American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA, Author. ISBN-978-0-89042-555-8

Durand, V. M., & Barlow, D. H. (2016). Essentials of abnormal psychology (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage. ISBN-10: 130509414X. ISBN-13: 9781305094147

3 credit hours. This course will provide an in-depth review of the assessment process that is used in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The course will provide a historical perspective on abnormal behavior and its definition as well as a review of the diagnostic and assessment phase of psychological disorders and various theories that look for the causes of abnormal behavior. This course will further develop the ability of the student to identify diagnostic criteria of the various disorders that a professional counselor may be asked to treat. Core (CSR, J)

By the end of the course, students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of the following learning outcomes:

Human Growth and Development (2016 CACREP 2.F.3)

1. theories of normal and abnormal personality development

2. biological, neurological, and physiological factors that affect human development, functioning, and behavior

3. systematic and environmental factors that affect human development, functioning, and behavior

4. effects of crisis, disasters, and trauma on diverse individuals across the lifespan

Counseling and Relationships (2016 CACREP 2.F.5)

1. essential interviewing, counseling, and case conceptualization skills
   

Assessment and Testing (2016 CACREP 2.F.7)

1. use of assessments for diagnostic and intervention planning purposes
2. use of symptom checklists, and personality and psychological testing
3. use of assessment results to diagnose developmental, behavioral, and mental disorders                                                                

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Foundations (2016 CACREP 5.C.1)

1. neurobiological and medical foundation and etiology of addiction and co-occurring disorders

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Contextual Dimensions (2016 CACREP 5.C.2)

1. etiology, nomenclature, treatment, referral, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders
2. diagnostic process, including differential diagnosis and the use of current diagnostic classification systems, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
3. impact of crisis and trauma on individuals with mental health diagnoses
4. impact of biological and neurological mechanisms on mental health
5. cultural factors relevant to clinical mental health counseling

Objectives from 2016 CACREP standards that are NOT directly tied to programmatic student learning objectives:

None

Objectives not from CACREP standards:

1. Gain an understanding of the principles, limitations, and advantages of diagnosis.
2. Examine the legal issues surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal behavior.
3. Promote empathy toward individuals with mental disorders.