Direct Practice in Mental Health & Substance Misuse

Direct Practice in Mental Health and Substance Misuse Flyer

Direct Practice in Mental Health & Substance Misuse

The Direct Practice in Mental Health & Substance Misuse specialty provides advanced social work students the opportunity to focus on assessment and intervention with those evidencing acute and chronic mental health problems and substance abuse disorders. Students are trained to diagnose, treat, collaborate on recovery, and advocate for social justice for persons across the life span who have mental and substance abuse disorders, as well as to deliver services and support policies to prevent such disorders. The Direct Practice in Mental Health & Substance Misuse specialty is offered on-campus, in an online cohort (full and part-time), and through our Fort Worth cohort program.

Direct Practice - Mental Health & Substance Misuse
Advanced Micro Practice SOCW 5311

Builds on the generalist perspective and the basic familiarity with social work processes (such as problem identification, assessment, contracting, plan implementation, and outcome evaluation) in the context of (1) existing psychosocial intervention modalities, and (2) the particular client characteristics that lend themselves to specific change modalities. Required of all Direct Practice students. Prerequisite: SOCW 5304, SOCW 5681, and SOCW 5281.
Direct Practice in Mental Health & Substance Misuse SOCW 5352

Focuses on assessment and intervention with those evidencing acute and chronic mental health problems and disabilities. The course addresses the delivery of services to various populations (children, adolescents, and adults), service delivery systems (community mental health, managed behavioral health care), and a wide range of problems. Topics include well-being, ethics, case management, treatment planning, managed care, DSM, PIE, and substance abuse. Co-requisite: SOCW 5311.
Treatment of Addictive Behaviors SOCW 5354

Surveys major treatment alternatives, showing addictive behavior patterns such as alcohol/drug abuse or eating disorders. Student conducts field research of 12-step programs, practices interventions, and studies inpatient and outpatient treatment methods with emphasis on relapse prevention. Prerequisite: SOCW 5311.
Mental Health Policy SOCW 5353

Studies programs and policies in the field of mental health. An analytical model is employed in the process of examining critical issues in the mental health arena. Prerequisite: SOCW 5303.
Suggested Electives
Personal Relationships SOCW 5364

Explores theoretical and empirical data on diverse personal relationships at the follow stages of relationship: initiation, maintenance, and termination. Identifies areas for intervention.   Prerequisite: SOCW 5301 and SOCW 5307.
Cognitive Behavioral Intervention Strategies SOCW 5356

Explores the integration of cognitive-behavioral and constructivist intervention methods in the treatment of various problems and clinical populations. The theoretical bases of cognitivism, behaviorism, and constructivism are identified and current issues in cognitive-behavioral and in constructivist methods are addressed. Assessment and interventions taught in this course are drawn from evidence-based practice knowledge and informed practice wisdom. Client strengths and individual empowerment are emphasized in formulating assessment and intervention strategies. Prerequisite: SOCW 5311.
Group Dynamics and Social Work Practice SOCW 5357

Examines contemporary social-psychological concepts and small group research, with a view to testing their applicability to practice propositions and operational principles, in work with both task and personality satisfaction groups. Co-requisite: SOCW 5311.
Military Social Work SOCW 5355

The focus of this course is on examining military culture within a diversity framework, considering ethical implications for practice with this culture, comprehending prevalent social and health issues (including the effects of policies and health disparities) for this population, and analyzing current advances in knowledge of the neurobiological underpinnings of human behavior and development pertinent to those issues and to resilience to stress and adversity in this population. Implications for social work practice with individuals, families, groups, programs/organizations, and communities relevant to this population will be identified and evaluated. The implications will be examined in terms of social justice, social work values, knowledge, and skills, as well as in terms of the structural and systematic arrangement and delivery of social welfare services at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Co-requisite: SOCW 5311.
Treatment of Children and Adolescents SOCW 5358

Overview of the literature which describes physical, psychological, and cultural characteristics unique to childhood and adolescence. Attention then turned to treatment principles, and the specification of procedures for the amelioration of problems common to children and adolescents. Co-requisite: SOCW 5311.

GET IN TOUCH WITH SSW ADMISSIONS

Brianna Gibbs
Academic Recruiter
Primarily Graduate Admissions

Email: brianna.gibbs@uta.edu
Phone:817-272-2551
Office:  SWSH 203O

Dolores Bevins
Admissions Counselor II
Email: doloresbevins@uta.edu
Phone: 817-272-1044
Office:  SWSH 203Q

Darlene Santee
Manager for Recruiting and Admissions
Email: santeed@uta.edu
Office:  SWSH 203U