Mental Health/Chemical Dependency/Mental Retardation (MHCR)

MHCR 111 Introduction to Mental Health (A, W, SP, SU)

4 credits
This entry-level course provides the student with a comprehensive overview of the mental health field as it relates to historical and contemporary issues impacting the mental health field, as well as service delivery components and barriers. The student acquires knowledge of the clinically based, mental health knowledge and skills needed to formulate assessments. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 101 or 111, placement out of DEV 044 and 031
Lab fee: $12.00

MHCR 112 Introduction Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities (A, W, SP, SU)

3 credits
This entry-level course provides the student with an overview of the mental retardation/developmental disability field as it relates to contemporary and historical issues impacting persons with disabilities and the service delivery system. Students will gain knowledge of definitions, causes, and characteristics of a variety of developmental disabilities as well as the services available to individuals with developmental disabilities. Principles of self-determination, behavior supports, and advocacy will be discussed. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 101 or 111, placement out of DEV 044 and 031
Lab fee: $12.00

MHCR 114 Introduction to Chemical Dependency (A, W, SP, SU)

4 credits
This entry-level course provides the student with an overview of chemical dependency. Historical and cultural influences and models utilized to understand substance abuse and dependency are discussed. The ASAM/NCADD levels of care definition and the DSM-IV criteria of substance dependence are explored. Common drugs of abuse and their impact on the individual, family and society are presented. Students explore community resources available to persons with chemical dependency and their families. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 101 or 111, placement out of DEV 044 and 031
Lab fee: $12.00

MHCR 115 Introduction to Counseling (A, W, SP, SU)

4 credits
This introductory course focuses on the development of basic interviewing, rapport building, and active listening skills for the beginning student. The student gains a beginning understanding of the process and principles in establishing effective helping relationships using attending behaviors, effective questioning, empathy, and self-awareness. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 101 or 111, placement out of DEV 044 and 031
Lab fee: $12.00

MHCR 117 Introduction to Documentation Skills (A, W, SP, SU)

2 credits
The emphasis in this introductory course is on the use of behavioral writing to document services delivered to clients. Students learn beginning skills needed to maintain records, including writing progress notes. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 101 or 111, placement out of DEV 044 and 031
Lab fee: $15.00

MHCR 135 Intervention Strategies (A, W, SP, SU)

4 credits
This core course focuses on understanding individual behavior. Students will learn skills and strategies for de-escalating, resolving, and preventing conflict, aggression, and violence between people within agencies and their programs. Topics include building healthy relationships, proactive interaction, the crisis cycle, effects of trauma, purpose and appropriate use of physical interaction, positive behavior support, the stages of change, behavior support plans, and teaching healthy choices. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the program
Corequisite: MHCR 191
Lab fee: $16.00

MHCR 150 Pharmacology in Human Services (A, W, SP, SU)

2 credits
This is a required course in all three tracks in the MH/CD/MR program. This course examines the composition, uses and effects of various psychoactive and psychotropic drugs. Commonly used psychotropic medications, the psychiatric conditions for which they are prescribed, and frequently experienced side effects are discussed. An overview of the central nervous system and drug/neurotransmitter interactions is also covered. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the program
Lab fee: $12.00

MHCR 191A Fundamentals in Human Service Practice: Helping Process (A, W, SP, SU)

4 credits
Emphasis in this core course is on understanding and applying the helping process. Students learn to apply data collection, data assessment, action planning, action/implementation, and evaluation skills. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the program, MHCR 111, 112, 114, 115, 117, PSY 100, ENGL 101
Lab fee: $12.00

MHCR 191B Fundamentals in Human Service Practice: Practicum (A, W, SP, SU)

4 credits
Emphasis in this core course is on observing and participating in the delivery of services to clients served by an agency. The student practices initial helping skills, including data collection, assessment, and action planning under the supervision of an agency professional. The student processes practicum experiences in a weekly seminar. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 14 hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the program, MHCR 111, 112, 114, 115, 117, PSY 100, ENGL 101
Lab fee: $38.00

