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. Studies in this area include, but are not limited to the following: 1. The principles of the diagnostic process, including differential diagnosis, and the use of current diagnostic tools, such as the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual; 2. The established diagnostic criteria for mental or emotional disorders that describe treatment modalities and placement criteria within the continuum of care; 3. The impact of co-occurring substance use disorders on medical and psychological disorders; 4. The relevance and potential biases of commonly used diagnostic tools as related to multicultural populations; 5. The appropriate use of diagnostic tools, including the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, to describe the symptoms and clinical presentation of clients with mental or emotional impairments; 6. The ability to conceptualize accurate multi-axial diagnoses of disorders presented by clients and discuss the differential diagnosis with collaborating professionals; and 7. The ability to differentiate between diagnosis and developmentally appropriate reactions during crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events.

Prerequisite: None
Co-requisite: None