PSYC6503

Clinical Psychology with Adults

Faculty of Science and Information Technology School of Psychology

10 Units 6000 Level Course

Available in 2013

Callaghan Campus	Semester 1

Previously offered in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

Introduces students to the aetiology and assessment of the more common disorders of adults, including adjustment disorder, bereavement, depression, and the anxiety disorders. This teaching is integrated with instruction on methods of intervention, including pharmacotherapy and individual, couple and group psychotherapy, for these problems. Not to be counted with PSYC6602.

Objectives

At the conclusion of the semester students will be able to:

1. Identify the factors determining the formation and maintenance of the more common psychological disorders of adults.
2. Develop appropriate treatment plans for the amelioration of the problems of adults.
3. Communicate the conclusions of assessments of the problems of adults to the clients themselves and to others involved in their care.
4. Engage adults in therapeutic alliances appropriate to the implementation of treatment plans.
5. Implement treatment plans and evaluate their success.
6. Identify signs that adults are a danger to themselves or to others and take appropriate action.

Content

The course involves identifying and assessing the following disorders and developing, implementing and evaluating treatment plans for these disorders:

1. Adjustment disorder
2. Depression and suicide
3. Phobias
4. Panic disorder
5. Generalised anxiety disorder
6. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
7. Post-traumatic stress disorder

The course will also involve teaching on the following:

8. Pharmacotherapy
9. Marital and group therapies

Replacing Course(s)

PSYC6602 Clinical Practice - 10 units

Transition

Not applicable

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

It is assumed that students will have completed a four-year program in Psychology which has been accredited by the Australian Psychological Society.

Modes of Delivery

Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Problem Based Learning
Seminar
Workshop

Assessment Items

Essays / Written Assignments	Essay
Presentations - Individual	In-class oral presentation of a clinical 'problem'/case study.

Contact Hours

Seminar: for 3 hour(s) per Week for Full Term

Compulsory Components

Requisite by Enrolment	This course is only available to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology, Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Doctor of Clinical & Health Psychology, PhD in Clinical Psychology programs.

Timetables