PSY1014 · Introduction to contemporary mental health practice

Overview

Individuals encounter challenges that impact on their own and others' mental health and wellbeing. These include biological, psychological, and social factors, as well as behaviours such as binge drinking and inappropriate drug use, which can affect both individual health and have a wider impact on the community. You will gain an understanding of the most prevalent mental health issues within the community, including depression, anxiety, drug, and alcohol misuse, eating disorders, personality disorders, and psychosis. Common lifespan and developmental challenges for children, adolescents, young adults, and older adults will be discussed. You will gain an appreciation of how the mental health system works within Australia, the types of community-based organisations, services, and resources available to individuals experiencing a mental health issue, and the barriers that interfere with mental health promotion and recovery from an episode of illness. The unit will provide knowledge that enables you to participate in the multidisciplinary workforce that address these issues in local, state, and federal government departments, as well as in NGOs, small community-based organisations, and other settings where psychologists work.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Describe the most common mental health issues impacting individuals within the community and organisations, services, and resources that may assist recovery.
2. Describe the biological, psychological, social and cultural factors that influence the development of mental health issues, help-seeking behaviours, and recovery.
3. Critique different approaches to mental health policy and promotion designed to assist recovery.
4. Demonstrate critical thinking in relation to mental health problems.
5. Communicate the challenges involved at interpersonal, community, and policy levels in ensuring good mental health.

Workload

Two hours of seminars per week. Two hours of tutorials nine times per semester. One hour unit induction tutorial in week 1. Eight hours background reading/preparation for seminars, tutorials and assessment tasks per week.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.