PSYEL - Psychology Elective
PSY101 - General Psychology
An introduction to the basic concepts, research methods, and implications of psychology. The major theoretical perspectives are presented through such areas as sensation and perception, learning and cognition, personality, human development, and abnormal behavior.
Credits: 3
PSY102 - Developmental Psychology
Prerequisite: PSY101 or permission from the Chief Academic Affairs Officer
A lifespan approach, from pre-natal development to aging and death. Emphasis will be on the interaction of psychological, biological, and social systems that influence development. Major theoretical perspectives, multicultural aspects, and research findings are applied throughout the course.
Credits: 3
PSY201 - Abnormal Psychology
Prerequisite: PSY101
The course utilizes current classifications of mental disorders to explain abnormal behavior. Case studies and other resource materials are applied to demonstrate the complexity of determining etiology, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. The course requires a research project.
Credits: 3
PSY202 - Human Sexuality
Prerequisite: PSY101
An exploration of human sexuality in Western society through lecture, group discussions, and experiential learning activities. Students will assess their personal attitudes, values, and knowledge of topics in sexuality. Efforts to understand and respect value systems that differ from personal beliefs will be stressed. The course requires a research project.
Credits: 3
PSY208 - Nutrition and Wellness
A study of the principles of the science of nutrition, as it relates to daily life and well-being. Topics include personal wellness, digestion, absorption and metabolism of nutrients, planning and evaluating dietary intake. The course will consider social, economic, and psychosocial factors in relationship to dietary practices. This course provides an opportunity to explore areas of special interest such as nutrition for various age levels, weight control, and physical performance.
Credits: 3
PSY220 - Biology of the Mind
Prerequisites: PSY101, BIO109, or BIO130 or equivalent
This course investigates the interaction between neurobiology and psychology with an emphasis on personal cognition. Specifically, students will explore the structure and function of neural tissues and apply this to major perspectives within psychology and psychotherapy. Topics to be investigated include emotion, motivation, learning and memory, sexuality and gender identity, theories of consciousness, addiction, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and dissociative disorders. Clinical applications to mental health, wellness and disease will also be emphasized.
Cross Listed with BIO220. Credit will not be granted for both PSY220 and BIO220.
Credits: 3
PSY225 - Substances of Use, Misuse and Abuse – An Introduction to Chemical Dependency/Addiction
This course explores the nature of chemical dependency/addiction to legal and illegal substances. Class lectures and activities are designed to provide an understanding of varied classes of drugs and abuse and cover a diverse set of topics including but not limited to: the etiology and development of addiction; pharmacology of substances of abuse; medical and psychiatric complications resulting from/exacerbated by substance use (legal and illegal); as well as other salient topics. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Abuse Counseling track.
Credits: 3
PSY230 - Introduction to Behavioral Health Counseling
This course focuses on a wide variety of introductory topics and issues related to substance use disorder/behavioral health counseling. Many different aspects of SUD/behavioral health counseling are examined from a variety of vantage points and perspectives. Class lectures and activities are designed to provide an understanding of but are not limited to: defining SUDs/behavioral health; biopsychosocial dependency; the different paths with which clients enter treatment; models of understanding substance use disorders; introductory evaluation and diagnosis; treatment approaches and counseling techniques; and non-clinical supports in the recovery process. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Use Disorder Counseling track.
Credits: 3
PSY301 - Health Psychology
Prerequisite: PSY101 or permission from the Chief Academic Affairs Officer
Health Psychology examines how biological, psychological, and social factors interact with and affect the efforts people make in promoting good health and preventing illness. The course explores how effectively people cope with and reduce pain and the recovery, rehabilitation, and psychological adjustment of serious health problems. The course also focuses on the role of stress and certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking and weight control, as well as specific chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. The course requires a research project.
Credits: 3
PSY303 - Organizational Psychology
Prerequisite: PSY101 or permission from the Chief Academic Affairs Officer
Organizational Psychology attempts to understand and explain human behavior in organizational settings; including culture, structures, and communications. This course will introduce the methods, practices, theories, and research, which includes the psychological aspects such as work attitudes and motivation, as well as group dynamics, organizational communication and structures. This course requires a research project.
Credits: 3
PSY315 - Social Psychology
Prerequisite: PSY101 or permission from the Chief Academic Affairs Officer
Social Psychology attempts to understand and explain human affect, behavior, and cognitions through intrapersonal, interpersonal, and group dynamics. Emphasis is on social influence, social perception, social relations, with an application to Western culture. Major theoretical perspectives and research findings, including multicultural aspects, are applied throughout the course. The course requires a research project.
