Co-Existing Addiction and Mental Health Disorders

Postgraduate | 2026

Course page banner
Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
NURS 5034
Course ID icon
Course ID
204415
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
12
Course owner
Course owner
School of Pharm and Biomed Sci
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Andrea Pelentsov
Course level icon
Course level
5
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 examine the scientific basis of addiction, mental health and related comorbidities. Issues to be discussed include; comparative epidemiology, national mental health and drug and alcohol policy, integrated systems for evidence-based interventions and the need for a holistic philosophy of practice. The first part of the course provides the background by giving an overview of comorbidity. We examine the concepts and theories underpinning the coexistence of addiction, mental illness and other coexisting disorders in an individual and present them in worldwide and local contexts. The second part of the course deals with comorbidity in the areas of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander and migrant cultures, adolescence, pregnancy and childbirth, forensics, defence forces and other specialised areas. We examine best practice for service providers and practitioners to provide effective therapeutic interventions and coordinated approaches.

Course learning outcomes

  • Discuss the theoretical explanations of comorbidity.
  • Describe the epidemiology and policies related to comorbidity on a National level
  • Outline the service models and approaches for persons with comorbid conditions
  • Contrast therapeutic interventions that are suitable for responding to comorbid conditions.
  • Recommend service models appropriate for assessment and care of comorbidity
  • Demonstrate flexible approaches when responding to clients from diverse backgrounds and social circumstances
  • Demonstrate the ability to research and utilise the latest evidence relevant to comorbidity

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 04/09/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 21/08/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 18/09/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 16/10/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus East

Class number
Class number 59298
Section
Section 01CE
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 30
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
- Adelaide City Campus East ,

Prerequisite(s)

  • must have completed NURS5035 Mental Health

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed NURSING6204 Co-Existing Addiction and Mental Health Disorders at the University of Adelaide

Fee calculator

To display course fees, please select your status and program below:

We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.

Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.

Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

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.

Degree list
The following degrees include this course