Department of Counseling

The Department of Counseling provides support work for undergraduate degrees and offers a Master of Education degree in School Counseling, a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counselor Education and Supervision. The nationally CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accredited master’s and doctoral degrees offer the opportunity for advanced study and professional development in the field of counseling. (See the UT San Antonio Graduate Catalog for further information.)

Counseling (COU) Courses

COU 2043. Introduction to Pre-Professional Counseling. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides an overview of pre-professional and professional counseling careers, roles, functions, ethics, and ways of helping within a diverse society. Content includes the history and philosophy of counseling and models for understanding and treating clients including intervention, prevention, and advocacy. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; EHPA $20.

COU 3103. Helping Skills. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to create an understanding of the helping relationship. Basic communication/counseling techniques (such as active listening, responding, and interviewing) for facilitating helping relationship skills are developed. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75.

COU 3203. Child Abuse and Domestic Violence. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to explore current issues related to child abuse and domestic violence. The major emphasis is on examining the background, causes, and consequences of these topics. Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75.

COU 3303. Introduction to Addictions. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed as an introduction to substance and addictive disorders. Covered concepts include addiction types, biopsychosocial-spiritual impacts, intersectional addiction experiences, legal and ethical impacts, evidence-based intervention, prevention, and advocacy for persons with addictions and their families within a behavioral health context. Course Fee: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75; EHPA $20.

COU 3313. Addiction Diagnosis and Evidence-Based Treatment. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course explores the diagnosis and treatment of substance and addictive disorders classified within the DSM-5-TR and ICD-11. Topics include holistic assessment, addiction etiology, addiction prognosis, addiction diagnosis with attention to co-occurring disorders, under/over diagnosis, levels of care, treatment types, individual and systemic interventions, prevention, cultural impacts, psychopharmacology, and integrated behavioral health. Course Fee: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75; EHPA $20.

COU 3323. Addiction Application and Readiness to Practice in Behavioral Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to prepare students for their required field experience in behavioral health as part of their degree requirements. Course content will address essential roles and functions, appropriate ethical and legal behaviors, and professionalism within behavioral healthcare systems. Course Fee: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75; EHPA $20.

COU 3513. Therapeutic Play in Child Life Science. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course offers an introduction to a therapeutic approach designed to help children express themselves and address emotional and psychological issues through play. Students will explore the theoretical foundations of play therapy, including its historical development and key models of application. Course Fee: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75; EHPA $20.

COU 3583. Family and Life Systems in Behavioral Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course is an introduction to the theories of family and life systems that shape individual and group behaviors. Content focuses on how systems work, individually and in tandem, and their impact on individuals, groups, and the ways in which professional helpers can intervene. Timely concerns such as healthcare, addiction, trauma, and culture are integrated to highlight differential experiences, resources, and access to care in US society. Course Fee: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75; EHPA $20.