COED 650

COED 650: Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Credit Hours: (3)

A course that examines the basic assumptions that underlie the community counseling model, conceptions of social intervention, implications for the counseling process, the role of the community counselor, prevention in the community, and current controversies and issues.

 

Detailed Description of Content of Course

This course is designed for future counselors who are interested in learning more about counseling professions in community mental health services settings. After taking this course, students will better understand how counselors not only help individuals change, but also how they influence the community in which they live and work.  The course will examine the basic assumptions that encompass the community mental health counseling model, conceptions of social intervention, implications for the counseling process, the role of the mental health counselor, systemic issues, diversity, advocacy and social change, service delivery programs, prevention in mental health counseling, and current controversies and issues.

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

COED 650 is taught in a lecture-seminar format that may incorporate case studies from various counseling settings, discussions, small group work, and experiential activities both in and outside of class.

 

Goals and Objectives of the Course

After successfully completing this course, students will:

1. understand the history, philosophy, and trends in clinical mental health counseling (CACREP Section III. CMHC. A.1.; C.1).
2. understand ethical and legal considerations specifically related to the practice of mental health counseling (CACREP Section III. CMHC. A.2; B.2; C.7; C.9; E.1).
3. understand the roles and functions of clinical mental health counselors in various practice settings and the importance of relationships between counselors and other mental health professionals (CACREP Section III. CMHC. A.3., B.2.; D.5).
4. know the professional organizations, preparation standards, and credentials relevant to the practice of clinical mental health counseling (CACREP Section III. CMHC. A.4., B.1; B.2.).
5. understand a variety of models and theories related to clinical mental health counseling (CACREP Section III. CMHC. A.5., C.1; C.3.).
6. understand the impact of crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events on people (CACREP Section III. CMHC. A.9., A.10, C.6; D.6; K.5; L.3).
7. be able to describe the principles of mental health, including prevention, intervention, education, and advocacy, as well as the operation of programs and networks that promote mental health in a multicultural society (CACREP Section III. CMHC. C.1).
8. know the models and methods underlying service delivery (e.g. support groups, peer facilitation training, parent education, self-help); (CACREP Section III. CMHC. C. 3).
9. understand the range of mental health service delivery – such as inpatient, outpatient, partial treatment and aftercare – and the clinical mental health counseling network (CACREP Section III. CMHC. C. 5).

 

Assessment Measures may include:

1. Class attendance and participation. Students may be assessed on active involvement and contributions to in-class discussions, assignments and simulations.
2. Examinations; and
3.  Individual or group projects related to relevant topics introduced in the course

 

Other Course Information

The course is required of all students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track of the Counselor Education program. The course is important because it integrates the clinical application of counseling with working in the community setting.

 

Review and Approval

February 17 2012 Revised

Revision Alan Forrest/Wally Scott