Mental Health and Social Work

SW

360

Mental Health and Social Work

The focus of this course is to provide social work students with a basic knowledge on mental health across the lifespan. Social workers working in myriad settings require a generalist level of understanding of mental health. This course focuses on professional behavior by using strengths-based, client-focused and recovery-oriented practices to assess and treat mental health problems. Students will examine the role of social work in mental health services from a critical perspective and from historical, contemporary, and future perspectives. Students will examine the intersectionality of gender, culture, race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, class, and/or ability for individuals and groups within the mental health system using an evidence-based, research-informed approach. Students are introduced to the DSM-5 TR to understand mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. Students will also be introduced to behavioral health screening tools as part of assessment and trauma-informed care. This course will examine and evaluate the role of the legal and criminal justice system, including specialty courts such as drug and mental health courts, in providing mental health treatment. Students will be able to identify local mental health prevention, treatment, or recovery resources, agencies, and/or coalitions through engagement with community organizations. Students will engage in self-care methods to develop resiliency to support themselves and others.

Undergraduate

Yes