MHCR 230 Supervision and Ethics in Chemical Dependency (On Demand)

2 credits
This course familiarizes the student with clinical supervision in the field of chemical dependency and looks at ethical standards and issues in substance abuse counseling and prevention. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Lab fee: $5.00

MCHR 230A Supervision in Chemical Dependency Counseling (On Demand)

1 credit
This course is a modularized component of 230 which will familiarize the student with clinical supervision in the field of chemical dependency and issues in substance abuse counseling and prevention. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 1 hour – Lab: 0 hours
Lab fee: $5.00

MCHR 230B Ethics in Chemical Dependency Counseling (On Demand)

1 credit
This course is a modularized component of 230 which will familiarize the student with ethical standards and issues in substance abuse counseling and prevention. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 1 hour – Lab: 0 hours
Lab fee: $2.00

MCHR 231 Ethics in Substance Abuse Prevention (On Demand)

1 credit
This course familiarizes the student with ethical issues in the field of substance abuse prevention. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 1 hour – Lab: 0 hours
Lab fee: $2.00

MCHR 234 Therapeutic Laughter (On Demand)

3 credits
This course familiarizes the student with the therapeutic aspects of humor and the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Certified Laughter Leader. Leaders are able to facilitate social and therapeutic Laughter Clubs. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Lab fee: $8.00

MCHR 235 Diagnosis and Treatment for Chemical Dependency Counselors (On Demand)

4 credits
This course familiarizes the student with DSM-IV with the emphasis on substance related disorders. Other common mental disorders are explored. Treatment for substance related and mental disorders are discussed. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Lab fee: $8.00

MHCR 236 Foundations in Prevention (On Demand)

4 credits
This course familiarizes the student with the historical perspectives, theoretical approaches, current program models, and research in ATOD. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Lab fee: $8.00
Prerequisite: MHCR 114
Corequisite: MCHR 191

MHCR 237 Program Planning and Evaluation (On Demand)

3 credits
This course focuses on the role of the community and leaders in the community in the development and implementation of prevention services. Methods for evaluating program effectiveness, impact and outcomes of prevention services are explored. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: MHCR 236
Lab fees: $8.00

MHCR 239 Advanced Prevention Practices

3 credits
This practicum course allows students to become involved in the community to access, develop, implement, and evaluate prevention services. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Practicum: 10 hours
Prerequisite: MCHR 237
Lab fee: $35.00

MHCR 241 Counseling Skills (A, W)

4 credits
This core course focuses on theoretical and practical aspects of effective helping through the counseling relationship with clients who have MH/CD and/or MR issues. Following a microtraining model, skills which form the foundation of effective communication are emphasized. Critical thought and creativity also is stressed. Course emphasizes practicing skills in small groups and in role play/simulations. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisites: MHCR 191A and B
Lab fee: $18.00

MHCR 245 Chemical Dependency I (A, W)

4 credits
This course is offered as part of the CD track only. Course content includes exploration of various philosophies and approaches to the treatment of addictions, recognition of signs and symptoms of substance dependence, assessing client’s stage of change, and the appropriate level of care for treatment. Issues and treatment for families and significant others are reviewed. Students complete a bio-psycho-social assessment, diagnostic summary, and didactic presentation. The 12 Core Functions of a substance abuse counselor are interwoven throughout the quarter. Students participate in, explore, and evaluate community support groups. Legal and ethical issues in the field of chemical dependency counseling are discussed. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisites: MHCR 191A and B
Corequisites: MHCR 241 and MHCR 293
Lab fee: $18.00

MHCR 247 Teaching and Supporting Strategies (A, W)

4 credits
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and techniques for teaching and supporting people with diverse needs. Topics covered include habilitation/rehabilitation programming, self-determination, person-centered planning, teaching and learning styles, community connecting, task and process analysis, development of teaching plans and supported employment. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisites: MHCR 191A and B
Corequisites: MHCR 241 and 291
Lab fee: $18.00

MHCR 251 Social Policy (W, SP)