Credits: 3
PSY325 - Individual Counseling Skills
This course is an overview of the substance use disorder counseling process with a focus on the substance use disorder counselor as a person and as a professional. Emphasis is on basic counseling skills, attitudes and values of the SUD counselor, and the importance of the counseling relationship in substance use disorder recovery. Furthermore, attention will be paid to developing and maintaining the "therapeutic alliance" between counselor and client, as well as various theoretical approaches and modalities of treatment efficacious in the treatment of substance use disorders. Consideration will be given to diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism as necessary aspects of the individual SUDs counseling relationship. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Use Disorder Counseling track.
Credits: 3
PSY326 - Group Counseling Skills
This course is designed to provide students preparing to enter substance use disorder counseling/a helping profession with an understanding of the theory and practice of group counseling. Students will explore: different theoretical approaches to counseling groups; basic principles of group dynamics; leadership tasks; group developmental stages; and member roles. Basic group counseling skills including establishing, leading, and facilitating various types of counseling groups will be addressed. Consideration will be given to diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism as applies to the group counseling process. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Use Disorder Counseling track.
Credits: 3
PSY330 - Topics in Counseling
This course in substance abuse disorder counseling addresses varied salient and current topics within the profession. These are issues which are necessary for each SUDs professional to be aware of. Topics in this course include but are not limited to: the biopsychosocial nature of substance abuse disorders and how each influences the other; the importance of addressing the needs of special populations in SUDs and what those populations may be comprised of; and the enhanced risk for suicidal ideation/lethality that is co-occurring for many dealing with SUDs. Special attention is paid to current issues of concern and risk for NYS residents dealing with SUDs. Consideration will be given to diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism as applies to all of the course topics. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Use Disorder Counseling track.
Credits: 3
PSY425 - Clinical Assessment in Counseling I
This course will introduce students to the individualized treatment planning process for clients in the substance use counseling field. Specifically, attention will be paid to the screening, assessment, and evaluation portions of the treatment planning process. Furthermore, client-identified problems and goal formulation, as well as screening for various risk factors and co-occurring diagnoses, will be addressed as facets of the assessment process. Consideration will be given to diversity, equity, inclusion, and multiculturalism as applies to all of the course topics. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Use Disorder Counseling track.
Credits: 3
PSY426 - Clinical Assessment in Counseling II
This course, the second of a two-part SUD Assessment focus, will continue to educate students as to the stages of the individualized SUD treatment planning process. Specifically, attention will be paid to the SUD client admission decision, the development and implementation of the SUD treatment plan, and how these are accomplished in keeping with OASAS guidelines. Furthermore, salient issues such as client record keeping, Medication for Addiction Treatment assessment, coordination of care and the discharge process will be addressed. Consideration will be given to diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism as applies to all of the course topics. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Use Disorder Counseling track.
Credits: 3
PSY430 - Counseling Professional Ethics and Responsibilities
This course addresses ethical concerns in the treatment of substance use disorders from a contemporary and practical framework. Presenting a comprehensive study of ethics as it applies to working in the substance use disorder profession, it focuses on ethical principles, decision-making and legal implications. Issues regarding dual relationships in therapy, confidentiality, the ethics of professional development and the ethics supporting counselor wellness/self-care are examined. The implications and application of ethical principles in the treatment of clients from diverse backgrounds are considered. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Use Disorder Counseling track.
Credits: 3
PSY490 - Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling Internship
This supervised internship in an OASAS approved treatment setting is intended to provide the experience necessary to increase the student's level of professional competency. Through the internship experience, the student is challenged to apply and integrate the knowledge, theories and concepts of SUD counseling practice, build on previous life and work experience, while also developing new areas of professional competence. This course is intended to afford the student the ability to coalesce and integrate: the clinical/theoretical learning experience; professional competence; personal/professional values and ethics; and activities which will support the development of both skill and critical analysis necessary for effective SUD counseling. Internship includes a weekly supervision requirement, a biweekly group supervision requirement, submission of monthly time sheets, as well as varied other salient assignments. The internship component will be complemented with a didactic component, serving to enhance the student’s overall knowledge by presenting topics for study and review that are salient to the internship experience. This course serves as the prospective SUDs professional's introduction to this process. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Use Disorder Counseling track.
Credits: 3