L.MHC 626 - Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

Credits: 3

This course provides an understanding of individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation in a multicultural society. Students will learn principles of the diagnostic process, including differential diagnosis, and the use of current diagnostic tools, including the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and ICD. All diagnostic tools discussed will include relevance and potential biases as related to multicultural populations. Students will become familiar with the established diagnostic criteria for mental or emotional disorders, appropriate treatment modalities, and placement criteria within the continuum of care. Students will conceptualize clients, use diagnostic tools appropriately, and describe symptoms and clinical presentation of clients, including the impact of co-occurring substance use disorders and be able to communicate these to collaborating professionals. Finally, students will develop the ability to differentiate between diagnosis and developmentally appropriate reactions during crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events.

Prerequisite: L.MHC 625
Co-requisite: None