Course Syllabus

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ADC513: Psychopathology, Co-Occurring Disorders and Addiction

Instructor & Contact Information

The People tab in Canvas provides information on the course instructor and you can  send a message to your instructor following these instructions. Faculty are expected to: 1) grade and return assignments, with feedback, within 7 days from the date of submission; 2) reply to your Canvas messages within 72 hours; 3) reply several times each week in total in the discussion forums (not to each individual student); and 4) demonstrate the core values of City Vision University.

Course Description

This course provides an in-depth exploration of psychopathology, co-occurring disorders, and addiction. Students will learn about the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the development of mental health and substance use disorders. Clinical and scientific research is integrated through the course with a biblical worldview so that students will have a robust biopsychosocial and spiritual lens to understand and treat mental disorders. They will also examine the various models of addiction, the stages of addiction and recovery, and the different types of treatment available for addiction.

The course will cover the diagnostic criteria for major mental health disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and psychotic disorders. Students will also explore the comorbidity of mental health disorders with substance use disorders and the challenges that arise when treating co-occurring disorders.

Throughout the course, students will engage in critical thinking and discussion to deepen their understanding of the complex issues related to psychopathology, co-occurring disorders, and addiction. They will also develop the skills necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with these conditions in a variety of clinical settings.

By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the causes and treatment of psychopathology, co-occurring disorders, and addiction. They will also be equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to work effectively with individuals struggling with these issues.

Course Outcomes

After completing this course, you will be able to:

  1. Conceptualize the history, course, and treatment of co-occurring disorders
  2. Integrate psychopathology with a Christian worldview and addiction treatment principles
  3. Differentiate between different mental disorders according to diagnostic standards
  4. Develop a personal model of psychopathology
  5. Create a comprehensive treatment strategy for a co-occurring disorder case study

Degree Program Outcomes

Degree outcomes are the overall skills and knowledge we expect you will have after successfully completing a degree program at City Vision University. Domains covered in this course are marked with an asterisk. After completing the degree, you will be able to do the following in each of the listed domains:

  1. Addiction Counseling *. Develop plans and function in the eight practice domains of addiction counseling including: 1) Clinical Evaluation, 2) Treatment Planning, 3) Referral, 4) Case Management, 5) Counseling, 6) Client Education, 7) Documentation and 8) Ethics including transdisciplinary foundations.
  2. Christian Counseling *. Integrate the theory and practice of addiction counseling into a Christian worldview to effectively serve and apply professional ethics in secular counseling and Christian counseling environments.
  3. Co-occurring Disorders *. Provide counseling, treatment plans and referrals to those with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders.
  4. Addiction Psychopharmacology. Develop effective addiction treatment based on knowledge of a range of psychoactive drugs and be able to educate clients and provide referrals needed to provide comprehensive treatment.
  5. Family Counseling. Provide counseling to families affected by addiction and assist them in moving toward healthy family dynamics.
  6. Trauma & Crisis Counseling. Provide effective counseling to those experiencing crisis or having a history of trauma.
  7. Multicultural Counseling. Utilize effective methods to counsel diverse clients in both Christian and secular counseling environments.

 

Concentration Outcomes 

  1. Group Counseling. Facilitate group counseling sessions based on an understanding of group dynamics in addiction treatment. 
  2. Counseling Theory. Synthesize counseling theories to develop treatment plans for those with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders.
  3. Counseling Skills & Techniques. Apply counseling theories and techniques in addiction counseling including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and 12-step group facilitation.
  4. Clinical Evaluation. Conduct thorough assessments and diagnoses of substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
  5. Professional Ethics. Apply the ethical and professional principles, standards, and expectations that are integral to a professional counselor's role and identity.

Required Texts

Students are required to purchase these texts before the first day of classes. 

