PSYC 662 Substance Abuse and Severe Mental Health Problems

This course will look at the prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes associated with severe mental health and substance use disorders on the individual, community, providers, and public health workers. Differences among ethnic groups, cultures, socio-economic levels, and men and women will be explored across the life span, focusing on cultural competencies and addressing disparities.

The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to current research and practice surrounding substance abuse and severe mental illness. The student will be challenged to critically examine current trends along with opportunities to address the burden of substance use disorder and severe mental illness. The course will encourage the student to examine this topic from a biblical worldview. 

Textbook Readings and Lecture Presentations

No details available.

Course Required Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided topic for each discussion. Discussion threads that answer the question(s) presented must be at least 750 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the initial main post, the student is required to reply to two other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 250 words. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

Video Summary Assignments (3)

Throughout the course, there are various videos directly related to different topics in substance abuse and severe mental illness. While the textbook provides an excellent resource on this topic, this assignment is designed to expand on the knowledge gained from the textbook. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

Journal Article Review Assignments (3)

Throughout the course, there are various journal articles directly related to different topics in substance abuse and severe mental illness. While the textbook provides an excellent resource on this topic, this assignment is designed to expand on the knowledge gained from the textbook. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

Christian Integration Assignment

This is a formal and cumulative writing assignment intended to engage the student in understanding the importance of addressing this important issue from a Christian perspective. The goal will be to provide tangible ideas to improve the human condition with respect to substance abuse and severe mental illness. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

Quizzes (15)

Each chapter from the textbook has a 25 question multiple-choice quiz (generally, 50 for each module). These quizzes are intended to measure the student’s understanding of the material. All quizzes are open-book/open-notes and must be completed within 1 hour.