WS4503 - Social Work and Mental Health

This subject offers an introduction to critical, theoretical and applied issues in relation to mental health practice. Providing an overview of mental health practice, this course emphasises social welfare practice, social justice and human rights approaches to mental health. The subject is interwoven with an intersectoral analysis, including gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic status.

Learning Outcomes

• critically examine the ideas that inform the questions 'what is health?' 'what is mental health?' (including historical themes, medical models, sociological models, the social construction of madness, and the spectrum of interventions for mental health practice);
• be conversant with the knowledge base and values of professional disciplines involved in the delivery of mental health services in Australia (ICD 10, DMS-5, multi disciplinary teams, organisation of mental health services, alternative options for naming and responding to mental health issues.);
• analyse and evaluate conceptualisations of mental health and mental illness in relation to human rights and social justice;
• demonstrate and apply knowledge of mental health legislation and the shaping of social policy in relation to mental health in Australia;
• integrate knowledge of mental health and mental illness with social work theories, skills and values and explore the application of social work practice frameworks with diverse social and cultural contexts.

Subject Assessment

• statement of learning (60%)
• essay (40%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.