PSY8569 - Pragmatic Foundations of Clinical Practice

(1 to 2 units)

This course is a basic introduction to the provision and policy of services for treatment of mental disorders in governmentally funded, NGO, and faith based mental health programs. This course will overview some of the factors that have shaped current mental health policy and provision. The course will also review the challenges facing the mental health administrator in various professional settings. This course will also focus on the practicalities of establishing and maintaining a clinical practice. The course will focus on the pragmatic aspects of managing a clinical practice as a sole proprietor and as a member of both a group psychological practice as well as a blended multi-disciplinary practice. It will address legal and ethical issues, financial concerns, marketing strategies, documentation, case management issues and emotional and psychological factors. Students who do not intend to work in a private practice upon completion of training will nevertheless learn about the various issues related to the practice of psychotherapy regardless of the setting.