Research Methods in Community Mental Health

Course Description

Summary

This course provides an introduction to research design, methodology, and statistical analysis with specific application to community mental health counseling. Students learn to critically evaluate research studies relevant to community mental health practice, including treatment outcomes research, intervention effectiveness studies, and systems-level research that examines how environmental and social factors impact mental health. Emphasis is placed on understanding research that explores the relationships between social determinants, systemic barriers, and mental health outcomes, enabling counselors to view client presentations through both individual and macro-level lenses. Students develop skills in interpreting population-level research findings and applying this evidence to inform clinical decision-making and professional advocacy. The course prepares students to be informed consumers of research who understand how broader systemic factors influence individual client experiences and treatment outcomes.