COCAS study plan
COCAS · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis
Map the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for the highest-yield disorder clusters into a personal comparison chart
Differentiate the key features of two commonly confused differentials (e.g., bipolar II vs. cyclothymia) in writing
Practice applying a structured diagnostic interview framework to two written case vignettes
Identify the criteria that distinguish a specifier from a separate diagnosis
Your checkpoint
A one-page differential-diagnosis decision tree plus written diagnostic formulations for two vignettes
Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis
Compare at least four standardized assessment instruments by purpose, population, and psychometric properties
Interpret a sample score report and translate it into plain-language feedback
Explain the limits of screening tools versus comprehensive assessment
Outline a culturally responsive diagnostic interview sequence
Your checkpoint
A scored practice assessment report with a written client-facing feedback summary
Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Intervention
Map the core theoretical assumptions of cognitive-behavioral theory onto a case conceptualization template
Construct a full CBT case conceptualization for a written vignette
Design a behavioral activation plan with measurable targets
List and explain three cognitive restructuring techniques with their indications
Your checkpoint
A complete written case conceptualization including problem list, mechanism hypothesis, and treatment plan
Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Intervention & Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis
Sequence CBT interventions across an expected course of treatment
Identify when cognitive-behavioral approaches are contraindicated or need adaptation
Integrate diagnostic findings into a CBT treatment plan for a complex case
Self-assess weak spots in Domains 1 and 2 and build a targeted review list
Your checkpoint
A treatment-sequencing timeline plus a scored self-assessment of Domains 1-2 with a remediation list
Psychopharmacology and Medical Collaboration
Classify major psychotropic medication classes by mechanism, indication, and common side effects
Identify the monitoring parameters a psychologist should track and when to refer
Draft a consultation note to a prescribing provider using a collaborative-care framework
Explain informed consent for medication referral in plain language
Your checkpoint
A medication-class reference table plus a sample interprofessional consultation note
Ethics, Legal, and Professional Standards & Cultural Diversity and Social Justice
Apply an ethical decision-making model to three written dilemmas
Distinguish confidentiality limits, mandated reporting, and duty-to-warn obligations
Analyze a vignette for cultural bias and propose a socially just alternative response
Identify legal and ethical considerations in telehealth and record-keeping
Your checkpoint
Three written ethical decision analyses plus one cultural-bias case critique
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice & Supervision, Consultation, and Training
Critique two study designs for internal and external validity threats
Translate effect sizes and confidence intervals into practice implications
Apply a supervision model to a written supervisee scenario
Give and document structured feedback using a competency framework
Your checkpoint
A critical appraisal of two studies plus a written supervision feedback summary
Practice Management and Administration & Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis & Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Intervention
Outline the administrative essentials of a practice: billing, documentation, and risk management
Complete two timed mixed-domain practice sets and analyze error patterns
Revisit the weakest objectives from Weeks 1-7 and rewrite them as testable questions
Build a final-week review schedule with spaced repetition
Your checkpoint
A full-length timed practice exam score report with a written error-analysis and final review plan
Milestones
Week 2: Can produce a defensible differential diagnosis and interpret an assessment score without notes
Week 4: Scores at least 70% on a mixed Domain 1-2 practice set and has a written remediation list
Week 6: Can apply the ethical decision model and cultural critique to unfamiliar vignettes within time limits
Week 8: Scores at least 75% overall on a full-length timed practice exam with all domains represented