Catalog 2014-2015 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
Catalog 2014-2015 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

The Rockway Certificate in LGBT Human Services and Mental Health


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The Specialization/Certificate in LGBT Human Services and Mental Health is designed to meet the growing need for clinicians to develop competencies in working with lesbian, gay male, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBT) individuals, couples and families. The program focuses on assisting clinicians to develop multicultural competencies specific to the intersecting identities of LGBT clients, increase an understanding of the historical and cultural influences impacting LGBT clients, and identify best practice procedures for assessing and addressing issues in LGBT mental health. The certificate provides courses that address the competencies recommended by the American Psychological Association’s ethical guidelines for the treatment of lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations. The courses are offered as electives through the Systemwide Office of Online Education for CSPP and are available to students in all CSPP Programs and on all Alliant Campuses. The courses may be taken individually or as part of the Certificate/Specialization. Required certificate courses are offered annually and elective courses will be offered at least once every three years. Placing the courses in the online environment creates the unique opportunity for student to engage Rockway Core Faculty from all of our campuses, as well as national and international experts in the provision of course materials. In some courses 2-4 different instructors combine to guide students through the ever-growing, research and clinical literature about the LGBT community.

All students are required to take the Foundations of LGBT Mental Health Course as a prerequisite to taking the other courses. All students enrolled in the Certificate/Specialization are required to take the Professional Application of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues Course. The remaining required units are divided into two Groups: Advanced Study Courses (where one group within the LGBT community is explored in a more exhaustive way) and LGBT Electives (which examine therapeutic interventions across all of the LGBT community). Students are required to take at least one Advanced Study Course and at least two LGBT Electives. Additional Courses may be taken from either group to round out the 12 unit requirement. The philosophy behind this distribution is based upon the student’s preference for breadth versus depth. This assures minimal competence with all LGBT groups, but allows for greater knowledge and competence with one group.

Curriculum and Degree Requirements


The certificate is given when the student completes 12 units of the coursework during their graduate matriculation.

Curriculum Plan


Required Courses


All students completing the certificate must take the following courses:

Advanced Study Courses


At least one of the Advanced Study Courses is required.

  • PSY 7630 Advanced Study of Bisexual Issues (2 units)
  • PSY 8500 Advanced Study of Transgender Issues (3 units)
  • PSY 8500 Advanced Study of Lesbian Issues (2 units)
  • PSY 8500 Advanced Study of Gay Male Issues (2 units)

LGBT Electives


At least four units must be taken from the following:

  • PSY 7610-50 LGBT Couples and Families (2 units)
  • PSY 7605 LGBT-Affirmative Substance Abuse Treatment (2 units)
  • PSY 8600 Socio-cultural Diversity: LGBT People of Color (3 units)
  • PSY 8500 LGBT Issues in the Workplace (2 units)
  • LGBT Lifespan Development (2 units)
  • LGBT Affirmative Psychotherapy (2 units)
  • LGBT Issues in Education (Pre-K through High School) (2 units)
  • LGBT Health and Medical Issues (2 units)
  • LGBT Legal and Forensic Issues (2 units)
  • LGBT Public Policy/Advocacy (Local, State, National, and International Levels) (2 units)

In order to complete the certificate, it may be necessary to enroll for more than the required number of units for your program and it could add time to your matriculation at CSPP/Alliant.  Please consult your Program Director and advisor about the effects of the certificate on your entire program of study.

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