This course provides an overview of the philosophy, practices, and perspectives used in working with people and families with mental illness. The course will introduce and familiarize students with proven recovery and rehabilitation methods that allow individuals to reintegrate into society.

The course will introduce and familiarize students with skills and theories necessary for creating an effective partnership between service provider and service recipient. Students will learn techniques for service planning, advocating, empowering, and community reintegration.

This course provides an overview of special populations with mental illness, including the homeless, transitional age youth, the elderly, veterans, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transsexuals, individuals with physical disabilities, individuals with substance abuse, and different racial and ethnic groups. Emphasis is placed on the issues that are specific to special populations with mental illness, including living skills, education, self-development, empowerment, leadership, transitional support, and recovery efficacy. (Formerly PSYC 272)

Field experience provides the opportunity for students to apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom at a direct practice training site, under the supervision of a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist. Emphasis will be placed on helping relationships, including personal/family issues, employment, finances, housing, community integration, living with mental illness, cultural/ethnic issues, and any other special population issues. While interacting with clients, students will engage in the four components of rehabilitation: hope, empowerment, self-responsibility, and obtaining a meaningful role in life. The students will develop a professional attitude in all phases of psychosocial rehabilitation, including the legal and ethical aspects of rehabilitation. Weekly seminars are held to evaluate and review clinical applications. This course is not open to students who are currently enrolled or received credit in PSYC 273.