Course overview
This course introduces key concepts in mental health and addiction for social workers and human service workers. Students will develop a sound knowledge of the commonly experienced mental health problems, historical perspectives on mental health, the nature of the mental health system, mental health advocacy and policy, legal aspects of mental health, and the role of social workers and human service workers in this context. Students will also gain a broad understanding of addiction to licit and illicit substances and other addictive behaviours. The course specifically explores stigma and the social context of mental health and wellbeing, paying particular attention to the role of human service workers in bringing a social understanding of mental health and evidence-based approaches to their practice. Students will analyse the distinction between mental health and mental illness, contemporary mental health interventions including primary health care and recovery paradigm in mental health practice, lived experiences of clients, social work purpose, practice and roles in mental health, and practice in multidisciplinary contexts.
Course learning outcomes
- Identify and articulate the theoretical frameworks, purpose, and roles which guide social work and human service practice in mental health and addiction/substance misuse practice in diverse settings
- Critically analyse the contemporary policy contexts of mental health, substance misuse and addictive behaviours and their relationship to theoretical frameworks
- Reflect on and articulate the influence of consumer and carer voices in policy development and service provision in the areas of mental health, addiction and addictive behaviours
- Evaluate the dominant meanings of mental health and mental illness and addiction and their impact upon diverse groups
- Explain contemporary models of mental health and substance use interventions
- Locate and critically evaluate evidence of the effectiveness of mental health and substance misuse interventions