PSC 501A Theories of Psychotherapy 3 units
In this course, students critically examine some of influential theories of counseling and psychotherapy by exploring the social, cultural and historical contexts that produced them. Theories are considered in terms of their relevance in the contemporary social context. The course compares and contrasts theories in terms of key theoretical concepts such as personality development, health and illness, therapeutic techniques and relevance in the contemporary social context. Students begin the process of developing their philosophy of treatment and therapeutic orientation.
PSC 503A Research Methods 3 units
This course examines different approaches to the generation and evaluation of psychological theory and data. Strengths, weaknesses, and ethical practice of quantitative and qualitative methods are examined with attention to the descriptive and inferential statistical methods used in hypothesis testing and psychological assessment.
PSC 504A Lifespan Human Development 3 units
This course examines the process of human growth and development throughout the lifespan with an emphasis on how developmental models inform the work of the clinician. Students will learn the use of developmental, family, socio-economic and cultural context in their conceptualizations of psychological health and psychopathology. Particular attention is paid to the transitions between developmental periods.
PSC 504G Lifespan Human Development: The Older Adult 1.5 units
Individual and family lifecycle development perspectives are used to understand the psychological, social, and biological changes that are associated with aging with an emphasis on factors related to positive adjustment. Students will examine later life transitions in work, social roles and health as well as how aging processes vary by gender, race, and ethnicity.
PSC 505A Multicultural Awareness 3 units
Professionals in a multicultural society must be aware of psychological, social, economic and political issues associated with culture, race, class, ethnicity, age and gender. This course examines the experience of cultural difference, with particular emphasis on power, oppression and marginalization. The course promotes self-awareness and cross-cultural exploration of cultural heritage as well as student’s attitudes and biases.
PSC 505 Clinical Skills in the Multicultural Context 3 units
This experiential course builds on the student’s developing multicultural awareness and clinical skill repertoire. Students are introduced to culturally responsive assessment practices and work to develop case conceptualization and treatment planning skills that integrate knowledge about cultural influences and identities as well as the concepts of oppression, power, poverty, and acculturation into their clinical practice.
PSC 506A Psychopathology 3 units
In this course students develop basic competency in formulating a psychological diagnosis using the most up-to-date DSM criteria. Using knowledge of the etiology and diagnostic criteria of psychological disorders, participants will learn to view symptoms of psychopathology from a biopsychosocial framework in order to assess, diagnose, and plan treatment.
PSC 507A Family Systems 3 units
This course examines the major concepts and theories of the family systems movement in psychotherapy. By exploring the history, premises, cultural influences and approaches of family therapy practice, students learn to conceptualize about individuals, couples, and families from a systemic point of view.
PSC 507 Clinical Skills with Families and Couples 3 units
This experiential course focuses on the application of systems theory to psychotherapy with couples and families. Students learn assessment and intervention techniques that consider the context of the client and are aimed at changing the interactions between individuals as well as at the level of the system.
PSC 507H Advanced Family Therapy: Special Populations 2 units
This course is designed to teach students in-depth skills in working with a specific population. Students will learn about the characteristic psychological and social issues associated with a specific client population or disorder and the most promising mental health treatments.
PSC 507I Advanced Family Therapy: Evidence-based Practice 2 units
This course is designed to teach students in-depth skills of an evidence based treatment approach. Through a focused study of an evidence based therapy students learn to use the theory to conceptualize a case, plan treatment, and apply the associated techniques.
PSC 508 Psychological Assessment 3 units
This survey course covers the major psychological assessment instruments used with normal and pathological populations. Evaluating the psychometric properties of tests and their use in planning treatment are addressed. Students will learn to administer level B instruments and to interpret them within the client’s cultural, developmental and systemic context.
PSC 511 Latino Mental Health 3 units
The course focuses on the understanding of the sociopolitical context of Latinos and its effects on the mental health and psychosocial development of Latino adults, families and children within the social context. The course addresses multicultural issues such as Latino subgroup differences, immigration, acculturation, family values, gender socialization, and language and how these relate to providing culturally responsive therapy.
PSC 512 Clinical Skills in the Latino Context 3 units
In this experiential course students work on the development of basic counseling skills and the building of a therapeutic relationship that is accomplished within and with reference to the Latino cultural context and healing practices.
