Mental Health Assessment and Diagnosis.

Catalog description

This advanced course focuses on mental disorders and/or dysfunction for various age groups across the life span, from a bio-psychosocial perspective incorporating contexts of culture, human resilience, and strengths-based approaches in the use of the DSM-5 system. Emphasis is on the application of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as an organizing framework for the differential diagnosis of mental disorders in children, adolescents, and adults within a person-in- the-environment perspective, inclusive of the strengths and weaknesses of the DSM system, and while adhering to social work ethics and values. Also addressed are evidence-based treatment approaches with diverse client populations and presenting problems. Evidence-based treatments (EBTs) are interventions which have been proven effective through rigorous research methodologies, evidence-based practice (EBP) refers to a decision-making process which integrates the best available research, clinician expertise, and client characteristics. Prerequisite: SOCW 501 , C or better.