MFT608 Psychopathology and Treatment Planning in Developmental Systems (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): MFT605 ,  MFT615 , MFT620  
This course examines the assessment and diagnostic process for working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families utilizing a developmental systems approach and the criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It explores theoretical and practical contexts which define the concepts of mental health disorders and diagnosis. This course also focuses on principles of case formulation and treatment planning across diverse and developing systems.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate a developmental understanding of diagnostic issues when working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in a behavioral health setting.
2. Describe and apply the primary diagnostic criteria and categories relevant to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families as identified in the DSM.
3. Identify relevant clinical information to formulate accurate diagnoses of clients based on presenting problems and associated developmental, family, and historical context.
4. Create applicable, culturally-competent treatment plans and diagnostic assessments based on DSM diagnoses and case formulation for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
5. Evaluate relevant cultural context(s) related to psychopathology diagnosis and treatment planning.
6. Evaluate ethical issues related to psychopathology diagnosis and treatment planning.