Center for Adult and Continuing Studies

Course Description

Nearly all human characteristics, behaviors, and patterns can be understood through the lens of adaptation. We and our ancestors are constantly and consistently adapting to our environments to improve survival. But how can we explain common struggles like depression, shame, and addiction? What survival role do they play? This address will explore these questions and the role of adversity and trauma. We will examine our diagnostic processes for mental health disorders with the goal of improving our ability to assess and intervene with the clients and communities we serve.

Objectives:

• Participants will apply an adaptation lens to mental health and mental illness
• Participants will understand differential diagnoses related to posttraumtic stress disorder and other common mental health disorders
• Participants will be able to better connect their assessment and diagnoses with treatment planning and appropriate referrals