Behavioral Medicine

Catalog description

This course explores how clinicians can effectively address emotional disorders and navigate challenging patient interactions commonly encountered in clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on a proactive, patient-centered approach to disease management and education. Topics include behavioral health principles related to clinical interviewing, active listening, communication strategies, defense mechanisms, and cultural influences on care. Additional areas of focus include psychosocial history-taking, stress and coping, human sexuality, substance use disorders, chronic illness, personality development, domestic violence, care of underserved populations, and end-of-life issues. Students will learn to recognize and respond to behavioral health needs across diverse patient populations. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: Matriculation in MS PA program