Health Care in The United States Discussion

Online Supplemental Syllabus Course Title: HUSSSS 225003 – Introduction to Counseling and Case Management Strategies Virtual Office Hours/Skills Assistance: If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me via the Ask Your Instructor button in the course or through email. Keep in mind, questions posed in the Ask Your Instructor are public to everyone enrolled in the course. So, the Ask Your Instructor is a good place to ask about course content or get clarification on completing assignments. If you have a pressing issue, grade inquiry, or question that is more personal in nature, email me. We can also set up an appointment time to chat on Blackboard Collaborate or Skype for Business if needed. Student Support Services (SSS): SSS time is used for taking advantage of added or enhanced learning opportunities with any instructor. Within the left-hand navigation pane, students will find the “ePortfolio & Tools” button, which offers links to Smarthinking, a tutoring service, and the ePortfolio. In the “Student Resources” button, students can find information on APA, taking screenshots, and contact information for various website supports. Also, in this button is the Virtual Library, where students can access scholarly resources as needed. Grading & Response Time from Your Instructor: Grades along with feedback will be updated in Blackboard by Thursday at 11:59 pm ET each week (check the My Grades button). If you have questions on content or need clarification on assignments, use the “Ask Your Instructor” button. I will respond to your questions within 24 to 48 hours. Instructor’s Approach: Hello, and Welcome! My name is Dr. Karen Nash (Dr. K.), and I would like to welcome you to HUSS 225 – Introduction to Counseling and Case Management Strategies. I am excited to be part of your learning experience in the next 7.5 weeks. My philosophy as an instructor and counselor is to bring a unique appreciation and intellectually stimulating educational experience in the field of counseling, therapy, and health care professions. I embrace the specific challenges that face students in our everchanging and diverse communities and society. I will challenge your personal biases and offer my many own experiences in the counseling field to enhance your edification. My goal is to positively encourage students to gain critical and Version 5: 10/27/2019 scholarly perspectives on the field of counseling and effective case management techniques that are required for professional counseling services within agency work, school environments, and community-based mental health support. We will have in-depth discussions, assignments, reflections, and a course portfolio project that will incorporate an examination of theoretical and practical concepts that will be needed in the field of counseling and health services. Health Care in The United States Discussion

The approaches will reflect current research, ethics, and legal issues and how they directly affect individual’s access to human services organizations that are commissioned to ethically support and assist persons/communities with compassion and sensitivity. I encourage personal viewpoints, opinions, and disclosure if it is constructive and pertains to the focus of the discussion (please refrain from mentioning names of family or friends to protect identity/confidentiality). Additionally, I support the use of course lectures/material, and outside sources in discussions and activities that are contemporary and are content-rich in facts. My strategies include a positive learning environment that enhances student autonomy and inspiring students to become confident learners, self-aware (meaning you learn more about yourself), and eliminate biases or preconceptions you may have in our culturally diverse world. I attempt to include scholarly information that enhances “out of the box” thinking and evokes and/or provides groundbreaking material that can be controversial at times to enrich student understanding of weekly topics. I will address the continual need for groundbreaking counseling evidence-based models of therapy, progressive approach to diversity and inclusion in case management tools, the importance of mental health awareness and social change in our communities. An education is something no one can ever take from you! I can honestly say that I learn something each day. I learn from teaching, experiencing, and mistakes. So, as an instructor, I incorporate not only skills learned but find new information that is innovative and exciting. This course is designed as a positive learning experience aimed to help you become cognizant of the need for up-to-date counseling professional contributions in professional organizations combined with theory-based materials to help students become active agents for social change for mental health/public health awareness themes. Please note, this course is not intended for students to practice, diagnose, or refer family, friends, or individuals for counseling or psychological services. To help jumpstart your success in this course I will often post interesting and content-rich videos, readings, inspirational quotes throughout the sessions. I hope that you will connect with your fellow classmates in our discussions, communicate with me if you have any questions and/or concerns during our course, and use the school library search engines or google scholar to support your views and opinions in APA formatting and style when writing scholarly Version 5: 10/27/2019 discussions and responses (please note Wikipedia is not considered an academic source). I will start the weekly discussion threads and/or provide an announcement to outline the focus of the topic we will be covering. Please note! I run a plagiarism check. If the results come back that your work is copied or written in the author’s words without citations and references, I will have to ask you to re-write your paper. In my experience, students do this without malice and/or unintentionally. However, if you fail to cite a second time, it is my responsibility to report the incident to the program manager. During the week, you are expected to use this syllabus to help to adhere to the weekly time frames on weekly readings, discussion posts, and classmate response times. Please paying attention to the frequency and time requirements that will significantly impact your grade in this course. There will be times I will ask you to reflect on the week’s learning and your understanding of the materials gained during the week. All other expectations for writing assignments, quizzes, and supplemental