Integrated Health (IH): Physical, Psychological, and Social Well-Being

This specialization is focused on diverse and underserved populations in hospital, forensic, and community-based settings, treating behavioral health, violence, trauma, and addictions. The specialization emphasizes clinical treatment, program interventions, and policy solutions that address health care and patient needs within a coordinated and inter-professional system of care.

This specialization will develop competencies for students interested in practice, research, policy, and systemic change in areas such as: 

  • Health disparities
  • Mental health
  • Disabilities
  • Substance use
  • Chronic illness
  • Aging 
  • Palliative care 
  • Forensic social work
  • Clinical preventive services
  • Care coordination

Course Breakdown

  • HWC 502 - Practicum Education III
  • HWC 564 - Advanced Practice I: Assessment and Skills in Integrated Health
  • HWC 574 - Clinical Skills: Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Integrated Health (IH)
  • HWC 519 - Psychopathology & Psychopharmacology
  • Elective

*Psychopathology and three electives may be taken in any semester after the successful completion of the first year. 

  • HWC 503 - Practicum Education IV
  • HWC 565 - Advanced Practice II: Strategies and Interventions in Integrated Health
  • HWC 576 - Integrated Health: Advanced Health Policy Systems
  • Elective
  • Elective

*Psychopathology and three electives may be taken in any semester after the successful completion of the first year. 

Required Courses and Descriptions

HWC 564 - Advanced Practice I: Assessment and Skills in Integrated Health (IH)
This course will build advanced competencies as applied in health and mental health settings. Students will learn how to conduct assessments that engage the family and the community, and develop skills for relationship building, care coordination, and strategies for defining and addressing the social determinants of health, utilizing interprofessional practice skills. Topics include primary prevention; acute and long-term care; rehabilitation in inpatient and outpatient clinics, forensic social work; substance abuse; medically managed systems; chronic disease; HIV/AIDS; trauma and co-morbid psychiatric issues; cancer. Must take concurrently with HWC 502. 3 credits Fall Semester 
 
HWC 565 - Advanced Practice II: Strategies and Interventions in Integrated Health (IH)
Building on the knowledge and skills in Advanced Practice I, students will learn current practice strategies, technological advancements, and interventions to address the major health concerns that impact society. Students will investigate population-based treatments across trauma-responsive systems, build on the client’s strengths, and ensure they are culturally congruent. Must take concurrently with HWC 503, and have taken Advanced Practice I. 3 credits, Spring Semester
 
HWC 576 - Integrated Health (IH): Advanced Health Policy Systems 
The course will address local, federal, state, and organizational policies and funding mechanisms impacting health and mental health. Topics include recent developments in health care reform and current issues and trends in primary and behavioral health care integration.  The course will emphasize diversity, health disparities, and social and economic justice. 3 credits, Spring Semester
 
HWC 574 - Clinical Skills: Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Integrated Health (IH) 
This course introduces students to advanced evidence-based clinical modalities, which include group treatment and short-term interventions with an emphasis on Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as applied in health and mental health care settings. 3 credits, Fall Semester
 

This specialization is focused on diverse and underserved populations in hospital, forensic, and community-based settings, treating behavioral health, violence, trauma, and addictions. The specialization emphasizes clinical treatment, program interventions, and policy solutions that address health care and patient needs within a coordinated and inter-professional system of care.

This Specialization will develop competencies for students interested in practice, research, policy, and systemic change in areas such as:

·         Health Disparities

·         Mental Health

·         Disabilities

·         Substance Use

·         Chronic Illness

·         Aging

·         Palliative Care

·         Forensic Social Work

·         Clinical Preventive Services

·         Care Coordination.