Leader: Ms L Andary

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

The unit will provide a basic understanding of scientific research in mental health and the methods of evaluation of the practice. There will be topics on medical and biopsychosocial models, psychodynamic principles, cognitive-behavioural models, and role of prevention in mental health. The unit also covers the process involved in multi-disciplinary team functioning, role of other stakeholders, consumers and the function of various disciplines. There will be an emphasis on understanding the mental health care system and various service models and the subject will conclude with an integration of all topics covered in the context of community mental health service. Content includes:
Scientific Research in Mental Health.
Evaluation in mental health practice.
The medical and biopsychosocial models.
Psychodynamic thinking.
Cognitive behavioural models.
Prevention and stress- diathesis models.
Function
Understanding teams: Multidisciplinary Teamwork.
Understanding other participants in the system: perspectives from different stakeholders.
Understanding mental health care systems; model services.
The perspective of the consumer.
Summary and integration.

Objectives

On completion of this unit the student should:

1. Have a basic understanding about scientific research and evaluation methods in mental health.
2. Have achieved sufficient knowledge base on medical and biopsychosocial models, psychodynamic models, cognitive-behavioural models and stress-diathesis models.
3. Have a functional understanding of multi-disciplinary teamwork and processes and critically understand the perspective of other stakeholders.
4. Learn and understand various mental health care systems and models of service.
5. Be able to integrate all concepts in the mental health practice with the systems and model of service delivery.

Assessment

Two written assignments of 2,500 words each and weighted at 50% each. Both must be passed to pass the unit.