Valerie Seney, PhD

This course  integrates prior nursing concepts as they relate to the care of mental health in persons across the life span with psychiatric/neurological brain disorders. This course introduces new nursing concepts that provide an overview of psychiatric and trauma related disorders and the corresponding behavioral responses.

Introduction of the role of the advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. The course emphasizes evidence-based practice for assessment and psychiatric care across the lifespan. This course utilizes a bio-psychosocial framework built on students' prior knowledge of health assessment, ethics, and biological and social sciences. This integrated framework guides students in identifying risk factors inherent in the development of psychiatric disorders and mental health challenges. This course introduces the comprehensive psychiatric interview, diagnostic testing and formulation, and treatment planning that encompasses knowledge of culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The last psychiatric mental health course that builds on the role of the advanced practice psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) from NUR 677. Students will expand their understanding of mental health and disorders from a primarily individual perspective to apply a family and community partnership lens. Psychotherapeutic theories and models of family, group, and community-based treatment approaches will be emphasized.  These increasingly complex perspectives will inform students¿ development of diagnostic/dynamic formulations and treatment. To extend students¿ analysis and knowledge, the course also will focus on the influences of social determinants of health; culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion on mental health, treatment, and policy for patients, families, and communities across the lifespan.