Clinical Social Work Practice With Military and Veteran Populations

Catalog description

The unique clinical social work needs of military personnel and veterans are the focus of this course including biological, social, psychological, and spiritual needs. Micro level skills in the domains of engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation of practice with this population are specifically included. Students will explore ethical and culturally competent practices related to these domains. Mental health issues faced by military personnel and Veterans, with an emphasis on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and suicidal ideation. Other areas of exploration will inclue substance abuse disorders, Veteran homelessness, and an understanding of the transition from military to civilian life. Theories of intervention and best practices will be applied and evaluated to clinical cases, exploring areas of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET). Aeras of secondary trauma and their effects on the social worker will also be explored.