CNS 6420 - Diagnostics of Psychopathology

Credits: 3

This course provides the student with advanced skills in the diagnostics of psychopathology, including coverage of the most current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), with a focus on differential diagnosis. The student develops the ability to synthesize skills and understanding from other courses into an integrated process of client engagement, assessment, case conceptualization, and treatment planning. Students are trained to diagnose using role plays, and are being presented with atypical symptoms, multiple diagnoses, and overlapping criteria. In order to develop a whole person and contextual understanding of pathology, a variety of perspectives is presented, including biological, systemic, spiritual, developmental, intrapsychic, interpersonal, and cultural. The student then builds treatment plans that demonstrate a grasp of the client’s strengths, resources, family structure/relationships, pathology, and readiness for change.

Prerequisite(s): CNS 5420
Graduate