PSC 514 Process of Bilingual Therapy 3 units
This course focuses on developing fluency and clinical competency in psychotherapy with the Latino client using learning methods. Skills are developed for differentiating between content and process, and for working with client affect, resistance and defense, transference and counter transference as they relate to the bilingual Latino client.
PSC 515 Clinical Skills w/ Latino Families and Couples 3 units
This experiential course focuses on the applications of systems theories to Latino couples and families. Students will learn assessment and intervention techniques that consider the systemic context of the client with the aim of changing family interaction patterns.
PSC 516 The Process of Bilingual Group Psychotherapy 3 units
This course serves as an introduction to the theories and concepts of bilingual group psychotherapy including group development, membership, and dynamic processes. Students will learn about the curative power of group therapy, leadership skills and treatment strategies and how cultural factors affect group behavior. All students participate in the classroom process group under the supervision of the instructor and an opportunity is provided to practice group facilitation skills in Spanish.
PSC 520 The Process of Group Psychotherapy 3 units
This course serves as an introduction to theories and concepts of group psychotherapy including stages of group development, membership, and systemic behavior. Students will learn the curative power of group therapy, leadership skills and treatment strategies. All students participate in the classroom process group under the leadership of the instructor and an opportunity is provided to practice group facilitation skills.
PSC 520A Clinical Skills I: The Psychotherapeutic Relationship 3 units
This course provides an introduction to basic psychotherapeutic concepts and skills, with particular attention to the nature of the relationship between psychotherapist and client. Students learn fundamental clinical skills aimed at establishing core therapeutic conditions, building a therapeutic alliance, and identifying a treatment focus in the initial phase of psychotherapy.
PSC 520B Clinical Skills II: The Psychotherapy Process 3 units
In this course, students learn to attend to process variables in psychotherapy and gain practice experience in applied psychotherapy techniques. Skills are developed for differentiating between content and process, and for working with client affect, resistance and defense, transference and counter transference.
PSC 522 Group Theories 1.5 units
This course serves as an introduction to the theories and concepts of group psychotherapy including various kinds of groups, stages of group development, membership, and dynamic processes. Students will develop a foundation in formulating and creating groups for specific populations and gain basic skills in group facilitation.
PSC 523 Career Development Theories and Techniques 4.5 units
This online course will provide both the theoretical foundation and the practical experience necessary to understand and foster the career/lifestyle development for clients both individually and in groups. Students will be prepared with the necessary knowledge and skills to collect, evaluate, and use occupational and life development data in helping individual clients and various client populations to make effective decisions and take appropriate actions in their career/life development.
PSC 524 Contemporary Theories of Psychotherapy 2.0 units
This course expands upon the material in PSC501A by reviewing contemporary theories and promising mental health practices that have shown to be effective. The underlying theoretical framework, key theoretical concepts and techniques, and the applications of the approach are emphasized.
PSC 530 Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents 3 units
This course focuses on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents. Students learn to assess and integrate the child or adolescent’s developmental, social, cultural, educational, and familial context in the formulation of a clinical case conceptualization and treatment plan.
PSC 531A Intimate Relationships 3 units
In this course, students examine relationships of intimacy, including same-sex and opposite-sex partnering, and marriage. Systemic theories and processes for facilitating change in intimate relationships will be explored, including attachment theory, solution focused theory, brief strategic therapy, cognitive-behavioral theory, psychodynamic theory, and research based methods. This course will provide students with an intermediate – advanced level of learning in theoretical knowledge, multicultural competence, clinical skills, interpersonal competence, and critical thinking in working with couples.
PSC 532 Trauma Counseling 3 units
This course examines the cognitive, behavioral and neurological effects associated with traumatic situations and experiences. Assessment strategies and intervention principles for individuals with trauma related mental or emotional disorders are addressed.
PSC 532A Crisis, Disaster and Emergency Response 1.5 units
This course examines the role of the mental health professional in natural disasters and community emergencies. Application of crisis theory and multidisciplinary responses ranging from short-term crisis intervention to long-term approaches designed to prevent the development of mental health problems and trauma responses are emphasized.