4 credits
This course examines social welfare policies/programs at national, state, and local levels in fields of MH/CD/MR. The student uses an ecological model for social change to collect, synthesize, and evaluate data on a variety of social problems. Throughout the course, the student documents analysis of visits to agencies and organizations. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: MHCR 245/293 or MHCR 247/291
Lab fee: $18.00

MHCR 253 Therapeutic Group Work Skills (W, SP)

4 credits
This course, offered as a part of all three tracks in the program, is focused on knowledge and experiential learning using the group as the unit of attention. Course content includes process, stages of development, leadership skills, therapeutic factors, and problematic issues for groups of clients who are mentally ill, mentally retarded, chemically dependent, or who have co-occurring disorders. The student participates as a member in a peer group to complement classroom theoretical constructs. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisites: MHCR 241 and MHCR 247/291 or MHCR 245/293
Corequisite: MHCR 295
Lab fee: $20.00

MHCR 258 Service Coordination/Case Management (SP, SU)

4 credits
This course provides the human service student with a comprehensive overview and analysis of a service coordination/case management system. Student receives an in-depth exposure to newly defined skills, treatment approaches, and contemporary issues impacting the service coordination/case management delivery field. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisites: MHCR 253 and 295
Corequisite: MHCR 298
Lab fee: $18.00

MHCR 265 Chemical Dependency II (SP, SU)

4 credits
This is an advanced course offered as part of the Chemical Dependency track only. This course focuses on working with clients with co-occurring disorders and on relapse prevention. Students assess client resistance, identify stages of change, and practice appropriate motivational interviewing techniques. Students develop a relapse prevention plan/treatment plan and develop a discharge plan utilizing a variety of community support groups and resources. Legal and ethical issues, including duty to warn and working with impaired professionals, are explored. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisites: MHCR 253 and 295
Corequisite: MHCR 296
Lab fee: $18.00

MHCR 266 Treatment in the Criminal Justice System (On Demand)

4 credits
This course explores substance abuse and mental health treatment in the criminal justice system. Various treatment modalities will be discussed with particular focus on therapeutic communities. Students gain awareness of social, political, and institutional issues that influence design, policy, and implementation of institutional treatment programming.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Lab fee: $10.00

MHCR 270 Special Topics in Chemical Dependency Counseling (On Demand)

2 credits
This course familiarizes the student with the cultural perspectives of specific client populations as it relates to substance abuse/dependency assessment and treatment of individuals and families. Topics include Native Americans, domestic violence survivors, sexual abuse perpetrators, pregnant women, siblings of substance abusing adolescents, Latinos, gangs, older adults and parents and families. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Lab fee: $20.00

MHCR 274 Special Studies in MH/CD/MR (On Demand)

1-12 credits
This course is designed to meet specific needs of students who wish to pursue in-depth training in the MH/CD/MR field. Typical subject areas include theory and skills in helping individuals who are chemically dependent, severely mentally disabled, dually-multi diagnosed, or persons with mental retardation/developmental disabilities. Instructional methods may include clinical experience, seminar format, field placement, lecture, research, videotape and role play. Students enroll in this course with permission of faculty or clinical coordinator. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: Varies – Lab: Varies
Lab fee: $20.00

MCHR 275 Principles of Team Process (On Demand)

3 credits
This is an advanced course which provides the student with a theoretical and practical foundation for functioning as a team member in a human service agency. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Lab fee: $10.00

MHCR 280 Special Topics in Chemical Dependency (On Demand)

2 credits
This course familiarizes the student with the cultural perspectives of specific client populations as it relates to substance abuse and dependency assessment and treatment of individuals and families. Topics include African-Americans; the Appalachian community; people living with HIV/AIDS; adolescents; criminal offender population; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons; homeless individuals; persons with co-occurring disorders. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Lab fee: $20.00

MHCR 284 Special Studies in MH/CD/MR (On Demand)

