MHSC9023 Comorbid Mental Health Substance Use Disorders

2016

4.5

1 x 3-day intensive workshop per semester
1 x 115-hour independent study per semester
2 x 2-hour on-line exercises per semester

1 Admission into MCBT-Master of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
1a Admission into GDPMHS-Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Sciences
1b Admission into MMHS-Master of Mental Health Sciences
2 2 of MHSC8022, MHSC8025
3 Admission into GDPMHN-Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
3a Admission into GDPNGMH-Graduate Diploma in Nursing (Mental Health)
3b Admission into MNGMH-Master of Nursing (Mental Health)
Must Satisfy: (((1 or 1a or 1b) and 2) or ((3 or 3a or 3b)))

MHSC9029 - Clinical Practicum 2: Extended Applications of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

1 of MHSC8011, MHSC8023 has been successfully completed

A current clinical role that enables students to draw on actual cases with people experiencing comorbid disorders is essential.

Assignments

This topic provides students with an understanding and knowledge of comorbid mental health and substance use disorders. Such knowledge includes: epidemiology & social cost of comorbid disorders, psychopharmacology of psychoactive drugs, aetiology and models of comorbidity, conceptual issues surrounding assessment and diagnosis, motivational interviewing principles, treatment models, and issues surrounding the implementation of comorbid treatment. The topic is delivered as an intensive workshop and consists of lectures, role-plays, demonstrations and group work.

Students will gain skills in the diagnosis and assessment of comorbid disorders. This includes the identification of key DSM-IV and DSM-5 characteristics of common psychiatric & substance use disorders, differential diagnosis, case conceptualisation, assessment and diagnostic tools, & distinguishing between comorbid symptoms and secondary effects, & the measurement of therapeutic change. Skills will also be developed in the evidence-based treatment of clients with comorbid disorders, based on assessment & case conceptualisation. This will include developing an intervention plan that takes into account the client's psychiatric and substance use disorders, & their functional, social & environmental needs.

The topic aims to offer students a detailed understanding of the principles and considerations relevant to people experiencing comorbid psychological and substance use disorders. The topic covers several areas: assessment and identification, case conceptualisations, evidence-based interventions for comorbid disorders, treatment planning and implementation in various clinical settings.

On successful completion of the topic students should be able to:

• Demonstrate and convey knowledge in assessment and case conceptualisations for comorbid substance use disorders and high prevalence psychological disorders.

• Administer and interpret clinical measurement tools specific to comorbid disorders.

• Produce informed and guided case conceptualisation, treatment planning, goal setting and relapse prevention strategies for people with comorbid disorders.

• Apply Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques to support a person-centred treatment plan using a cognitive behavioural framework to guide practice.

• Differentiate comorbid substance use disorders and high prevalence psychological disorders.