SW-615: Psychopathology

This course builds on the knowledge base of human behavior and the social environment and examines psychopathology from an ecological perspective and explores historical and contemporary approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as an organizing framework, this course will explore the impact of bio-psycho-social-spiritual influences on the incidence, course, and treatment of mental disorders on diverse populations across the lifespan. The course emphasizes the acquisition of diagnostic skills as they relate to comprehensive social work assessment and the development of social work interventions. The course also introduces and briefly describes the most effective treatments, and treatment combinations for mental illness, including medication. Ethical issues in clinical social work practice with diverse and multicultural clients and the role that clinical social workers play in an interprofessional treatment team are addressed. Prerequisites: Admission to Advanced Standing MSW Program or completion of foundation curriculum.