Unit snapshot

  • Unit type
    PG Coursework Unit
  • Credit points
    12
  • Faculty & College
    Faculty of Health
  • Placement
    No

Unit description

Explores the experience of mental health crisis, psychiatric emergencies, and mental health related problems which require an acute response. Learners will critically explore models of crisis intervention, medical and other responses to resolve acute mental health problems. Learners will critically explore the concept of risk, risk assessment and management as applied to acute mental health care. The use of coercion and restrictive practices will be examined and learners will demonstrate an applied and critical understanding of the legal, policy and ethical frameworks which underpin contemporary acute mental health practice.

This unit is an integral part of a selection of courses at SCU Online. Each course incorporates this unit into a complete and immersive educational experience. If you're interested in this unit, we highly recommend enrolling in one of the courses listed below.

 

Unit content

  • Ethics and mental health law
  • Manifestations of psychosocial crisis and acute mental health problems
  • Engaging with people in crisis and in acute distress
  • Principles of crisis assessment, risk assessment, responding to dysregulated behaviour and engagement with people experiencing acute distress or a psychiatric emergency
  • Trauma-informed care and treatment of trauma in acute mental health settings
Image
A female mental health student speaking to a group of people with a notepad

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

 

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  • Critique the legislative and ethical frameworks which underpin the provision of acute mental health care
  • Critically consider and describe the aetiology, manifestations and most effective response to acute mental health crisis , psychiatric emergencies and related problems
  • Describe and critique principles of crisis intervention and best practice to engage with people in acute distress, manage risk and collaboratively plan acute care and follow-up
  • Collaboratively construct trauma-informed and recovery focused care plans to effectively address mental health crisis and acute mental health problems

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method
Structured online learning (6 weeks)

Assessment
Debate: 10%
Critical review: 45%
Case study: 45%

Image
A female health professional in a business suit engages in conversation with a man, both appearing professional and focused on the discussion.

Study this unit in the following courses

This unit is a fundamental component of the full courses listed below, each designed to equip you with the in-depth knowledge and skills needed to achieve your career goals. To fully benefit from your learning experience and apply it to real-world challenges, engaging with the entire course is essential. Explore the courses that include this unit and take the next step towards your professional success.

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