DPSY 595 - Effective Intervention with Underserved Populations

3 Credit(s)

This course will provide the clinical framework for working with underserved populations including those of low socioeconomic status, stigmatized medical populations, ex-offenders, and the homeless. The clinical framework encompasses the rationale for psychologists to work with the underserved, the necessity of advocacy, clinical implications of advocating for one’s patients, and core cultural competencies with specific underserved populations such as substance abusers and sex workers. Numerous psychotherapy case examples will enhance learning. The course will emphasize the use of empirical and program data in determining
effectiveness. This course will include an overview of public benefits such as Medicaid, how psychologists get paid, career paths for psychologists in healthcare, benefits of interprofessional training, and professional
development options in working for non-profit and other public service institutions. There will be guest lectures from a variety of allied health luminaries to demonstrate how psychology intersects with all other human services.