This course provides an overview of mental health assessment and diagnostic tools, including the Diagnostic Statistical Manual diagnostic categories, and touches on treatment strategies and techniques. Building on the knowledge base acquired in the foundation course SOW 5105, students will learn about the relationship between the biological, psychological, social, environmental, and cultural influences and emotional and mental health from an ecological context. Particular attention is given to variations in the assessment process and access to treatment for populations at social and economic risk. In addition, students examine the political and social implications of mental health and their relationship to social work values and ethics.

This course presents the historical and contemporary importance of social program evaluation and research methods. The course focuses on applied qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods that are useful to managers, public administrators, and policy analysts. Particular emphasis is placed on evidence-based procedures/methods that will be useful for social work administrators when designing and carrying out evaluations of social programs and policies. Students will also explore how programs and policies can further the cause of social and economic justice for oppressed and disadvantaged groups.

This course prepares students for international social work practice abroad and/or for transnational work with immigrants, refugees, international migrants, etc. It presents an introduction to international perspectives in the field of social work and to varied examples of social work practice in the United States, Western and Central Europe, and the Caribbean nations — three very diverse regions of the world in which social issues present contrasting challenges to the profession. In providing an overview of the social work profession internationally, it examines the impact of global interdependence on social work practice and policy as current challenges are faced in the developed and developing world. Within the framework of the social work international code of ethics, students will learn to critically analyze varied practice approaches utilized in dealing with international social welfare issues.

This advanced practice course emphasizes development of clinical skills. Students will refine their clinical skills, building on the research-based, nonspecific (common factors) components of therapeutic work (i.e., therapeutic alliance, empathy, goal consensus/collaboration, positive regard/affirmation, and genuineness) and specific factors (validated treatments). The course provides in-depth coverage of three empirically based models; Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, and Interpersonal Therapy. Learning applications of techniques informed by these models provides opportunities to enhance professional use of self. The course examines similarities and differences among models and allows students to discern appropriate use of techniques, client populations, settings, and problem interactions. Students will develop competency in the ethical and strength-based use of these models.

As part of this course, all students will be required to participate in a mandatory Zoom session.