Class Descriptions

Interpersonal Practice Interventions in Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse (Adults)

SW602

Credits:	3
Prerequisites:	SW506 & SW601 (concurrent enrollment in SW601 permitted if necessary)

Pathway Associations

Community Change
Global
Interpersonal Practice	Requirement (Host)
Mgmt & Leadership
Policy & Political
Program Evaluation
Older Adults	Elective
Children & Families

Course Description

The course will build on intervention therapy and practice from the foundation semester and promote more advanced intervention skill level of engagement, goal setting, use of evidence based and informed interventions, and the termination and evaluation phases of treatment. Particular focus will be on advanced clinical competency development regarding: 1. Engagement and rapport building, 2. Goal setting and problem solving, 3. Identifying and implementing appropriate intervention approaches, and 4. Termination and evaluation of treatment.

This course focuses on skill building to provide a range of brief, evidence-based and/or evidence -informed interventions including prevention, treatment and recovery as well as longer-term treatment and support for clients as appropriate. Examples include: 1. Case conceptualization, 2. Behavioral activation, 3. Cognitive restructuring, 4. Exposure, 5. Managing ambivalence and resistance, 6. Emotion regulation and distress tolerance, and 7. Trauma-sensitive mindfulness.

Core evidence-based/evidence-informed therapies will be the focus of this class including: 1. Motivational interviewing, 2. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and 3. emerging acceptance-based therapies such as Dialectical Behavioral therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).

Attention will be given to application of interventions with clients across diverse populations and needs, with a focus on common health and mental health conditions such as depression/anxiety, substance use, chronic pain, etc. Attention will also be given to application of interventions in a variety of integrated health, mental health, and substance abuse practice settings such as community mental health agencies, health care facilities and non-profit agencies.

Objectives

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
Identify and assess evidence-based interventions and best social work practices for application in a variety of health settings including integrated health, mental health, behavioral health, hospital, outpatient and community care settings. (EPAS 2, 4, 8)
Demonstrate brief, trauma-informed interventions for mental health conditions, risky or harmful substance use conditions, adjustment to illness and chronic disease management. (EPAS 2, 4, 8)
Analyze clinical, evidence-based/evidence- informed rationale for use of a specific intervention to match client needs, preferences and response. (EPAS 2, 4, 8)
Apply focused interventions to engage clients in change processes to improve health and to adhere to patient-centered treatment and care plans (e.g., motivational interviewing). (EPAS 4, 6, 8)
Demonstrate brief supportive interventions addressing holistic consequences of physical, mental illness and injury. (EPAS 6, 8)
Identify and apply longer-term models of treatment and support for clients with persistent illnesses/conditions that require follow-up over time. (EPAS 6, 8)
Explain information, education, guidance, and support to family members about health conditions, prevention, available treatments, illness and self-management, peer support and recovery. (EPAS 2, 6, 8)
Monitor and evaluate outcomes of interventions and modify, adjust interventions accordingly. (EPAS 7, 9)

Design

This course supports a flipped classroom approach in which students complete pre-work (readings, lecture materials, viewing videos) and class time has minimal didactic lecture and is primarily spent practicing intervention techniques.

Use of student generated standardized clients developed in the required assessment course may be used to practice intervention skills.

Active engagement in intervention practice, engagement in role plays, observation and critical analysis of various interventions, matching interventions to client needs, and mutual constructive feedback is critical to the skill development focus of this class.

Intensive Focus on Privilege, Oppression, Diversity and Social Justice (PODS)

This course integrates PODS content and skills with a special emphasis on the identification of theories, practice and/or policies that promote social justice, illuminate injustices and are consistent with scientific and professional knowledge. Through the use of a variety of instructional methods, this course will support students developing a vision of social justice, learn to recognize and reduce mechanisms that support oppression and injustice, work toward social justice processes, apply intersectionality and intercultural frameworks and strengthen critical consciousness, self-knowledge and self-awareness to facilitate PODS learning.

Consideration will be given to the ways in which diversity factors such as age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, socioeconomic status and class, immigration status, ability, family status, geographic location, ethnicity and culture interact with and impact health, mental health and behaviorally focused interventions.