The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

SOCW 6335 Advanced Clinical Assessment

This course examines diverse ways to assess mental health functioning with an emphasis on understanding, analyzing and assessing mental disorders, and formulating treatment plans according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (latest edition). Attention is given to the significance of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, culture in assessing mental health, and mental disorders. Assessment models are analyzed in terms of their consideration of biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual aspects of human behavior. Coping strategies, adaptation and resiliency are addressed in the assessment process and a strengths-based perspective is used in formulating treatment plans. Attention is also given to the role of psychopharmacology in treatment. Criticisms and debates regarding the DSM are addressed.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

SOCW 6315 and SOCW 6342.

Schedule Type

Lecture

Grading Basis

Standard Letter (A-F)

Administrative Unit

Social Work

Offered

As scheduled