Crisis Intervention - Summer 2008 - Syllabus

HSV 368.97 Crisis Intervention
Post University
COURSE SYLLABUS
Saturday Schedule, July 5 – Aug 23, 2008

Professor Henry Schissler
380 Cedar Lane, Cheshire, CT 06410
Cell – 203-430-1411
EMAIL – henryschissler@cox.net

sociologycultureblog.blogspot.com for general information, articles of interest

talkingsociology.blogspot.com for specifics about this course

REQUIRED TEXT:
James, Richard, Crisis Intervention Strategies, 6th Edition. NY: Thomson, 2008
Myer, Rick, Assessment For Crisis Intervention. NY: Brooks Cole, 2001

RECOMMENDED & REFERENCED TEXTS:
American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition Revised. Washington DC: APA, 2003


LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the conclusion of this course the student will:
· Discuss three crisis intervention models
· Articulate an understanding of the schools of counseling relevant to crisis intervention work
· Complete problem lists, treatment planning, referral processes using a case study
· Complete medical record charting (D.A.P. method) using a case study
· Demonstrate an understanding of crisis assessment models
· Articulate an understanding of personal biases and prejudices that might impact effective crisis intervention work
· Have an understanding of key DSM-IV diagnostic categories as an assessment tool
· Demonstrate an understanding of trauma resolution
· Articulate an understanding of multicultural issues relevant to crisis intervention

EVALUATION CRITERIA:
Problem List Assignment – 20%
Assessment Assignment – 20%
DSM-IV Assignment – 20%
Chapter-Of-Your-Choice Assignment – 20%
Attendance (05%) and Participation (15%) – 20%
Make Up Assignment(s) For Missed Classes


CLASS SCHEDULE

July 5 – Professor & Learner Introductions; Syllabus Review; Overview of Basics from Psychology, Sociology & Human Services; Bio-Psycho-Social Perspective; What is Trauma, What “Types” (Situations) Are Not; Normal & Abnormal Stress Response; Discussion of Biases & Prejudices


July 12 – Exhaustive -> Focused Problem List -> Treatment Plan Options; Medical Charting; DSM-IV Diagnoses; PTSD, Also Non-PTSD Anxiety and Stress; the Role of Defensive Structures; Crisis Intervention Strategies Text, Chapter 6


July 19 – Crisis Intervention Strategies Text, Chapters 1 – 3; Problem List Assignment Due


July 26 – Assessment for Crisis Intervention Text


Aug 02 – Crisis Intervention Strategies Text, Chapters 4, 7 – 9; Assessment Assignment Due

Aug 09 – Crisis Intervention Strategies Text, Chapter 10; DSM-IV Assignment Due


Aug 16 – Crisis Intervention Strategies Text, Chapter 11; Chapter-Of-Your-Choice Assignment Due


Aug 23 – Wrap-Up: Roundtable Discussion on Course Topics Chosen by Learners



GRADING SPECIFICS:

General Guidelines: It is critical that you cite sources in the body of your paper using APA format and include a works cited page that is also correctly done. You may not (and should never) use Wikipedia as a source because it can be unreliable. If you use a web reference, you must cite it correctly in the body of the paper and on the works cited page. Use an 11-font, Arial or a similar “understated” font; and use space-and-a-half when formatting. Use correct margins. Relevant images enhance papers and I encourage their use, but they do not diminish the four page requirement of written work. You can always write more than four pages but never less. Use paragraphs correctly (one idea = one paragraph); this is a chronic problem for some students which seriously diminishes the paper’s overall effectiveness.

Call or email me with any questions or concerns. Because we are adult learners, there are times when “life takes over,” and you might experience difficulty with completing a paper on time. I understand this and do not penalize for late papers. However, learners who fall behind tend to earn lower grades because of the stress associated with catching up. Work with me so that does not happen to you!


Problem List Assignment: You will construct exhaustive to focused problem lists and treatment plans for two or three cases.

Assessment Assignment: You will complete a four-page minimum paper on Triage Assessment (see Appendix B); you will be explaining each area of assessment, how they are implemented, and provide examples of their effectiveness and variables that might hamper their effectiveness.

DSM-IV Assignment: You will complete a four-page minimum paper on one specific diagnosis that you wish to learn more about. You will need to talk about the diagnosis from the perspective of crisis intervention work.

Chapter-Of-Your-Choice Assignment: You will complete a four page minimum paper on a chapter (or part of a chapter) from the Crisis Intervention Strategies text. Pick an area of interest or one that you would like to learn more about. You may use sources other than the textbook.

Attendance and Participation: Attendance is required and please arrive on time. If you miss a class, you are responsible for arranging details of a makeup assignment for the missed class. Participation is expected.


CELL PHONE POLICY: Turn it off! Check it during breaks! NEVER leave the class to answer a call. If you need to keep it on for any important reason, just let me know at the beginning of class.

MISSED CLASS MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENT: You will complete a three page minimum paper on topics covered during that class. Use your syllabus as your guide to what the content of the assignment will be.