Bryant Steury

Abstract

Clinicians at University Counseling Centers (or UCCs) are at the epicenter of a unique demographic in that they may encounter individuals from diverse backgrounds in every sense of the term. In addition to the “traditional” college student, they may also provide clinical care to student-athletes and current or returning military personnel. One injury that impacts every demographic grouping a counselor will treat is head trauma. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) have become a subject of increasing interest among clinicians with an emphasis on proper diagnosis and post-concussive care. TBIs have been shown to negatively impact cognitive capacity, emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, impulse control and contribute to the development of mood disorders. TBIs can go undiagnosed because their symptoms are often attributed to mood or personality disorders, which are commonly seen in college counseling centers and thus TBIs may go undiagnosed without proper training and attention. While research regarding TBI assessment, efficacious intervention and TBI prevention has been done separately, no single manual has combined all three from the viewpoint of a University Counseling Center. This manual will provide just that, including recommending brief clinical assessment tools, identifying and developing treatment plans to assist clinicians in treating post-TBI psychological and social difficulties as well as how and when to refer to other providers such as neuropsychologists for extensive neuropsychological testing. This consolidated, setting-appropriate, easy to utilize manual would showcase the most effective interventions, treatment plans and prevention measures in one place. In completing the goals above, this manual will cover prevention, assessment and treatment of TBIs in the context of a college counseling center and the clients they are likely to see. It will provide guidance regarding appropriate scope of practice and how and when to refer out to specialty providers, and also tools to be used by clinicians and clients alike both in session and real-world scenarios via handouts or other visual aids. Finally, it will also contain a psychoeducation section clinicians will be able to share with TBI patients, their families, and administrative/faculty persons to assist with their understanding of TBIs and what effective treatment plans may require from them.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Dissertations (PsyD) -- Psychology; Brain damage -- Treatment; Counseling in higher education; College athletes -- Mental health; Veterans -- Mental health

Date of Award

2019

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Cozolino, Louis;

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