PSC 537B Human Sexuality and Counseling 3 units
In this course students examine biological, psychological, psychosocial, and cultural aspects of sexuality in order to gain an appreciation for the diversity of human sexual response. The course also covers psychosexual disorders and their treatment. Students will have the opportunity to explore their values regarding sexual behavior as it relates to their work as therapists
PSC 538D Professional Orientation 1 unit
In this course students are oriented towards beginning practice in their traineeships as licensed professionals. The policies and procedures of the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) including knowledge of the required paperwork and regulations involving training that meets BBS standards are covered. Students will gain an overview of the licensure process and their responsibilities and limitations at the Trainee level. Professional persona is addressed and a vocational component helps prepare students to apply for and interview with training sites.
PSC 538B Professional Ethics and the Law 3 units
This course addresses the most up-to-date statutes, regulations and ethical standards governing the practice of marriage and family therapy in California. Students will become familiar with the therapeutic, clinical, and practical considerations involved in the legal and ethical practice of marriage and family therapy as well as current legal patterns and trends in the mental health professions. Emphasis is placed on the application of legal and ethical standards to cases, and upon learning a structured approach to ethical decision making in clinical practice.
PSC 545A Substance Related Disorders and Other Addictive Behaviors 3 units
This course addresses the major substance related disorders and other addictive processes. It includes a comparative study of different diagnostic, therapeutic, and theoretical approaches to the treatment of these disorders. Additional Topics include a classification of the major substances of abuse and other objects of addiction; the impact on families; the impact on society; cultural sensitivity when working with diverse populations.
PSC 546 Psychopharmacology for Therapists 3 units
This course covers fundamentals of psychopharmacology needed to inform practitioners when referring clients for psychotropic medication consultations and in working collaboratively with psychiatrists. Students will learn the various classifications of psychotropic medications, their indications, contraindications and efficacies. Attention will be given to the diagnostic criteria for major DSM disorders that are treatable with medication, including a list of these medications, their therapeutic dosage ranges, side effects, and drug interactions.
PSC 549B Child Abuse: Assessment & Intervention 1 unit
This course meets the BBS seven-hour requirement for the study of assessment and mandated reporting of child abuse of various types. Physical and behavioral indicators of abuse and trauma, crisis counseling techniques, community referral resources, and treatment issues are also covered.
PSC 550 Domestic Violence: Assessment and Intervention 2 units
This course examines the causes and consequences of the cycle of violence within intimate relationships. Topics include the psychology of abuse, assessment of violence and its traumatic effects, community resources and methods for prevention and treatment.
PSC 551 Community Mental Health 3 units
This course examines the theories, history, research, and practice of community mental health as a foundation for effective community based treatments for people with serious mental illness. The biopsychosocial factors that support this population’s ability to live as symptom free as possible, with the highest quality of life in the least restrictive environment will be examined. Additionally, evidence based methods and promising practices of rehabilitation, recovery, and empowerment for currently served and underserved people with serious mental illness will be explored.
PSC 555A Dual Diagnosis: Substance Related and Co-Occurring Disorders 1.5 units
This course examines the evaluation and treatment of individuals with co-occurring mental illnesses and substance related disorders. Topics include diagnosing common co-occurring disorders, risk factors for development, and the interrelationship of these disorders. Students will learn about evidence-based Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT), and other specific approaches targeted to this population such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Referral resources for these disorders will also be identified and investigated.
PSC 560 Healthy Development Throughout the Aging Process 3 units
Individual and family lifecycle development perspectives are used to understand the psychological, social, and biological changes that are associated with aging with an emphasis on factors related to positive adjustment and “healthy” aging. Students will examine later life transitions in work, family, and social roles and health as well as how aging processes vary by gender, race, and ethnicity.
PSC 561 Social, Cultural, and Systemic Aspects of Aging 3 units
This course provides a broad perspective on the social effects of our increasing population of older adults. Social attitudes, cultural values and changes in society and the family are examined as they relate to resiliency in later life. Specific issues such as the economic effects on the family, living arrangements, multi-generation relationships, and the utilization of social service programs are examined in diverse families and communities.
