Occupational Therapy Practice and Mental Health

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
OCCU 2005
Course ID icon
Course ID
204431
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus East, Whyalla
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of AH & HP
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Alice Standfield
Course level icon
Course level
2
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

The aim of this course is to develop student capacity to identify and describe a range of mental health conditions and resultant occupational performance issues and apply relevant theoretical frameworks and assessment, intervention and evaluation strategies. Identification and understanding of the impact on occupational performance of anxiety, mood, psychotic, trauma-related and other mental health conditions in a range of contexts. Occupational therapy assessment and intervention techniques associated with these disorders. Mental health legislation; documentation and report writing. Practice models and concepts including model of human occupation, recovery, attachment theory, social inclusion, cognitive behavioural therapy, sensory-based approaches and trauma-informed care.

Course learning outcomes

  • Define and describe a range of mental health conditions and the impact on an individual's occupational performance across the lifespan.
  • Identify and apply major theoretical frameworks used in mental health settings in both assessment and provision of therapeutic programs.
  • Discuss the implications of mental health legislation, ethical principles, stereotypes and medico-legal responsibilities on individuals experiencing mental health conditions.
  • Explain and interpret the impact of physical, social, institutional and cultural environments on mental health.
  • Apply occupational analysis skills to formulate occupational therapy intervention programs for people experiencing mental health issues.
  • Demonstrate appropriate interpretation and documentation of observations and assessment in accordance with the practice area.
  • Demonstrate professional, self-management and communication skills appropriate to a mental health practice setting.

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

Adelaide City Campus East

Class number
Class number 22673
Section
Section LE01
Size
Size 125
Available
Available 22
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
25 Feb - 15 Apr Wednesday 3:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Playford, P3-20
6 May - 3 Jun Wednesday 3:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Playford, P3-20
Class number
Class number 22674
Section
Section WS01
Size
Size 25
Available
Available 0
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
23 Feb - 13 Apr Monday 2:10pm - 5pm Adelaide City Campus East Bonython Jubilee, BJ3-52
4 May - 1 Jun Monday 2:10pm - 5pm Adelaide City Campus East Bonython Jubilee, BJ3-52
Class number
Class number 22675
Section
Section WS02
Size
Size 25
Available
Available 0
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
25 Feb - 15 Apr Wednesday 9:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East Centenary, C5-21
6 May - 3 Jun Wednesday 9:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East Centenary, C5-21
Class number
Class number 22676
Section
Section WS03
Size
Size 25
Available
Available 4
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
27 Feb - 17 Apr Friday 8:10am - 11am Adelaide City Campus East Bonython Jubilee, BJ3-52
8 May - 5 Jun Friday 8:10am - 11am Adelaide City Campus East Bonython Jubilee, BJ3-52
Class number
Class number 22677
Section
Section WS04
Size
Size 25
Available
Available 15
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
27 Feb - 17 Apr Friday 2:10pm - 5pm Adelaide City Campus East Bonython Jubilee, BJ3-52
8 May - 5 Jun Friday 2:10pm - 5pm Adelaide City Campus East Bonython Jubilee, BJ3-52
Class number
Class number 22678
Section
Section WS05
Size
Size 25
Available
Available 3
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
27 Feb - 17 Apr Friday 11:10am - 2pm Adelaide City Campus East Schulz, 308
8 May - 5 Jun Friday 11:10am - 2pm Adelaide City Campus East Schulz, 308

Whyalla

Class number
Class number 24183
Section
Section LE01
Size
Size 10
Available
Available 10
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
25 Feb - 15 Apr Wednesday 3:10pm - 4pm Whyalla Playford, P3-20
6 May - 3 Jun Wednesday 3:10pm - 4pm Whyalla Playford, P3-20
Class number
Class number 24184
Section
Section WS01
Size
Size 10
Available
Available 10
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
24 Feb - 14 Apr Tuesday 10:10am - 1pm Whyalla Main Building, MB2-60H
5 May - 2 Jun Tuesday 10:10am - 1pm Whyalla Main Building, MB2-60H

Prerequisite(s)

  • must have completed all of OCCU1003 Occupational Therapy Practice in Hospital Settings/OCCU2008 Principles of Occupational Therapy Practice/REHB2003 Therapeutic Communication and Group Work

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed REHB2045 Occupational Therapy Practice and Mental Health at the University of South Australia

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Degree list
The following degrees include this course