Details for SSC216 Mental Health

Gaining insight into mental health conditions is pivotal for providing effective support and intervention. Students in this subject will learn to recognise symptoms, deliver appropriate assistance, and understand the role of the community in supporting mental wellbeing. They will develop skills in treating individuals with empathy, respect, and compassion, while fostering a hopeful and supportive environment.

Quick Stats

• Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
• Course code: SSC216
• Credit points: 10

Subject Coordinator

Prerequisite

Pre-req: SSC110 Psychology of Emotion

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Develop a basic understanding of the nature, effects and management of many common mental health conditions within a cultural context;
2. Define the types of interventions that may help persons with these problems and recognise the impact of mental health on those close to the client and provide support/referral for them as appropriate;
3. Display respect, empathy, compassion towards people with mental health conditions & develop strategies to help others to do the same; recognising the importance of conveying hope and confidence;
4. Begin to understand patterns of thinking, feeling and action indicative of emerging mental health conditions, and of the context in which they may arise.

Subject Content

• Introduction 
• Understanding Abnormal Psychology and Mental Health
• Client Focused Care, Clinical Assessment, Mini Mental Health Examination
• Anxiety, Trauma & OCD
• Neuro-Developmental Disorders, Neurocognitive Disorders
• Substance, Addictive and Impulse Control Disorders
• Schizophrenia Spectrum and other Psychotic Disorders
• Mood Disorders, Suicide
• Sexual Dysfunction and Paraphilic Disorders
• Somatic and dissociative disorders, Eating disorders, Sleep disorders
• Physical disorders and health psychology, Mental health services: Ethical & Legal
• Personality Disorders
• Understanding Community Support: Services & Help Lines
• Application of Learning, Self Care 

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Onsite (face-to-face)
• Online (eLearning)
• Intensives
• Extensives

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

• Personal Record of Relaxation Technique (25%)
• Major Essay (50%)
• Individual Presentation & Handout (25%)

Prescribed Text

• Barlow, D.H., Durand, V.M., & Hofmann, S.G. (2017) Abnormal Psychology (8th ed.) or (2015 – 7th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Please consult your instructor prior to purchasing any textbooks.