Course Syllabus
HR 5613 - Assessment and Evaluation in Counseling
Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Description
Assessment is the cornerstone of any type of treatment – one must have an informed idea about what one is treating in order to prescribe meaningful interventions. The focus of this course will be the administration, scoring, and interpretation of selected mental health screening instruments, interpersonal, and personality tests.
Attention will also be directed to the client’s response and approach to the evaluation setting, as sources of clinical data. You will develop skills in the practical application of the clinical inference process. You will also be exposed to a conceptual framework and guidelines for writing test reports, and a rationale for the various sections of the report. Thus, there is a clinical emphasis in this class, while grounding this emphasis in theoretical and research-based assumptions.
The general theoretical orientation of the instructor is psychodynamic, informed by developmental, ego-psychological, self-psychological, interpersonal, and systems perspectives. Because the theoretical and clinical tradition most associated with the area of projective techniques is broadly psychodynamic, this will be the main theoretical perspective drawn on in the class.
Course Prerequisites
- 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
- HR 5893 - Psychopharmacology
- HR 5663 - Psychopathology
- HR 5433 - Group Counseling
Course Materials
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
- Note: Please use the DSM-5 TR
- This manual can be accessed through the OU Library by using your OU 4 x 4 and password.
- Note: Please use the DSM-5 TR
- Whiston, S.C. (2017). Principles and applications of assessment in counseling. (5th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points/Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Class Participation | Weekly asynchronous Live Sessions | 10% |
| Quizzes | Weekly quizzes based upon the readings and media from each learning module. | 40% |
| Assignment | Assessment scavenger hunt | 15% |
| Counseling Diagnostic Reports | 3 case studies that will be completed throughout the semester. | 25% |
| Assessment Report Presentation | Overview of one of the 3 case studies from the assessment portfolio. | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Class Participation
Attendance/participation in the Live Session is part of the grade mix. If you are unable to attend in real-time, be sure to post that you were unable to attend, watch the recording and respond, summarize, or interact with it in some way.
There are two ways in which you can earn points for the Live Session. Remember, these Live Sessions will count toward your final grade.
- Participate Live: This option should be your preferred choice. When possible, you should attend and participate in the Live Sessions in real-time. To get credit for your attendance, type in the date and time of the session you attended by clicking on the red "Start Assignment" button at the top of this page. Your self-reported attendance log will be cross-checked against the attendance tracker in Zoom.
- Make-Up (Watch Recording-Submit Written Summary): In the event that your time zone, work or personal schedule makes it impossible for you to attend, you will need to review the recording of the Live Session and write a paragraph summarizing the Live Session from your perspective. Click on the "Start Assignment" button to type (or copy/paste) your paragraph into the text field.
Quizzes
Periodically, you will be required to complete a quiz based on the week's readings and media. You will be given two attempts and the higher of the 2 grades will be recorded.
Assignment
Throughout the course, you will complete three different assignments that will enhance your skills in assessments.
The assignment includes:
Assessment Scavenger Hunt - This will take place on the Buros Testing website and will test your knowledge in determining which assessments are appropriate for your client, and understand and determine appropriate reliability and validity. You will be given a case study and asked to find three tests that would be appropriate and explain the aspects of the test that makes it a strong choice, including the sample that the test was intended, reliability and validity. The paper should be 3-5 pages in length in APA format.
Counseling Diagnostic Reports
These reports will consist of three case studies that will be completed throughout this course. You will give formal and informal tests, interpret assessments, make observations, diagnose, and design a treatment plan for your clients. Using these case studies, assessments, and your interpretation of them, you will then create a treatment plan including an overview of the case, intake MSE, and your assessment interpretations and recommendations. These assignments will be submitted to Canvas.
In this course, it is important that you understand the position of a client in the assessment process, so this may mean that you will be conducting assessments on your classmates, friends, family, and/or self. You will need to have your "client" complete an informed consent. All information is confidential in this setting and should remain so per the ACA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. You may share only the information you are comfortable sharing for the requirements of this course.
- Note: If a student counselor shares their client assessment information outside of the class, it is a violation of the Ethical Code of Conduct for a professional counselor and will result in disciplinary action by the Instructor and the Chair of the Department.
Assessment Report Presentation
For this assignment, you will choose 1 of your case studies from the Assessment Portfolio and give a presentation including the following:
- An overview of the case
- Intake
- MSE
- Formal assessment interpretations and recommendations
These presentations will be approximately 10 minutes. Students will submit a PowerPoint with recorded video and/or sound giving their presentation. Students will watch each others' presentations and give feedback on at least three peers' posts.
Course Policies
Communication
I am available for questions by appointment or through email at bethhennington@ou.edu
You should receive an answer within 24 hours of your email. I will not answer phone calls without an appointment due to personal responsibilities.
Late Policy
All assignments are due on the dates indicated within this course, except in the case of significant illness (doctor's note required) or a major family emergency. You need to notify me as soon as possible about the emergency, so that I can arrange a mutually agreed upon time for completion of the assignment.
Note: For late assignments, 10 points each day will be deducted with a limit of 3 days allowed.
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.
Student Support Services
OU offers a variety of services to support students. For more information, please refer to the Student Support Module in your Orientation course.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement and Privacy Information
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. Please review OU's Accessibility Policy.
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.
Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
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
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 |
|---|---|---|