Theoretical Approaches to Mental Health Practice

Postgraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your study will be 100% online
100% online
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
NURS 5022
Course ID icon
Course ID
202342
Campus icon
Campus
Online
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
12
Course owner
Course owner
Sch of Nursing and Midwifery
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Mark Loughhead
Course level icon
Course level
1
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

This course will develop an in-depth knowledge of a range of conceptual models of mental health and to explore how a connection is made between specific therapeutic modalities and the client’s individual needs within the socio-political and cultural context of modern recovery orientated mental health care. Approaches to different therapeutic interventions – including how developmental and recovery approaches are incorporated in the context of care e.g. community and non community settings. An emphasis on assessment and treatment, promotion and prevention, early detection and intervention, rehabilitation and recovery. An exploration of philosophical and theoretical models; behavioural, psychoanalytic, humanistic, existential and postmodern theories of the self; socio-cultural, neuroscience and medical models of mental health care; further review of psychoactive and somatic therapies; range of therapeutic and counselling strategies and advanced therapeutic skills; ethical decision making in mental health care. 

Course learning outcomes

  • Implement a range of therapeutic interventions designed to promote mental health in nursing and allied health practice
  • Demonstrate a developing competence in working as an effective member of a multi disciplinary team
  • Identify opportunities for early detection, intervention and recovery with people who are displaying early signs and symptoms of mental health problems
  • Articulate knowledge of current therapeutic modalities (evidence-based assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and support), and to discuss their relevance in patient care in mental health systems
  • Systematically monitor, evaluate and critically analyse own clinical practice based on sound theoretical perspectives which underpin various therapeutic modalities
  • Critically discuss and analyse the ethical and professional responsibilities associated with working with vulnerable people and communities
  • Demonstrate a developing level of competence as a mental health nurse or health professional.

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Online

Class number
Class number 20042
Section
Section 01OL
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 29
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
- Online ,

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed NURS5159 Theoretical Approaches to Mental Health Practice at the University of South Australia

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If you are studying in a Professional Pathway Psychology or Clinical Psychology program, please refer to the Student Contributions amounts published here.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.