The focus of this course is on the diagnosis and management of serious and persistent psychiatric disorders and mental health problems in individuals. The student begins with an assessment of self as a foundation for understanding therapeutic relationships. Familiarization with interviewing techniques, the use of screening tools unique to psychiatry, and diagnostic evaluation including the use of the mental status examination will be incorporated into the evaluation of clients with psychiatric mental health problems. The management of these clients encompasses both pharmacologic interventions and non-pharmacologic interventions such as counseling.