materials are outlined in this syllabus. I would highly suggest downloading and printing the “HUSS 225 – “Classroom Expectations,” “Supplemental Syllabus,” “Tracking Calendar,” “Course Syllabus,” “Session Dates” and “ADA Disclosure” located in the “Welcome/Start button. These documents effectively help you plan, track, and check off assignments, activities, discussions, evaluations, mid-term and final, and any other supplementary items required for success in this course. No guesswork, I love it! Grading I will post grades according to the syllabus rubric and feedback to Blackboard in a timely manner so that you become more and more familiar with how I grade and my expectations. I also provide fun extra materials in the discussion such as positive reinforcement messages, links to YouTube and TedTalks, and printable worksheets in our to enhance your learning experience and add interesting twists in our discussion threads. Feedback will be available to you in the My Grades center of Blackboard. You are encouraged to attend office hours or email with questions you may have or on the feedback I give. At Bryant and Stratton, we use rubrics so that students can see what improvements they can make each week or things you may have missed. I think because I am an online learner and an instructor, I expect great things from my students. Please don’t hesitate to call or email if you have any questions or concerns. I know that we all have busy lives and a lot going on outside of school, and I appreciate that you have family, work, and now school/homework obligations. I am here to help facilitate and answer questions; please don’t hesitate to ask. Please communicate with me via email or phone (during my office hours). If you have an issue that prevents an assignment being handed in on time, please get it approved by me first, so that I do not assess late points. Version 5: 10/27/2019 With that said, every instructor has his/her way of interpreting grades and what they look at for our students to earn maximum points for discussions, response posts, assignments/papers, and assessments. I base my evaluation of your assignments on a case by case basis considering your effort, ideas, initiative, and how well you achieved the goals defined in the assignment. Are the grades subjective? Of course, there is no way they are not. My assessments are based on my professional skills and opinion. Just like a baker knows what a “pinch” of something is, I can quickly grasp the level of submission but then examine it more closely for accuracy. What I am not able to do — nor would I do — is say if you do X, Y, and Z you will get an A because that’s unrealistic. There are many variables to consider. That is why the rubrics in this course are strictly and consistently followed for each assignment, discussion, and assessment. All I can ask is you try your best and meet the challenge with a positive attitude and a desire to push yourself while understanding that grading motivations are not personal, and comments are to encourage positive personal development. A proactive online learner always has a plan B, like going to the Library, Starbucks, or McDonald’s or anywhere that offers free WiFi. Remember, to receive full credit for assignments; you must complete discussions, assignments, and assessments as directed each week. The online/distance learning environment can be scary at first and can create a feeling of being alone in the open ocean…however, your commitment to communicate and reach out to me and your fellow classmate’s accomplishment is at your fingertips! I have one request NEVER GIVE up! Please know I have an “open door” policy. Please don’t hesitate to email me, and we can set up a time to talk or text. I am very approachable, and I know firsthand what it is like to be an online learner. Wishing you wellness, Dr. Karen A. Nash (Dr. K.) Instructor’s Late Policy: Ensuring timely submissions is extremely important for success in online learning. There is an understanding that unexpected events happen, and there may be times when you are unable to meet established deadlines. In these situations, the following guidelines apply: Day 1: deduct 5 points Day 2: deduct 10 points Day 3: deduct 15 points Day 4: deduct 20 points Day 5: deduct 25 points Version 5: 10/27/2019 Late work will only be accepted after five (5) days with permission from the instructor, with a grade no higher than 75%. In the event of an extenuating circumstance or you have a documented emergency and need additional time, please let me know via email ASAP. Late work will not be accepted after the last day of class without my prior approval. Supplemental Material Week 2 • • Counselors work in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, among other locations, or they can maintain a private practice, and there are many ways in which to specialize during your counseling career. Additionally, there are several careers within the counseling field such as School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Career Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling, and Marriage and Family Counseling. All disciplines require specific educational requirements (e.g. master’s degree, Licensure for each state, and specialization prerequisites). EQ: Health Care in The United States Discussion

In a brief statement, if you are planning on becoming a counselor which discipline/specialization would you chose and why. You can use the website https://www.allpsychologyschools.com/counseling/types-of-counseling/ to help support your answer. Week 3 • • This course is designed to help you become educated in the field of professional counseling. Part of that education is the ability to understand yourself, biases, and cultural awareness. It is important to not only appreciate diversity and multiculturalism it is imperative that we (students) understand our own biases and preconceptions about working and living in our diverse world and how we can change or modify our way of thinking by education. This starts by self-reflection and by understanding one’s own culture/racial being so that, you can begin to understand the “worldview” of those who differ from us. EQ: The article Bias in GoodTherapy.org Therapy Blog. https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/bias explains how bias may influence how we think, react, and see the world. Please read the article and in two or three sentences reflect on any biases you may have and how you will address them when entering into the health care field in a professional setting. Version 5: 10/27/2019 Week 4 • • Treatment plans and case management documentation tools