Course Syllabus
HR 5893 - Psychopharmacology
Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Description
Catalog Description
This course serves as an introduction to psychopharmacology for mental health counselors and the commonly prescribed psychotropic medications used to address mental health disorders as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM - 5). Emphasis will be placed on the use of medications from a biopsychosocial perspective and the therapeutic role of the counselor.
Faculty-Created Description
This course will focus on psychotropic medications as an important consideration in the client/therapist relationship and as part of an integrated treatment plan. It will examine how trauma, substance abuse, socioeconomic, and multicultural issues affect treatment, access to medications, and therapeutic support. Ethical and legal guidelines will also be addressed.
Course Prerequisites
Satisfactory completion of:
- HR 5003 - Theoretical Foundations in Human Relations Counseling / HR 5533 - Counseling Theories in CMHC
- HR 5402 - Psycho-Social Development / HR 5923 - Human Growth & Development
- HR 5883 - Introduction to the Counseling Profession
- HR 5483 - Diagnosis in Human Relations Counseling
- HR 5453 - Ethics in Human Relations Counseling
- HR 5643 - Crisis Intervention / Crisis Intervention and Trauma Counseling
Course Materials
Required Textbooks:
- Preston, J., & Johnson, J. (2020). Clinical pharmacology made ridiculously simple, 9th Edition. MedMaster.
-
Sinacola, R., Peters-Strickland, T., Wyner, J. (2020). Basic Psychopharmacology for Mental Health Professionals. (3rd Edition).
Recommended (not required):
- Stahl, S. (2021). Stahl's essential psychopharmacology: neuroscientific basis and practical applications. Cambridge University Press.
- Inaba, D. S., & Cohen, W. E. (2014). Uppers, Downers, and All Arounders, Medford, Oregon: CNS Productions.
- Cozolino, L. (2017). The neuroscience of psychotherapy: Healing the social brain. WW Norton & Company.
Grades
Breakdown
| Graded Assignment/Activity | Description | Individual Points | Pct. of Course Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Sessions | Weekly Synchronous meetings via Zoom | 8 Live Sessions × 10 points each (80 total) |
10% |
| Discussion Board Participation | Asynchronous Discussion topics | 8 Discussions × 25 points each (200 total) | 25% |
| Mid-course Exam | Exam on Modules 1-4 | 240 | 30% |
| Research Paper | 5-7 page paper | 280 | 35% |
| Total | 800 | 100% |
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Weekly Live Sessions
There will be eight Live Sessions (10 points each). The primary purpose of these Live Sessions is to build an online community of learners.
Points will be given each week for attending the Live Sessions.
- Attendance/participation in the Live Session is part of the grade mix.
- If you are unable to attend in real-time, be sure to watch the recording, summarize it, and turn that summary in on the Live Session page to earn points.
Discussion Board Participation
There will be eight threaded discussion topic assignments (25 points each). Students will participate weekly in the online discussion board on Canvas. Questions will be based on assigned readings and a weekly update on your "Drug of Choice"
To receive full credit for a weekly discussion assignment, students must answer all the questions posed, as well as comment on the response of at least two other classmates for each question posted.
Each student will complete an original post on the given topic by 11:59 p.m. Central on Tuesday, then reply to at least two classmates' posts.
Replies are due by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. Central each week. Replies should be respectful and insightful.
Mid-Course Exam
There is one required exam midway through the course. This exam is worth 30% of the final course grade.
- Use of books, notes, and any other resources is allowed.
- This is not a timed exam. However, responses must be submitted by the due date.
Research Paper
There is one required written paper assignment in this course. The paper is worth 35% of the total course grade.
Formatting of the paper must:
- Follow guidelines in the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual (APA, 2020).
- Include scholarly references (professional journal articles and texts) and citations using APA format to support your work.
The length of the paper must be 5-7 pages, not including the cover page and references.
Course Policies
Communication
You may email me at tbalmer@ou.edu text or call me at 580-504-0643. If you choose to call me, please text me first so I know to pick up your call. I usually reply within 2 hours of your message. I check emails and messages every day of the week.
You may address me in a way that is comfortable for you. Many people call me Thom, some call me Balmer, some call me Dr. Balmer, and some call me Airborne.
Feedback
I know that waiting for feedback can be anxiety provoking. I have been teaching for over 30 years, I will provide feedback as quick as possible.
Late Policy
I rarely accept late work, but when it is allowed you will lose a significant number of points unless the situation is covered by ADA regulations, you have been deployed, or there is an acute tragedy taking you away from your studies.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video (Links to an external site.)
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure (Links to an external site.)
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|