DCES 891 - Counseling Children & Adolescents

3
This course provides an overview of theories, techniques, and developmentally appropriate approaches to counseling children and adolescents (ages 5-18) in school and mental health settings. Emphasis will be given to the counselors’ understanding of the impact of family structures, school settings, and social-environmental factors on the development, wellness, and mental health of this particular population. Students will be asked to examine research- and evidence-based intervention, as well as legal, diversity, and ethical issues when formulating treatments. Moreover, students’ understanding of their collaborative roles with the children’s family, school systems, and community resources is also a focus. Counseling issues of special populations (children with different levels of abilities, foster homes, children of nonmainstream family structures, etc.) within this age group will also be discussed.