PSYC 650 - Introduction to School Counseling Services

3 hours
The role, function, and professional identity of the school counselor will be explored. The course examines history, philosophy, trends, and technology in education and school counseling, as well as social and cultural issues as they relate to school populations and issues. Various services will be explored, including assessment, individual, group, and family counseling approaches, peer-helper programs, advocacy for all students, crisis intervention, and referral. Specific child and adolescent issues such as chemical abuse, sexuality, eating disorders, depression, alternative family structures, effects of child abuse and the needs of special populations (such as students with physical, emotional, behavioral, and/or mental disabilities) will be discussed. Emphasis is on understanding prevention and intervention from a comprehensive developmental school counseling model. Additionally, laws, policies, and ethical issues related to children and adolescents as well as the counseling profession will be examined. Prerequisite(s): A passing score within the last ten years on the Illinois Test of Basic Skills/Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP). GR