Human Behavior Soc Env III:DSM

Prerequisite: Matriculation in MSW program and SCWK 511; or consent of program coordinator This course will expose students to the most commonly used perspective in assessing and diagnosing adults, adolescents and children, the DSM system for the classification of mental disorders. Students will learn how to assess and diagnose a client within the framework of the mental health system which relies upon the DSM. Students will use their experience with clients to understand the impact of mental illness on client and family functioning. The ethics of using the DSM in assessment will be explored as well as the ongoing debate on the validity and usefulness of the DSM system. Offered fall and spring semesters.