Available in 2024
Course code

PSYC6509

Units

10 units

Level

6000 level

Course handbook

Description

Clinical psychologists are expected to be competent in working with clients presenting severe, complex, and chronic mental illnesses. This course introduces students to the aetiology and assessment of the less common and more refractory disorders of adults, including substance-related disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and eating disorders. This course also includes methods of intervention for these problems, including pharmacotherapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Callaghan

  • Semester 1 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Identify the factors determining the formation and maintenance of the less common and more refractory psychological disorders of adults. (Competency 4.2.1)

2. Develop socially and culturally appropriate treatment plans for the amelioration of the more refractory problems of adults. (Competencies 4.2.3i, 4.2.3iii)

3. Communicate the conclusions of assessments of the problems of adults to the clients themselves and to others involved in their care in a culturally responsive manner. (Competencies 3.3, 4.2.2ii)

4. Engage adults in culturally responsive therapeutic alliances appropriate to the implementation of treatment plans. (Competency 3.7)

5. Implement and modify socially and culturally responsive treatment plans and evaluate their success. (Competencies 3.7, 3.9, 4.2.3i, 4.2.3ii, 4.2.3iv)

6. Identify signs that adults are a danger to themselves or to others and take appropriate action within professional ethical and legal frameworks. (Competency 3.6)


Content

The aetiology, presentation and assessment of complex clinical difficulties and disorders (e.g., complex trauma, schizophrenia-spectrum, bipolar, personality,  eating behaviours, addictions), and advanced methods of interventions.

• Developing, implementing and evaluating evidence-based interventions for complex presentations.

• Psychopharmacological interventions for complex psychological disorders

• Develop culturally and socially appropriate responsive treatment plans and therapeutic alliances

• Reference classification guidelines: International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5) diagnosis and assessment of complex psychological disorders.


Requisite

This course is only available to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology [40187] or the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) [11539 or 12452].


Assumed knowledge

It is assumed that students will have completed a four-year program in Psychology which has been accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). It is also assumed that students will have completed PSYC6503 Clinical Psychology with Adults.


Assessment items

Journal: Reflective Diary
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement - Must pass this assessment item to pass the course.

Viva Voce: Clinical Viva
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement - Must pass this assessment item to pass the course.


Contact hours

Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan

Seminar-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 36 hour(s) per term
  • This course is taught in intensive mode before commencement of Semester 1, 36 hours over 6 days Some seminars may be offered online. Please check the weekly schedule in the course outline for further information.

Course outline