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Unit Information

Unit code: HNO6009
Credit points: 12

In this unit, students focus on developing their understanding of mental ill-health. Students examine the most common mental illnesses; the factors that contribute to their prevalence; and the impact of mental illness on the lived experience of diverse people, families, and communities. Students also examine mental health as a national health priority, together with mental health promotion and illness prevention services and strategies. Other aspects of the unit include the legal and ethical frameworks that guide how practitioners work with people with mental illness; and the specific skills needed to build and maintain person-centred therapeutic relationships that promote recovery and resilience. Students will also critically reflect on the need for practitioners to self-care and the importance of consumer-centred supervision.

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Justify the international and national prioritization of mental health, including the need for active mental health promotion and illness prevention strategies and services for diverse people, families, and communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders;
  2. Appraise the legal and ethical frameworks that guide the models of delivery of complex consumer-centred, culturally appropriate mental health care in Australia;
  3. Critically review the most common mental illnesses, the factors that contribute to their prevalence, and the impact of the symptoms of mental illness or 'burden of disease' on the lived experience of diverse people, families, and communities;
  4. Critique the theory and practice of recovery-oriented, evidence-based mental health assessment, diagnosis, pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions, and care planning;
  5. Justify models of self-care for practitioners; and
  6. Participate in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement and understanding of principles of academic integrity.
     

Assignment: Mind Map – Models of self-care for practitioners (500 words) - 10%

Research Paper: Mental health promotion and illness prevention services and strategies. (2500 words) - 50%

Presentation: Effective care plan for a person experiencing mental ill-health (10mins/2000 words equivalent) – 40%

Other: Evidence of completion of the Academic Integrity Modules – 0%

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