Introduction to contemporary mental health practice

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.

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.