Clinical Social Work Practice Concentration

Clinical social work practice is the professional application of social work theory and methods to the treatment and prevention of psychosocial problems, disability, or impairment, including emotional and mental disorders. Clinical practice includes the application of assessment and diagnostic strategies, the formation of a treatment plan that may include psychotherapy, counseling, client advocacy, systemic and organizational interventions, consultation and evaluation, and other clinically appropriate interventions with individuals, families, couples, groups, and social systems.

By the end of the student’s course of study in the clinical concentration:

1. Students will complete comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessments and articulate diagnostic impressions with a range of client systems and problems, demonstrating they have taken into consideration client strengths and diversity in their formulations.
2. Students will develop and implement appropriate intervention plans consistent with advanced understanding and integration of clinical practice theories and models.
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skill in indirect practice to enhance service delivery and client well-being.
4. Students will demonstrate a thorough and comprehensive level of knowledge for social work in a particular field of practice.
5. Students will critically analyze theoretical models of clinical practice in relation to challenging the dominant norms and world views that have served to marginalize and oppress persons on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, culture, and other distinguishing characteristics.
6. Students will engage in clinical social work practice in a manner consistent with social work values and ethics and the themes of the School using appropriate supervision and consultation.
7. Students will evaluate the effectiveness of their clinical practice interventions by applying systematic evaluation strategies to client outcomes, and subsequently using the feedback from those strategies to modify case plans on an ongoing basis.

Fall Semester:
SW 810: Clinical Social Work Practice (3)
SW 830-33: Integrative Practice Course (3)
SW 8xx: Diversity Selective (3)
SW 801: Clinical Practicum (7)

Spring Semester:
SW 811: Clinical Practice Selective (3)
SW 8xx: Clinical Practice Elective (6)
SW 801: Clinical Practicum (7)