COUN 530 Introduction to Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology

In this first graduate-level course of a two-part Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology sequence, students learn core skills in diagnosis, case conceptualization, and treatment planning, while developing an understanding of developmental crises, disability, psychopathology, and situational and environmental factors that affect both normal and abnormal behavior. Methods of instruction primarily feature in-class, face-to-face learning, with some asynchronous online work.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Admission to the MAC program.

Outcomes

1. This course will prepare students to:
2. a) Diagnose client symptomology using the current edition of the DSM,
3. b) Conceptualize client cases from a comprehensive assessment model that incorporates presenting issues, social and cultural background, provisional diagnosis, clinical hypothesis of core/root issues, potential transference and counter-transference, and legal/ethical considerations.
4. c) Apply counseling theory to client presenting problems and diagnoses.
5. d) Plan a course of treatment and evaluate placement criteria within the continuum of care, with consideration for referral to medical care or medication evaluation.