Hand holding a brain representing psychology

Psychology: Inside Diagnosis and Treatment

Next available start date:

December 22, 2024

Apply Now

How has psychology revolutionized the relationship between behavior and mental health care? How do psychologists determine specific treatment plans? This course explores answers to these questions and enables you to develop a solid knowledge base of clinical psychology. Delve into various psychology theories and approaches, discover different mental health diagnoses, and learn the process of assessing and treating mental health issues. If you’re intrigued by the inner workings of psychology, this course is for you.

Program Dates

Choose the course length that works for you: 2-week and 4-week sessions

Eligibility

For students ages 13 and up

Individual Course Fees

$1,795

Discover the World of Psychology

Answer the Question: “What is Clinical Psychology?”

Understand the history of psychology, and evaluate the role of mental health in the individual and society. Differentiate the purpose and function of various mental health professions.

Examine the Range of Mental Health Disorders

Review the diagnostic system that is used to identify mental health disorders. Identify the range of disorders, like obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia, and what we know about them.

Explore the Assessment and Diagnosis Process

Determine how patients are referred for treatment and the intake process. Recognize different methods of clinical interviewing, and identify how assessment leads to treatment choices.

Delve Into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Identify the fundamental premise underlying Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Define automatic thoughts, intermediate beliefs, and core beliefs. Evaluate basic behavioral and cognitive techniques for intervention and treatment.

Review Treatment Methods Beyond CBT

Highlight methods beyond CBT, like psychodynamic, family systems, and humanistic therapies. Examine cultural norms' impact on therapy and adaptations and how methods should vary according to individual needs.

Hear From Experts in the Field

Lessons feature an array of psychology professionals like psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, family therapists, and more.

Northwestern pre-college online psychology student

How You Will Benefit

  • Be able to evaluate the role of mental health in the individual and society.
  • Understand the diagnostic system that is used to identify mental health disorders.
  • Identify the various types of therapy and when one is more valuable than another.
  • Complete a Final Capstone Project to demonstrate what you’ve learned.
  • Earn a Certificate of Completion from Northwestern University.

Three Learning Advantages Designed for You

Final Capstone Project

The online course culminates in a Final Capstone Project that allows you to:

  • Delve into a patient case study from referral to treatment plan.
  • Understand the reason for the referral, determine the possible mental health issue, and explore potential treatments to support patient care.
Mentoring

You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and deepen your learning experience. You can expect:

  • Encouragement and direction on all assignments. 
  • Inspiration, motivation, and confidence to help you excel in your studies.
  • Brainstorming and ideation to help you prepare for your Final Capstone Project.
Flexible Learning
  • 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
  • Flexible learning format through video lessons. Tune in anytime that works for you.
  • 20-30 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors.

Apply Now for the Next Available Course

All course options have the same educational content, learning materials, and number of assignments. We are offering a condensed version of the course in order to accommodate students’ individual schedules.

Course Designed by Northwestern Faculty

Alissa Chung | Psychology Professor | Northwestern

Alissa Levy Chung, PhD

Associate Professor of Instruction; Associate Director of Clinical Training

Professor Chung, a licensed clinical and developmental psychologist, is an award-winning teacher as a member of the adjunct faculty in the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern, teaching courses in developmental and clinical psychology. Since 2001, she has been a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice, working with children, adolescents, adults, and families.

Student applying to Northwestern's pre-college online psychology course

How To Apply:

It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Just provide some basic information and tell us why you wish to take this program.

Note: Please submit all application materials in English.


Begin the guided application process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.

Want to Know More?

Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.

Admissions

Our application process is easy. You can expect a prompt decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you're admitted ? Find answers to your questions here.

Scholarships

We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential who need assistance affording the associated cost. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:

  • Haven't applied to the program, complete your application now. The scholarship application is included.
  • Applied to the program and didn't fill out a scholarship request, reach out to us at support@precollege.northwestern.edu for assistance.
  • Are unsure about whether or not you applied for a scholarship, reach out to us at support@precollege.northwestern.edu for assistance.