Contemporary Policy and Practices in Behavioral Health and Human Services

BSHS250 - Contemporary Policy and Practices in Behavioral Health and Human Services

Credits: 3

This course introduces students to the history and evolution of mental health policy in the United States and the development of related human service organizations and systems of care. The role of the human service professional as a member of a multidisciplinary team, and as an agent of systemic change is emphasized. Policy issues relevant to this course include social determinants of mental health, treatment and access to care, rights and privacy, systems transformation, and disparities in access to and provision of care. Students learn the skill of advocacy as applied to mental health policy and develop increased understanding of the impact of political and economic structures, special interest groups, and other contextual factors on policy development and program delivery. Students analyze current mental health policies, programs or conditions with the goal of identifying opportunities to advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice.