultural, demographic, and lifestyle diversity relevant to mental health counseling. Specifically addressed will be issues unique to mental health counseling such as right to practice, reimbursement (e.g., managed healthcare and insurance), licensure and certification, professional liability and risk management, expert witness status, the counselor’s role in diagnosis and intervention selection, etc., and contemporary trends in mental health counseling.

This course analyzes the historical context, theoretical formulations, research literature, counseling techniques/strategies, treatment issues, and ethical/social concerns in couple and family counseling. In addition to foundational principles and traditional theoretical models of couple and family therapy, more contemporary evidence-based counseling techniques/strategies are covered. Attention will be given to the unique features of the addicted family system, the specific issues created through it, and a family systems approach to counseling addicted individuals and their family members. Issues regarding confidentiality, mandatory reporting, assessment, coordination with other social service agencies, and contemporary trends in couple and family counseling will be included.

Prerequisite(s):

• PSY-G 502 Professional Orientation & Ethics
• PSY-G 522 Counseling Theories
• PSY-G 523 Laboratory in Counseling
• Or by permission of instructor

This course explores the historical, theoretical, social justice, advocacy, and diversity importance of multicultural counseling in advancing the counseling profession, including a critique of multiculturalism as a multifaceted concept that permeates human experience. Topics will include multicultural counseling competencies, evidence-based practices, impact of counselor as a person influencing the view of others, power and privilege, help-seeking of diverse clients, impact of spiritual beliefs on worldviews, and identifying and eliminating barriers, prejudices, and processes of intentional and unintentional oppression and discrimination. Special attention will be given to multicultural intervention for substance-related disorders. Recent controversies and trends and the wide-ranging research addressing multicultural counseling is included.

Prerequisite(s):

• PSY-G 502 Professional Orientation & Ethics
• PSY-G 522 Counseling Theories
• PSY-G 523 Laboratory in Counseling
• Or by permission of instructor

The course provides students with knowledge, skills and experience to thrive in their professional lives. The course will critically evaluate contemporary trends in the field of mental health counseling and analyze professional development from a historical perspective while focusing on social environmental impacts, research, human diversity and gender issues.

Prerequisite(s):

• PSY-G 502 Professional Orientation & Ethics
• PSY-G 522 Counseling Theories
• PSY-G 523 Laboratory in Counseling
• PSY-G 524 Practicum in Counseling
• PSY-G 575 Multicultural Counseling
• Or by permission of instructor

This course evaluates the history, theory, contextual dimensions, and research important to prevention, etiology, assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment (including adjunctive use of psychopharmacology and its side-effects) of disorders contained in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Recent controversies and trends and the wide-ranging research addressing psychopathology, psychodiagnostics, and treatment is included.

Prerequisite(s):

• PSY-G 505 Clinical Appraisal & Assessment
• PSY-G 513 Psychopharmacology & Counseling
• Or by permission of instructor

The application of theory to practice is emphasized through a community-focused consultation project. Special attention is given to differentiating among behavioral problems, structural problems, interventions, and outcomes assessment. Topics covered include the consultation roles and functions of the counselor in various settings (e.g., community mental health centers, schools, employee assistance programs, etc.), relationships within and between human service organizations, and counselors’ roles and responsibilities as members of an interdisciplinary professional community (e.g., prevention outreach, crisis and disaster response teams, etc.).

Prerequisite(s):

• PSY-G 502 Professional Orientation & Ethics
• PSY-G 522 Counseling Theories
• PSY-G 523 Laboratory in Counseling
• PSY-G 524 Practicum in Counseling
• Or by permission of instructor

This course expands the training students received in internship (PSY-G550) by providing students with supervised training that focuses and develops competencies in various areas of mental health counseling.

Note: Lab fees apply.

Prerequisites:

• PSY-G 550 Internship in Counseling (600 completed hours)
• And permission of instructor

This course provides students with an in-depth independent study on a subject mutually agreed upon by the student and instructor. Learning objectives, course activities and assignments are determined by the instructor.

Prerequisite:

• By permission of instructor