Outline & Course Alignment with CACREP Standards and SAMHSA TAP21 Competencies

  • Week 1. History and Assessment of Psychopathology and Co-Occurring Disorders
    • CACREP Standards
      • 2.F.1. Professional Counseling Orientation & Ethical Practice: a, b
      • 2.F.3. Human Growth and Development: c, d, e
      • 5.A.1. Addiction Counseling: Foundations: a
    • SAMHSA TAP21 Competencies
      • A.I. Transdisciplinary: Understanding Addiction
      • A.II. Transdisciplinary: Treatment Knowledge
  • Week 2. Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Trauma Disorders, and Addiction
    • CACREP Standards
      • 2.F.1. Professional Counseling Orientation & Ethical Practice: a, b
      • 2.F.3. Human Growth and Development: c, d, e
      • 2.F.5. Counseling and Helping Relationships: a, b, c
      • 5.A.1. Addiction Counseling: Foundations: a, d
      • 5.A.2. Addiction Counseling Contextual Dimensions: i
    • SAMHSA TAP21 Competencies
      • A.I. Transdisciplinary: Understanding Addiction
      • A.II. Transdisciplinary: Treatment Knowledge
      • A.III. Transdisciplinary: Application to Practice
      • Ib. Assessment
  • Week 3. Psychotic Disorders, Personality Disorders, and Addiction
    • CACREP Standards
      • 2.F.1. Professional Counseling Orientation & Ethical Practice: a, b
      • 2.F.3. Human Growth and Development: c, d, e
      • 2.F.5. Counseling and Helping Relationships: a, b, c
      • 5.A.1. Addiction Counseling: Foundations: a, d
      • 5.A.2. Addiction Counseling Contextual Dimensions: i
    • SAMHSA TAP21 Competencies
      • A.I. Transdisciplinary: Understanding Addiction
      • A.II. Transdisciplinary: Treatment Knowledge
      • A.III. Transdisciplinary: Application to Practice
      • Ib. Assessment
  • Week 4: Eating Disorders, Sleep-Wake Disorders, Somatic Disorders, Dissociative Disorders, and Addiction
    • CACREP Standards
      • 2.F.1. Professional Counseling Orientation & Ethical Practice: a, b
      • 2.F.3. Human Growth and Development: c, d, e
      • 2.F.5. Counseling and Helping Relationships: a, b, c
      • 5.A.1. Addiction Counseling: Foundations: a, d
      • 5.A.2. Addiction Counseling Contextual Dimensions: i
    • SAMHSA TAP21 Competencies
      • A.I. Transdisciplinary: Understanding Addiction
      • A.II. Transdisciplinary: Treatment Knowledge
      • A.III. Transdisciplinary: Application to Practice
      • Ib. Assessment
  • Week 5. Sexual Disorders, Substance-Related Disorders, Impulse Control Disorders, and Addiction
    • CACREP Standards
      • 2.F.1. Professional Counseling Orientation & Ethical Practice: a, b
      • 2.F.3. Human Growth and Development: c, d, e
      • 2.F.5. Counseling and Helping Relationships: a, b, c
      • 5.A.1. Addiction Counseling: Foundations: a, d
      • 5.A.2. Addiction Counseling Contextual Dimensions: i
    • SAMHSA TAP21 Competencies
      • A.I. Transdisciplinary: Understanding Addiction
      • A.II. Transdisciplinary: Treatment Knowledge
      • A.III. Transdisciplinary: Application to Practice
      • Ib. Assessment
  • Week 6. Physical Disorders, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Neurocognitive Disorders, and Addiction
    • CACREP Standards
      • 2.F.1. Professional Counseling Orientation & Ethical Practice: a, b
      • 2.F.3. Human Growth and Development: c, d, e
      • 2.F.5. Counseling and Helping Relationships: a, b, c
      • 5.A.1. Addiction Counseling: Foundations: a, d
      • 5.A.2. Addiction Counseling Contextual Dimensions: i
    • SAMHSA TAP21 Competencies
      • A.I. Transdisciplinary: Understanding Addiction
      • A.II. Transdisciplinary: Treatment Knowledge
      • A.III. Transdisciplinary: Application to Practice
      • Ib. Assessment
  • Week 7: Approaches to Treating Co-Occurring Disorders - Legal and Ethical Issues
    • CACREP Standards
      • 2.F.1. Professional Counseling Orientation & Ethical Practice: a, b
      • 2.F.3. Human Growth and Development: c, d, e
      • 2.F.5. Counseling and Helping Relationships: a, b, c, g, h, j
      • 2.F.7. Assessment and Testing: k, l
      • 5.A.1. Addiction Counseling: Foundations: a, d
      • 5.A.2. Addiction Counseling Contextual Dimensions: b, c, i
    • SAMHSA TAP21 Competencies
      • A.I. Transdisciplinary: Understanding Addiction
      • A.II. Transdisciplinary: Treatment Knowledge
      • A.III. Transdisciplinary: Application to Practice
      • Ib. Assessment
      • II. Treatment Planning
  • Week 8. Approaches to Treating Co-Occurring Disorders - Models of Treatment
    • CACREP Standards
      • 2.F.1. Professional Counseling Orientation & Ethical Practice: a, b
      • 2.F.3. Human Growth and Development: c, d, e
      • 2.F.5. Counseling and Helping Relationships: a, b, c, g, h, j
      • 2.F.7. Assessment and Testing: k, l
      • 5.A.1. Addiction Counseling: Foundations: a, d
      • 5.A.2. Addiction Counseling Contextual Dimensions: b, c, i
    • SAMHSA TAP21 Competencies
      • A.I. Transdisciplinary: Understanding Addiction
      • A.II. Transdisciplinary: Treatment Knowledge
      • A.III. Transdisciplinary: Application to Practice
      • Ib. Assessment
      • II. Treatment Planning

Guidelines for Written Work

All written work must follow our Writing Format and Forum Requirements. You must read these to understand how to cite sources appropriately.

Critical Policies to Read for This Course

Note: These policies are critical for all students to read. In case of change, we have linked to the versions on our website to make sure you have the latest version.

Additional Policies:

This syllabus is subject to change without notice up until the first day of the semester. Last updated: July 12, 2023

Course Summary:

Date Details Due