SOWK 610 Mental Health and Social Policy

This course provides an understanding of mental health policy and service delivery in the United States and the impact of mental health policies on social work practice. It reviews multiple perspectives on mental health and mental illness and the history of social policies influencing mental health care. The course examines current trends in service delivery and financing (such as managed care and health insurance reform) and explores legal and ethical issues in the provision of mental health care. Special consideration will be given to how the contemporary mental health system is experienced by diverse populations.