1-4 credits
This course is designed to meet specific needs of students who wish to pursue in-depth training in the MH/CD/MR field. Typical subject areas include theory and skills in helping individuals who are chemically dependent, severely mentally disabled, dually-multi diagnosed, or persons with mental retardation/developmental disabilities. Instructional methods may include clinical experience, seminar format, field placement, lecture, research, videotape and role play. Students enroll in this course with permission of faculty or clinical coordinator. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Lab fee: $20.00

MHCR 290 Special Topics in Prevention

2 credits
This course familiarizes the student with various aspects of prevention. Evidence-based practice standards will be utilized including risk and protection measures. Topics will rotate and include the prevention of various health related issues, violence, crime, delinquency, teen pregnancy, mental health issues, sexually transmitted diseases and other emerging issues.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Lab fee: $4.00

MHCR 291 Practicum in Teaching and Supporting Strategies (A, W)

4 credits
This is a clinical experience for the student specializing in the Mental Health and Mental Retardation tracks which takes place in a community agency. The student practices the skills needed to teach and support people in vocational or community settings with an emphasis on habilitation/rehabilitation programming, self-determination, person centered planning, community connecting, teaching plans and job coaching. The student is expected to assume the role of service provider and is responsible for professional conduct and appropriate work habits. The student processes practicum experiences in a weekly seminar. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 14 hours
Prerequisites: MHCR 191A and B
Corequisite: MHCR 247
Lab fee: $45.00

MHCR 293 Practicum in Chemical Dependency I (A, W)

4 credits
This is a required clinical experience for students in the Chemical Dependency track. The student is placed in an agency that provides chemical dependency treatment services. Students begin to participate in services that relate to the 12 core functions of a substance abuse counselor. Focus in on assessment, symptom identification and engaging clients in the treatment process. The student assumes the role of service provider demonstrating professional conduct and appropriate work habits. The student processes practicum experiences in a weekly seminar. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 14 hours
Prerequisites: MHCR 191A and B
Corequisite: MHCR 245
Lab fee: $45.00

MHCR 295 Practicum in Therapeutic Group Work (W, SP)

4 credits
This is a clinical experience for the student in all three tracks in the MH/CD/MR program. In a community agency, the student leads or co-leads a group using skills learned in the classroom, in addition to maintaining one-on-one contact with an identified agency client. The student assumes the role of service provider, demonstrating professional conduct and appropriate work habits. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 14 hours
Prerequisites: MHCR 241 and MHCR 247/291 or MHCR 245/293
Corequisite: MHCR 253
Lab fee: $50.00

MHCR 296 Practicum in Chemical Dependency II (SP, SU)

4 credits
This advanced clinical experience is required for the student in the Chemical Dependency track and continues to engage students in the 12 Core Functions of a substance abuse counselor. Emphasis is on co-occurring disorders and relapse prevention utilizing motivational enhancement and stage wise treatment throughout the practicum experience. The student assumes the role of service provider, demonstrating professional conduct and appropriate work habits. The student processes practicum experiences in a weekly seminar. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 14 hours
Prerequisite: MHCR 253 and 295
Corequisite: MHCR 265
Lab fee: $50.00

MHCR 298 Practicum in Service Coordination/Case Management (SP, SU)

4 credits
This is a clinical experience for the Mental Health and Mental Retardation track student. The student practices service coordination and case management skills with emphasis on interdisciplinary treatment planning, assessment writing, and the implementation of appropriate referrals. The student assumes the role of service provider and is responsible for professional conduct and acceptable work habits. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Prerequisites: MHCR 253 and 295
Corequisite: MHCR 258
Lab fee: $35.00

MHCR 299 Portfolio Completion Capstone Course in MH/CD/MR (SP, SU)

1 credit
This course will provide the student with the opportunity to assemble, edit, and ready for presentation in portfolio format the collected assignments from each course in the major. Feedback regarding each course is solicited from the student. In addition, the content areas of ethical concerns in human services, effective team participation and avoiding “burnout” are addressed. This course must be completed with a “C” or better.
Lecture: 1 hour – Lab: 0 hours
Corequisite: Fourth and last technical course paired with practicum
Lab fee: $40.00