BH 288M Practicum: Mental Health Services

Lecture Hours: 1
Lab Hours: 21
Credits: 8

Provides experience working on-site in a behavioral health agency to integrate field and classroom experiences. Offers Mental Health Services students two different practicum sites, each at least two terms in length, during the Associate of Applied Science degree acquisition. Second-year practicum is more comprehensive and provides an opportunity to develop more advanced skills.

Prerequisite: BH 150, BH 170, and BH 203; or consent of instructor. Students must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in BH 216 (or BH 217 once BH 216 is completed) to commence (or continue in) practicum at a second site. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Awareness of client individual treatment needs based on cultural norms, language, values, beliefs, gender, trauma history, and economic status.
Use case management skills for client care coordination.
Participate in consultation and referral services for clients and agency partners.
Conduct and compose screenings and assessments.
Understand crisis intervention practices.
Document client participation and progress using electronic medical records.

Content Outline

Functioning as an Effective Agency Member
Understanding the clients
- Addressing and resolving conflict
- Identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas
- Intercultural competency
- Workplace expectations
- Community resources and referrals
- Use of Clinical Supervision
- Planning for the supervision session
- Accepting, giving, and learning from feedback
Skill Development
- Evaluation
- Service and treatment modalities
- Assessing behavior
- Documentation
Evidence-Based Practices
Career Planning