Academic Courses

Behavioral Health/Human Services

NOTE: Courses marked with an asterisk (*) are open only to BHHS students.

BHHS 103
Human Development and Behavior in the Social Environment
3-0-3
The student will gain an understanding of human development throughout the life cycle using a person-in-environment framework that includes the biophysical, psychological and sociological dimensions. Using this framework, the student will learn how to assess the functioning of individuals, relevant to their particular life stage, for planning helping interventions.

BHHS 105
Introduction to Group Dynamics
3-0-3
Course presents different theories on the functioning of small face-to-face groups. Concepts such as norms, goals, leader-ship, cohesion, membership and decision-making will be explained. Students will practice observation skills so that they can diagnose a group. Each student also will have an opportunity to lead a group, exercising these observation skills. Open to all students.

BHHS 106
Analysis of Group Participation*
3-0-3
Students will participate as members of a small ongoing group. They will use the theory and concepts from Introduction to Group Dynamics and apply them to their own interactions. The emphasis will be on how groups influence the individual and how the individual, in turn, influences the group. Personal communication skills should be enhanced. Prerequisite: “C” grade or better in BHHS 105.

BHHS 111
Introduction to Helping Skills
3-0-3
Learning and application of basic and advanced interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to establish working relationships with individuals that help clients identify, explore and develop action plans. BHHS students must satisfactorily complete this course before taking practicum courses. Prerequisite: acceptance in BHHS curriculum or related certificate program.

BHHS 121
Foundations of Addiction Studies
3-0-3
The biopsychosocial aspects of various addictive behavior will be examined. This will include the pharmacology of addictive substances, the physiological effects on the user, the psychological consequences of use, and the sociological conditions that cause and result from substance abuse. A brief history of drug and alcohol abuse will be introduced, along with various treatment approaches to addictions.

BHHS 151
Child Abuse and Family Violence
3-0-3
Family violence includes wife battering, child neglect, abuse of the elderly, as well as child abuse and other forms of violence. An awareness of the problem would focus on the historical, social, psychological and legal aspects. The student should be able to recognize signs of suspected abuse and know what treatment is possible. Open to all students.

BHHS 161
Introduction to Disabilities
3-0-3
This course is designed for students who are preparing to or currently work in the field of disability services. It provides students with the opportunity to develop an understanding and knowledge of disabilities that takes into consideration the individual with a disability, societal influences, the environmental setting, and governance of disability law. The role of the disability support provider, types of services, and the manner in which services are delivered are also examined in this course.

BHHS 171
Introduction to Social Gerontology
3-0-3
Survey course on issues affecting older adults. Among the topics are myths and realities; family; physical and mental health and health care; dying and death, minority status and retirement. Part of the special Gerontology Certificate program. Open to all students.

BHHS 194
Overview of Human Services and Case Management Practices*
3-0-3
Students will learn the history of and contemporary issues in the human services. The second major component of this course will be case management practice. Students will also work at developing their job finding skills. This course can only be taken with BHHS 195 or with special permission of the Curriculum Coordinator.

BHHS 195
Practicum in Behavioral Health/Human Services 1
1-12-3
This is the first of two practicum courses. Students will spend 12 hours per week in a field placement related to their area of interest for the purpose of learning to work directly with clients. In addition, students will meet in groups of no larger than seven persons for two hours every other week for the purpose of planning, discussing and making presentations about their field experiences. Prerequisite: BHHS 111. Pre or corequisite: ENGL 101. Corequisite: BHHS 194.

BHHS 212
Brief Counseling Skills
3-0-3
This course is a continuation of BHHS 111, Helping Skills. The focus of this course is on brief counseling techniques in various clinical settings. Students learn various approaches of brief therapy and are given opportunities to practice these techniques via role plays and actual counseling sessions. The major emphasis is on working with individuals; however, brief counseling techniques applicable to families, couples and groups are also examined. Applications to clinical practice are emphasized. Prerequisite: BHHS 111.

BHHS 222
Assessment and Treatment of Addictive Behavior
3-0-3
The course will examine the psycho-social, cultural and spiritual aspects of addictive life styles. The student will be introduced to counseling techniques, case management concerns, assessment issues, professional responsibility and proper ethical practice. Special populations such as dually diagnosed clients and HIV substance abusers will be discussed. Prerequisite: BHHS 121.

BHHS 241
Crisis Intervention
3-0-3
Prepares students to give immediate help to people experiencing crises. Applies a short-term crisis intervention model for assessing and helping persons regain equilibrium during these crises experiences. Simulations and role-playing activities are used to model crisis intervention with situations such as: posttraumatic stress disorder, suicide, sexual assault, partner battering, addictions, and personal loss.

BHHS 261
Developmental Disabilities Support Services
3-0-3
Students will gain specific knowledge and skills that will assist them in better understanding and serving the unique needs of adults with developmental disabilities. Students will learn to employ assessment techniques, programming strategies, goal planning, and life skills training that support self-advocacy, productivity, and community and family inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities. Prerequisite: BHHS 161.

BHHS 277
Behavioral Development and Social Processes of Aging
3-0-3
Focus on the biological, psychological and social issues affecting older adults. Application of research findings to practice and policy. Case study approach. Required for the Gerontology Certificate. Prerequisite: BHHS 171 or equivalent or permission of the Coordinator.

BHHS 291
Theories of Counseling*
3-0-3
Students will study the major traditions in Counseling including the psycho-analytic, behavioral and humanistic. Emphasis will be on understanding the theoretical basis for the different approaches to helping. Students will observe demonstrations of different approaches and discuss how what is being learned can be incorporated into the practice of a skilled helper. In addition, students will become familiar with the values and ethics of the helping professions. This course can only be taken with BHHS 292 or with special permission of the curriculum supervisor. Prerequisite: “C” grade or higher in BHHS 194 and BHHS 195.

BHHS 292
Practicum in Behavioral Health/Human Services II
1-12-3
This is the second of two practicum courses. Students will spend 12 hours per week in a field placement related to their area of interest for the purpose of learning to work directly with clients. In addition, students will meet in groups of no larger than seven persons for two hours every other week for the purpose of planning, discussing and making presentations about their field experiences. Prerequisites: “C” grade or higher in both BHHS 194 and BHHS 195, ENGL 101. Corequisite: BHHS 291.

BHHS 293
Family and Relationship Counseling
3-0-3
This course focuses on counseling skills necessary to work with families and couples from a systems approach. Students will have an opportunity to practice the counseling skills they learned in BHHS 111 and BHHS 212. They will apply those skills to relationships, including families and couples. In addition, class time will be devoted to learning about multicultural and diversity issues involved in working with families. Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or higher in BHHS 111.