PSC 562 Clinical Skills with Older Adults 3 units
Drawing from clinical approaches used with the general population, this course teaches skills specific to working with older adults and their families. Intervention with a unique lens to the aging population will include topics of loss including; roles, financial resources, support networks, partners, friends, cognition, health, overall sense of well-being. Challenges and corresponding interventions which relate to the “whole person” including; mind, body and spirit, physical changes, interpersonal relationships and sexuality will be addressed. The course will also look at the impact on the family system including; care giving, and transition to alternative living arrangements. Clinical approaches will be presented which incorporate a response to the marginalization of older adults, and support resilience and the positive reframing of the experience for aging populations and their families.
PSC 563 Loss and Bereavement 2 units
This professional course focuses on issues related to the loss of physical and cognitive functions, dying, and death and other losses that naturally accompany the aging process. Theories of bereavement and loss, caregiver stress, and cultural differences are applied to clinical issues of grief and mourning and caregiver coping and burnout within the family context.
PSC 564 Elder Abuse: Assessment and Intervention 1 unit
In this course students will learn indicators of elder abuse and trauma, its prevention and how to meet their professional responsibilities as mandated reporters.
PSC 650B Practicum I: Clinical Evaluation and Crisis Management 2 units
This practicum course is focused on the skills needed in the early stages of treatment including establishment of the therapeutic relationship, identification of critical issues and factors related to healthy functioning. Students learn to conduct a comprehensive interview to obtain an assessment of the case with a family, social, economic, and medical context, as well as the standard for documentation of the evaluation. The course also addresses the identification of psychosocial stressors, emergent issues, and crisis situations in order to target them for immediate intervention and establishing treatment goals.
PSC 650C Practicum II: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning 2 units
In this practicum course students will focus on the assessment and diagnosis of psychological disorders. Students will learn to write a basic treatment plan that addresses goals for psychotherapy and to make community referrals for collaborative treatment services. Students working in a training site will discuss cases in class with a focus on evaluation and treatment planning.
PSC 650D Practicum III: Clinical Interventions 3 units
This practicum classes focuses on providing individual and family interventions, including the use of evidence based treatments and the effects of trauma. A systemic perspective is emphasized that examines social, community, family and cultural systems points of intervention and as they interface with psychological health, resiliency, and wellness.
PSC 650E Practicum IV: Integrating Clinical Skills 3 units
This course is the capstone course of the program and covers the integration of theory and professional practice. The theoretical foundations of clinical psychology are reviewed and used as a basis for clinical cases conceptualization. Students learn to plan interventions over the course of stages of psychotherapy, to write case conceptualization reports, and to document short and long term treatment plans.
PSC 650F Practicum I Clinical Evaluation and Crisis Intervention with Older Adults and Their Families 2 units
This practicum course is focused on the skills needed in the early stage of treatment including establishment of a professional relationship and identification of critical issues and factors related to functioning in the elderly. Students learn to conduct a comprehensive interview of the individual’s family, social, economic, and medical context, and how to document the evaluation. The course also addresses the identification of stressors, emergent issues, and crisis situations in order to target them for immediate intervention.
PSC 650G Practicum II Diagnosis and Treatment Planning with Older Adults and Their Families 2 units
In this practicum course students will focus on the diagnosis of psychological disorders in older adults and the associated issues including differentiating developmental factors from psychopathology. Students will learn to develop a basic treatment plan that addresses short-term goals for psychotherapy and to make community referrals to the range of community based services that maintain the health and productivity of the older adult. A continuum of care is addressed from programs that assist older adults to remain in their communities to those required for long term care. Students working in a training site will present cases for class discussion with a focus on evaluation and treatment planning.
PSC 650H Practicum III: Clinical Interventions with Older Adults and Their Families 3 units
This practicum class focuses on providing individual and family interventions with older adults and their partners, families or adult children. Interventions include use of evidence based treatments and interventions designed to promote and maintain resiliency and healthy aging. A systemic perspective is emphasized that includes social, community, family and cultural systems as a point of intervention and supporters of psychological health and wellness.
PSC 650I Practicum IV: Integrating Clinical Skills with Older Adults and Their Families 3 units
This course is the capstone course of the program and covers the integration of theory and professional practice. The theoretical foundations of clinical psychology are reviewed and used as a basis for clinical cases conceptualization. Students learn to plan interventions over the course (stages) of psychotherapy, to write case conceptualization reports, to document short and long term plans and terminate treatment effectively.
