Graduate School
Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Courses
For course sequence, request a program calendar. Credits are listed in parentheses.
PSYC600 • Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (3)
Survey of
major clinical perspectives, psychological disorders, terminology, and issues
important to the field of child and adolescent psychopathology with emphasis
given to areas of special relevance to the educational setting. Provides
learners with the background to be informed communicators with mental health
professionals with whom they will collaborate in serving students having
emotional/behavioral disorders. Improves learner’s proficiency at
distinguishing between problems falling in the normal and clinical ranges.
PSYC604 • Child and Adolescent Assessment (3)
Introduction
to the theory, psychometric properties, and application of psychological
assessment focusing on personality and psychopathology of children and
adolescents. Emphasis is on exposure to and beginning experience in
administration, scoring, and interpretation of intelligence testing and
objective and projective personality assessment instruments. Elements
distinguishing screening from assessment, the multidisciplinary assessment, and
the key warning signs of early onset of mental illness in youth are also
covered.
PSYC605 • Program Portfolio (1)
Learners
compile designated program course assignments into a portfolio. A narrative and
reflections written by each learner throughout the program provide personal
application and evaluation of knowledge and skills gained, and integration of faith. Communication and collaboration
with parents and other professionals are required and incorporated into the
portfolio. An oral presentation of the portfolio to the cohort group and
faculty culminates the program.
PSYC606 • Counseling Microskills with Children and Adolescents (2)
Demonstration
and practice of counseling skills with children and adolescents. Emphasis is on
development of core helping skills unique to this population, including, but
not limited to, crisis intervention and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Special
attention is given to ethical issues unique to working with children and
adolescents and how gender, class, and cultural diversity factors may influence
the counseling process.
PSYC607 • Groups for Children and Adolescents (2)
Exploration
of issues experienced by children and adolescents such as child abuse, divorce,
blended families, domestic violence, chemical abuse, anger management, grief
and loss, self-esteem, social skills, etc. Focus is on understanding the
dynamics of experiencing these problems from a child’s point of view and
providing therapy and support through small groups. Learners will apply skills
while working with a small group of children and acquire artifacts for the program
portfolio.
PSYC608 • Therapeutic Art (2)
Overview
of art therapy theory, research, and practice. Primary focus will be an
exploration of the benefits of using drawing and other forms of artwork with
children and adolescents. Includes demonstration and practice of various art
therapy techniques and discussion of possible applications in professional and
nonprofessional settings.
PSYC609 • Therapeutic Play (3)
Focus is
on techniques in expressive therapies, with an emphasis on play therapy.
Examination of the continuum from client-centered to directive therapy and the
exploration of application possibilities based on client needs and the setting.
Common themes in children’s play are identified, and the dynamics of
interpretation are considered and applied. Learners will apply skills and
techniques in working with children and acquire artifacts for the program portfolio.
PSYC644 • Introduction to Family Systems (2)
Exploration
of basic family dynamics (such as intimacy, communication, power, shame), with
special emphasis given to examining those dynamics from the family systems and
family development theoretical perspectives. Differences in family structures
and patterns with opportunities for students to apply theoretical principles to
real-life family situations.
Bethel University reserves the right to withdraw, modify, or add to the list of courses or the course descriptions listed above and to cancel any course 10 calendar days prior to the start date if minimum enrollment has not been met.