SW607 - Assessment and Diagnosis in Social Work

Students will learn to develop diagnostic skills utilizing standard diagnostic nomenclature and treatment strategies, becoming more familiar with differential diagnosing, and therapeutic models. The social work imperative of considering person-in-environment is infused throughout. Multicultural and ethical components are also integrated.  The course will provide students with knowledge of the major categories of diagnoses for adults as formulated in DSM-5 and of theoretical perspectives in those categories.  Attention is given to the dynamics of development and culture, and to the interrelationship among biological, psychological, and social/cultural systems that impact diagnosis.  The focus will be on utilizing these elements in order to provide a comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessment.  Treatments specifically related to these diagnoses will be noted.