SOCIAL WORK 682: Biopsychosocial Assessment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Course Description:
This course focuses on bio-psycho-social assessment, identifying strengths as well as difficulties, and viewing behavior in context. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the individual/family and environment interaction by means of an ecological systems perspective. This course will also address the legal and ethical aspects of assessment. Issues of oppression, class, discrimination and culture will be explored with regard to the process of mental health diagnosis.
Prerequisites: SOWK 602, Advanced Standing Status in Social Work or permission of instructor.
Educational Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, it is expected that students will be able to:
1. critically apply the ecological, strengths perspective in the assessment process
2. demonstrate skills in assessing “person-in-environment,” incorporating the bio-psycho-social model of assessment
3. practice within the values and ethics and legal realities of the social work profession with an understanding of and respect for the positive value of both diversity and culture
4. apply critical thinking about the assumptions, values, and bias underlying the DSM IV TR
5. demonstrate knowledge of DSM-IV-TR utilization in the diagnostic assessment process and the primary intervention approaches including the use of psychotropic medication and/or psychotherapy/case management in the treatment of these disorders