RADFORD -- This fall Radford University’s Psychology Department will offer a special graduate course in counseling psychology, PSYC 690-03: “Working with Potentially Dangerous Individuals: Assessment, Counseling, and Research Issues.”  James L. Werth, Jr., the director of RU’s new Psy.D. Program in Counseling Psychology, will teach the course on Mondays from 6 – 9 p.m.

The course is designed to provide students with information, resources, and skills associated with providing clinical services to, or conducting research with, individuals who may hurt themselves or someone else. 

Dr. Werth is a licensed psychologist in Ohio (Virginia license pending) and mental health practitioner. He has extensive experience working with people who are HIV positive and suicidal.  His course will be based on The Duty to Protect, a book he co-edited that is currently under review for publication. Using the “duty to protect” as a framework, he will cover clinical situations such as stalking, threats to public officials, end-of-life decision-making, receiving electronic communication, as well as issues of possible suicide or homicide.  Thorough reviews of assessment, crisis intervention, counseling, and research issues will be interwoven throughout the course, as will commentary on ethical and legal concerns and self-care.  The class will be taught using discussion, case studies and experiential activities.

Enrollment is limited. You must have graduate standing at RU, a background in human services (psychology, social work, counselor education, criminal justice) and permission from the Psychology Department to enroll in this course.  Professionals who want to refresh their knowledge are welcome to enroll as non-degree-seeking students by contacting the Graduate College at (540) 831-6296 or e-mail jdlawhorn@radford.edu.    

To learn more, please contact Dr. Hilary Lips, chairperson of the Psychology Department, at (540) 831-5387 or (540) 831-5359 or e-mail hlips@radford.edu