often considered essential to providing well-rounded counseling and mental health care. Most providers, especially those in the mental health field, use treatment plans as blueprints to outline services provided. Mental health treatment plans typically highlight important assessment information, define areas of concern, and establish concrete goals for treatment. EQ: Kodjo (2009) explained that professionals could bridge a gap by recognizing the role of complementary and alternative medicine, which may shed more light on a patient’s explanatory model for health or illness. Review the three case studies found on https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2719963/, “all of which are real, are meant to highlight how asking or not asking these questions can help or hinder a patient-clinician communication and interaction.” Choose one of the case studies review using the information which example would you most likely use to engage and get the most information to help the client. Use the content in the article to help you with your reasoning. Week 5 • • Success in careers, academia, and personal Emotional Intelligence (EI) is part of this educational journey. I would like to introduce Angela Lee Duckworth’s Ted Talks. Ms. Duckworth’s words are encouraging and experience in leaving a high-flying job in consulting, took a job teaching math to seventh graders in a New York public school. She quickly realized that IQ was not the only thing separating the successful students from those who struggled. Here, she explains her theory of “grit” as a predictor of success. EQ: Listen and review the “Ted Talks” video Grit: The power of passion and perseverance https://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_grit_the_power_of_passion_and_p erseverance?referrer=playlist-what_is_success#t-356837. Reflect on your goals and reasons why you chose to further your education. Briefly describe what career you are interested in and how GRIT will enhance your academic and professional ambitions. Week 6 • Case management plans can be used by counselors to help individuals in the therapeutic environment with a wide variety of concerns. Assessments combined with a treatment plan outline strategies for treating a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, or a personality disorder. Treatment plans can also be applied to help individuals work through addictions, relationship problems, or other emotional concerns. Version 5: 10/27/2019 • EQ: Read the article “Treatment Plan” found on https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/treatment-plan. Under the heading, “HOW ARE MENTAL HEALTH CARE TREATMENT PLANS USED?” Briefly explain how counselors and Mental health care professionals utilize treatment plans. Try to narrow your response by describing the type of service, regulations, or best-practice standards that guide the formation of the treatment plan. Week 7 • • Working with individuals in the counseling profession can be very challenging due to supporting individuals in emergency situations, mental health issues, substance abuse issues, and large caseloads. Therefore, working professionals must take a personal “time out” when we are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and our “burnout.” It is important to self-care as you move towards your careers in the health care settings. Self-care is essential for both your physical and mental health. EQ: Think about the last time you did absolutely nothing for 10 whole minutes? Not texting, talking or even thinking? Mindfulness expert Andy Puddicombe describes the transformative power of doing just that: Refreshing your mind for 10 minutes a day, simply by being mindful and experiencing the present moment. Watch the video https://www.ted.com/talks/andy_puddicombe_all_it_takes_is_10_mindful_minutes?l anguage=en and reflect on how you “self-care” and if you don’t currently think you take time for yourself after watching the video what changes you could make to take time for yourself. For example, I use “Mindfulness” tools, practice yoga, and meditation. Week 7.5 • • Our final reflection! We have learned many techniques and tools to be effective as a counselor and/or the health care profession. It is so important that we remember individuals come to counseling for a variety of reasons, and it is essential for us to not only have good case management skills but to have empathy and compassion in a nonjudgmental environment. EQ: Dr. Brené Brown reminds us that we can only create a genuine empathic connection if we are brave enough to really get in touch with our own fragilities. Please watch the following YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw Think about how you will implement the information from this presentation into your future practice as a counselor and/or health care professional. Version 5: 10/27/2019 Course Assessment Evaluation Criteria: 90-100% – A 80-84% – B 70-74% – C 85-89% – B+ 75-79% – C+ 65-69% – D+ 64% and below – F An additional breakdown of gradebook categories and assignments can be found on the Tracking Calendar. Cheating According to the Bryant & Stratton College Catalog, cheating includes (but is not limited to): 1) inappropriate collaboration or carrying out conduct which the student knew or should have known provided him with an unfair advantage in the course; 2) using materials found on crowdsourcing source sites (such as Course Hero, Grade Buddy, and Koofers); 3) the use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations or in completing assignments; 4) use of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; and 5) plagiarism. Plagiarism may involve self-plagiarism (reusing significant or identical portions of previously submitted work without citing our acknowledging one is doing so), use of purchased reports or assignments, use of another person’s direct wording or ideas without proper acknowledgment and citation, and/or use of crowdsourcing sites mentioned previously. The ramifications of cheating can range from failing an assignment (with or without the chance to resubmit) to dismissal from the college. Workplace Readiness For students at Bryant & Stratton College, workplace readiness is paramount. The instructional methodologies used have been specifically chosen for their effectiveness in preparing students to achieve both academic and career success. These methodologies include the integration of key workplace competencies throughout the curriculum; outcomes-based learning; active, experiential learning activities and assignments; authentic assessment; portfolio; and others. This course is designed to bridge together th …