Explore theocentric perspectives in the application of religion & spiritual integrative practices in mental health counseling.
This course will guide participants in reconceptualizing integrative practices in clinical mental health counseling through the lens of a Theocentric Worldview. This course also examines effective integrative principles and practices when working with religious diverse clients in secular agencies. It Identifies barriers that impact effectiveness of integrative behavioral health and incongruencies of counselor/client spiritual development within a Theocentric context. The resurgence of spirituality is a catalyst for reconsidering the role of spirituality in the counseling process. Counselors gain an awareness of God’s presence as a sustaining power that facilitates comfort.
By Dr. Philicia Jefferson
This course is designed to provide mental health professionals with knowledge, tools, and practical strategies to effectively work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Students will learn how to recognize and address cultural differences, promote inclusivity, and provide culturally competent care to improve client outcomes. It offers a blend of theoretical knowledge, cultural awareness, and practical strategies that cover a broad spectrum of cultural issues and populations.
By Dr. Alima Palmer
This course explores the principles of psychopharmacology and their application in clinical mental health counseling. Students will gain foundational knowledge of the biological basis of mental health disorders and the medications commonly used to treat them. Topics include the mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, side effects, and potential interactions of psychotropic medications across diagnostic categories such as anxiety, mood disorders, psychosis, and neurodevelopmental conditions. The course emphasizes collaboration with medical professionals, ethical considerations in discussing medication with clients, and understanding the counselor’s role in supporting clients who are prescribed psychotropic medications. Through case studies and clinical scenarios, students will develop practical skills to integrate psychopharmacological knowledge into treatment planning, ensuring holistic and client-centered care.
This course provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating patient health, formulating accurate diagnoses, and developing effective treatment plans. Emphasis is placed on integrating clinical data, patient history, and diagnostic tools to identify health conditions and prioritize care. Students will explore key principles of differential diagnosis, evidence-based decision-making, and multidisciplinary collaboration. The course also addresses ethical considerations, patient communication strategies, and cultural competence in treatment planning. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the skills needed to create patient-centered, actionable treatment plans tailored to diverse clinical scenarios. This course is essential for students in healthcare-related fields and prepares them for practical challenges in clinical practice.
This course provides hands-on experience, bridging theory and practice in real-world settings. You must be enrolled in a graduate program in counseling or clinical social work to participate. The training also supports the completion of your graduate program’s required field experience hours. Clinical sites may include religious organizations. Clinical facilitators must be licensed in your state of residency and will assist you with finding a clinical site while working in partnership with your on-site supervisor. Contact the Institute for additional instructions.
This is not a course. It is designed to assist individuals with completing required clinical hours for licensure. Clinical supervision is a collaborative and structured process where a more experienced mental health professional provides guidance and oversight to a less experienced counselor. It is a dynamic and interactive relationship designed to promote the development of clinical skills, ethical decision-making, self-awareness, and overall competence in the field. Clinical supervision plays a crucial role in the professional development and ongoing support of mental health counselors. You can request personalized clinical supervision by contacting the Institute. Complete the attached form to request clinical supervision services.
