Advanced Clinical Practice in Integrated Health: Behavior, Health, Nutrition, and Recovery

Catalog description

This course is an inter-professional, graduate-level elective for students in health and behavioral health sciences on the latest in integrated health or "whole health" approaches to working with individuals, families, and communities around issues of behavior, food security, health, and recovery. The US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the National Institute of Medicine, along with many other governmental and non-governmental health organizations and foundations have been calling for a more integrated (primary healthcare and behavioral healthcare) approach to services. Crucial to this approach is to understand the public health ramifications of food security and nutrition and the interconnectedness of these factors on a person's health and recovery. Also addressed will be the interplay of healthcare needs, culture, values, and barriers to access to care. Many integrated health organizations in the tristate area are looking for professionals trained in this whole health approach--able to work as part of an inter-professional team in collaborating with people toward improving health and supporting recovery. Health professionals and administrators from these organizations will be guest lecturers. Students will visit some of these organizations. Developing a hypothetical, integrated health program proposal (a team effort) is a key component of the course.