COURSE CODE: "PS 353-2"

COURSE NAME: "Clinical Psychology"

SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2025 

INSTRUCTOR: Argelinda Baroni EMAIL: argelinda.baroni@johncabot.edu and Argelinda@mailbox.org

HOURS: Tue-Thu 11:30 AM-12:45 PM

TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45

CREDITS: 3

PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: PS 101

OFFICE HOURS: Tue-Thu after class or upon appointment on Teams

This course aims to provide an overview of the area of Clinical Psychology and will cover both a brief history of clinical psychology and current standards and evidence-based practices. Students will learn about the main theoretical approaches and common assessment and treatment methods of clinical psychologists and explore the current issues in this area. It satisfies "Applied Psychology" core course requirement for Psychological Science majors.

Course Descriptions This course provides a comprehensive introduction to clinical psychology, covering its dual role as a mental health profession and scientific discipline. At the beginning of the semester, we will focus on the definition of clinical psychology, and different roles of clinical psychologists. We will examine the possibilities for psychologists to engage in direct work with patients or clients through psychological assessment, intervention, and prevention, as well as in indirect roles such as training, supervision, consultation, and administration. We will also explore training pathways, career opportunities, and related professions, alongside practical guidance on navigating competitive entry into clinical psychology programs. Ethical challenges and contemporary controversies, such as cultural biases and use of psychologists in torture programs will be discussed. Students will learn diagnostic criteria (DSM and ICD frameworks), theoretical explanations (psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, biological, and systemic models), and treatment methods for several common disorders. Students will explore the assessment and will practice interview skills. The course will end with a critical survey of the several approaches to individual psychotherapy (psychodynamic, behavioral, and cognitive approaches), group psychotherapy and family therapy.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• To learn what distinguishes clinical psychology from other fields

• To understand and describe the key concepts, principles, theories, empirical findings and application in clinical psychology using the appropriate terminology

• To become aware of the cultural and ethical issues relevant to this discipline

• To understand the models of education and training in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on the options available to students applying for graduate study in Clinical Psychology.

• To comprehend the differences among the several approaches to individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy and family therapy.

• To learn the main elements of the clinical interview

• To express ideas in writing that reflect basic psychological concepts and principles

• To use standard English, and write using APA style

TEXTBOOKS: Carr, Alan. Clinical psychology: An introduction. Routledge, 2012. (Slides from Pomerantz, Andrew M. Clinical psychology: Science, practice, and diversity. 6th ed Sage Publications, 2023)

ADDITIONAL READING (Pick one):

An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison

Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide by Kay Redfield Jamison 

The Boy Who Was Raised As a Dog: What Traumatized Children Can Teach Us About Loss, Love and Healing by Bruce D. Perry and Maia Szalavitz

The Love Secret: The Revolutionary New Science of Romantic Relationships by Sue Johnson

ACTIVITIES APPS (Pick at least one; other psychological apps/practices are welcomed): Stoic Journal CBT-I Coach UCLA Mindful Moodstory Free CBT Simple CBT OffScreen The last Wednesday of the month we will discuss how regular app use is impacting students. Other psychological apps/practices are also welcomed, and acceptable alternatives include gratitude journal, meditation, mindfulness. T

The last day of class students will present on their experience with the practice.

GRADING: 

Midterm Test (25%):The exam will consist of multiple-choice questions and short essay questions

Final Test (25%): The exam will consist of multiple-choice questions

Individual Presentation (20%): Students will be required to present for 10-15 minutes on the App or practice they engaged with during the semester in the last day of class

Reflection Paper (20%): Students will write a paper in which they will reflect one of the books proposed, providing additional information. For example, if discussing the book “An Unquiet Mind” students should add background on therapy strategies or research on bipolar disorder and add 3 novel references. Please discuss details in class with Dr. Baroni

Participation (10%): The success of the class depends heavily on participation in class. Students will be expected to make regular contributions to class discussions and to engage in proposed activities 

COURSE POLICIES:

Grading Rubric A. Exemplary work that fully addresses the question with a coherent argument, critical evaluation, and originality. Evidence of substantial reading beyond the course material. B. Strong performance that addresses the question with critical evaluation and integration of concepts. Demonstrates independent thinking and reading beyond assigned materials, with no major errors. C. Acceptable work that answers clearly but is limited to basic lectures material. D. Inadequate understanding with omissions and irrelevant points. Barely sufficient to avoid failure. E. Fails to demonstrate knowledge or understanding, with irrelevant content dominating the response. 

Quality of Written Work: Your papers will be graded on both the content of what you say and the way you express yourself. In the field of mental health, communication between practitioners, patients, and families is of the utmost importance, so we are expecting you to strive for clarity in your written work. Incomplete thoughts and frequent syntactical and grammatical errors (e.g., run-on sentences, fragments, reference errors, etc.) interfere with our ability to understand your ideas and analysis (which in practice can have serious consequences for an individual receiving treatment) and will, consequently, result in a lowering of your grade. Please be aware that instructor is familiar with ChatGPT writing style.

Attendance Requirements: Attendance, although not mandatory, is essential to earn a good grade in this course. Each week will include a variety of readings, lectures, discussions, measures, and activities aimed at exploring the week’s topic. Students will get the most if they come to class prepared and ready to participate and engage with class activities and discussions.

Policy on Late Submissions: Extensions will not exceed three days and will be granted on a case-by-case basis, provided they are requested within 24 hours of the deadline. Late papers and projects will be accepted. However, grades on all late papers and projects will be lowered by 1/3 for each day they are late (e.g., from an A- to a B+ on late day #1, from a B+ to a B on late day #2, etc.). Under no circumstances will any papers or projects be accepted after the last class. Papers and projects received after this date will not be graded and will receive a score of zero. Students requesting an exemption from the late submission policy must present a written note from a school Dean, Academic Advisor, or personal physician (e.g., not the student’s parent or family member) justifying the late submission, which will then be considered by the instructor.

Examination Policy: You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused.

Academic Honesty: As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision. Students with Learning or Other Disabilities: JCU is committed to providing equal educational opportunity and participation for students with disabilities. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the JCU website for the complete policy.