Micro-Seminar: Beyond the couch: Mental health careers in interdisciplinary settings PART ONE

Micro-Seminars have two parts. Attendance to both parts is required. Registering for the PART ONE session will automatically enroll you in the PART TWO session on Friday.

Part 1: Thursday, August 22, 2024 from 3:00 – 4:30 pm (PST)
Part 2: Friday, August 23, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:30 am (PST)

Interested in a career in Mental Health? Now what? This micro seminar is designed for students interested in the intersection of mental health or healthcare. Students will learn about the effectiveness of interdisciplinary teams in improving patient care and addressing healthcare inequities and explore models of integrating behavioral health care. Examples of various roles mental health professionals hold in these settings will be explored in small groups.

Learning Objectives:
1. Examine the history of mental health care within broader health systems in the United States.
2. Identify definitions of integrated care.
3. Examine how integrated care addresses health disparities and social inequities that have historically inhibited access to quality healthcare.
4. Examine the various mental health roles that exist in integrated care settings.
5. Identify 3 USC resources to support development of one of these career paths

Day 1 Course Plan: Mental Health and Integrated Care Presentation on history of mental health in healthcare and definitions of integrated behavioral health care Group Activity: Defining Social Determinants of Health and exporting impact on healthcare inequities. Discussion on pros and cons of integrated behavioral health care models

Day 2 Course Plan: Roles in the Field of Mental Health Presentation on interdisciplinary teams and roles within the field of mental health Discussion on communication skills within interdisciplinary teams Group Activity: Exploring Roles within mental health Exploration of USC resources to support development of one of these career paths

Target Audience: The seminar is intended for anyone interested in community building, health, mental health, psychology, or wellbeing.

Lead By: Professor Elizabeth Ronca

Elizabeth (Liz) Ronca, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Clinical Instructor at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Keck School of Medicine, and Behavioral Health Consultant at Student Health Services. Ms. Ronca received her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Boston College in 2012. She has extensive experience working as a clinical social worker in the specialty area of primary care-mental health integration as well as crisis intervention. Ms. Ronca's clinical expertise includes interdisciplinary teamwork in the delivery of patient-care. She has assisted in the implementation of several new integrated care programs in primary care, women's health and pediatric settings. In 2023, she presented alongside colleagues at the American College Health Association annual conference on interdisciplinary patient care response to substance use screening in university health settings. Ms. Ronca also sees clients for psychotherapy in private practice. Her clinical interests include trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and embodiment, depression, trauma, anxiety, social justice and liberation health frameworks. As a mental health provider, Ms. Ronca is passionate about ending mental health stigma, increasing access to mental health care and approaching mental health treatment as an essential part of one’s overall health and wellbeing.

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