The purpose of the module is: to provide the student with a critical analysis of current debates and emerging issues in the area of mental health; to equip the student with an integrated knowledge of the structures and organisational systems involved in mental health services in Ireland; to develop the student’s intervention skills in responding to services users with a mental health diagnosis; to provide the student with an overview of relevant therapeutic interventions, their histories and theoretical underpinnings; to highlight the importance of recovery focused models of care; to provide a critical analysis of Irish mental health policies and strategies.
Psychiatric and Alternative Models
Critical perspectives on diagnoses and classification systems; labeling and stigma; Mental Health Act 2001; A Vision for Change 2006; the Recovery model; clubhouse models; peer support models e.g. Eolas project; the service user perspective; ethical and legal issues specific to this area.
Specialist Populations
Dual diagnosis and Models of Care: Addiction; Intellectual Disability; Older service users and Alzheimers/Dementia; Homeless; Self Harm; Diversity and Cultural Factors eg. Travellers, asylum seekers.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Social Care Interventions in the CAMHS; Suicide Ideation- Prevention and Response Models; Eating Disorders;Family Therapy.
National Strategies
Strategies and Advocacy Groups-National Policies: A Framework for Improved Health and Well-being 2013-2015; HSE Mental Health Plan 2015; National Office for Suicide Prevention; Advocacy groups: Mental Health Reform; Headstrong; Jigsaw; Mental Health Promotion Strategies in Schools.
Therapeutic Interventions
Psychoanalytical/ Psychodynamic Approaches; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Brief/Solution Focused approaches; Person-Centred Approaches; Art therapy; Gesalt/ Alderian Therapy; Group Therapy.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 60 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |