SW 577 Psychopathology: Advances in psychological theory and advances in differential assessment/diagnosis II

This course introduces students to the differential application of evidence-based interventions to the spectrum of psychopathological disorders, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsions, tics, thought disorders, personality disorders, and substance use-related conditions; the development of advanced skills in differential diagnosis and case conceptualization; exploration of the role of resilience and protective factors in sustaining one’s mental health; critical evaluations of current research in psychopathology and its implications for social work practice, especially in the context of race, culture, socioeconomics, and gender; effective communication skills when working with clients experiencing symptoms of psychopathology; engaging in case presentations and discussions to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications in client settings and to better inform research for the capstone project This course also builds on concepts and theories covered earlier in the curriculum, such as through SW 572 and SW 573 where students gain knowledge and skills working with clients suffering from a variety of trauma-related, biopsychosocial challenges.