PSYC 521: Counseling and the Legal System

This course will introduce students to the legal system, including the relationship between law and the mental health system. This course will cover the role of mental health counselors in the legal system and explores topics such as the ethical issues regarding assessment screening, mental health testimony, competency to stand trial, the insanity defense, and child custody disputes. Also, this course will focus on ethical, legal and
professional dilemma, and decision-making models to address these dilemmas. The relationships among children and family services, juvenile justice, and correctional services are presented. Multicultural contexts and diversity are central elements in this course