Northcentral University Introduces New Mental Health Services Policies and Practices Specialization as Part of Its Doctoral Degree Program in Psychology

PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz., June 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Underscoring its commitment to provide licensed mental health practitioners and psychologists with an integrated specialization that trains them to provide evidence based treatment while administering the increasingly complex functions of large service organizations, Northcentral University's (www.ncu.edu) School of Behavioral and Health Sciences today introduced a six-course "Mental Health Services Policies and Practices" specialization as part of its doctoral degree program in Psychology.  The courses are being offered to Learners effective July 1, 2011.

According to Dr. William E. Reay, who developed the specialization at Northcentral University, "An increasing number of behavioral health service funders are requiring practitioners at all levels to engage in evidence based treatment.  At the same time, successful practitioners must be able to professionally administer all of the business and legal functions of today's complex mental health service organizations.  The integrated six-course specialization developed by Northcentral University is totally unique in that it is the only specialization of its kind to combine evidence based treatment and policy administration courses into one six-course specialization."

The new specialization is available to licensed mental health practitioners, non-licensed professionals that have demonstrated expertise in behavioral health care service and administration, and professionals interested in obtaining a terminal degree as a psychologist. Successful completion of all courses required for the University's PhD in Psychology, as well as the associated comprehensive examination and dissertation courses will be required.  The six courses offered as part of the specialization include:

Mental Health Services Policy

This doctoral-level course examines current Mental Health Services Policy in the United States.  Professional service and research issues are explored, and the Learner is exposed to a public health approach to mental health services.

Mental Health Administration and Management

This course covers management concepts such as sustainability, teamwork, corporate responsibility, information management and product development and personal values influence what sort of manager leaders become.  This doctoral-level course examines how organizational management interacts with clinical and administrative tasks.  The Learner examines these management concepts and explores the mainstream, multi-stream and alternative approaches to the management of clinical situations.  

Comparative Analysis of Psychotherapies

In this doctoral-level course the Learner analyzes the complicated issues associated with various contemporary therapies used by behavioral health practitioners.  The Learner is exposed to core and peripheral elements of the most commonly used approaches to treating minor and major mental illnesses and behavioral challenges.   Methods of therapeutic accountability, clinical feedback and outcome monitoring, which can be used across all therapeutic approaches are also examined.  

Evidence-Based Treatments

In this course the complicated issues associated with evidence-based behavioral health practice are examined.   The Learner is exposed to practice-oriented material, which will guide the Learner in appraising and using research as part of the evidence-based therapeutic practice process.  

Psychology and Finance

This doctoral-level course examines how human psychology influences economic conditions and socio-economic institutions. The Learner explores psychological factors, such as fairness, corruption, bad faith, money illusion, confidence, and stories, and how these factors influence the global economy.  

Mental Health and the Courts

The intersection of mental health policy, practice and law is complicated. In this doctoral-level course the Learner is exposed to psycho-legal concepts such as those involved in the use of behavioral health evidence in courts, therapeutic jurisprudence, juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect, competency to stay trial, and personal rights.  

"The bottom line is this," emphasized Dr. Reay, "This specialization will assist the competent practitioner in becoming current with the existing practice literature in the area of evidence-based treatments, including the latest developments associated with client and clinician feedback systems; help develop the management and supervisory knowledge necessary to lead complex behavioral health organizations that serve very serious and complicated co-morbid patients; examine financial markets and influences that impact public policy and practice; and work competently with court professionals in the area of disability and forensic mental health services."

For more information about the new "Mental Health Services Policies and Practices" specialization, prospective Learners should call 1-866-776-0331 to speak with an enrollment advisor.

SOURCE Northcentral University