SOWK7584: Medical Terminology and Behavioral Health in Primary Care

This course introduces students to integrated behavioral health practice within primary care and other social service settings. Emphasizing the Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) model, the course explores evidence‑based, brief interventions used across the lifespan to support prevention, acute and chronic condition management, functional improvement, and overall quality of life. Students will examine the continuum of integrated care, the roles of interdisciplinary teams, and strategies for implementing behavioral health integration in diverse social work environments. Skill development includes Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. The course also provides foundational medical terminology to strengthen communication, professionalism, and collaboration within medical and social work practice.