Advanced Topics in Interpersonal Practice

Adolescence and young adulthood represent developmental periods characterized by, among other things, increased risk taking and vulnerability for mental health problems. Transitional age youth are at increased risk of behavioral health conditions and experiencing mental health problems, yet the social work theoretical, empirical and practice literature remain underdeveloped. Social work practitioners and researchers alike play an essential role in ameliorating behavioral health conditions among transitional age youth. This course focuses on the state of the science when working with transitional age youth with behavioral health conditions. Students in this course will acquire a general understanding of (1) the prevalence and variations of behavioral health conditions among this overlooked and vulnerable population, (2) etiological factors associated with behavioral health conditions, (3) theoretical frameworks to inform practice with transitional age youth, and (4) best programs and practices when working with transitional age youth.