COU 620 - The Role of the Professional Mental Health Counselor in the Community (3)

Prerequisites: COU 601 , COU 602 , and COU 610 . Required core course.

This course investigates core issues in mental health counseling with a focus on the role of professional counselors in their community. The course explores the multiple roles and responsibilities of counselors as practitioners and consultants. Students will develop knowledge of community-based resources and will be exposed to models of mental health prevention and wellness, crisis intervention techniques, the psychological dimensions of disaster, trauma-informed care, and suicide risk assessment and prevention. The course also examines the impact of technology on the counseling relationship, counseling process, and the profession and explores how to effectively utilize technology to provide counseling in rural, underserved areas. Upon completion of this course, students will know how to provide counseling in emergency situations and how to use technology effectively in counseling.