Mental Health and Social Welfare Policy

This Social Welfare Policy II course explores mental health policy in both its historical and current context. It reviews specific mental health models, theories and frameworks; provides an overview of emerging federal, state and local trends in the mental health, critically assesses current debates related to human rights and public safety concerns. The course explores the impact of epidemiology, evidence-based interventions, social determinants of health, and mental health services, policies and practices. Special attention is paid to the needs of individuals, families and communities relative to their age, class, race, ethnicity, culture, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, military background and criminal justice involvement.