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PSYC71-506: Psychopathology and Therapy: Adults 1

Description

This subject provides advanced training in the assessment, diagnosis, classification and treatment of common mental disorders and basic psychopathology in adults. The disorders covered include anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, sexual disorders, and personality disorders. In this subject, students achieve formal academic training in the mechanisms and aetiology of these disorders. This includes a critical examination of the major diagnostic systems and diagnostic criteria, formal academic training in the clinical, behavioural, and psychometric assessment of these problems, formal academic training in empirically validated psychological interventions (including rehabilitation and primary prevention strategies), and formal academic training in psychopharmacology. At the end of this subject, students will have learnt the competence to reliably diagnose the disorders covered, and to plan and evaluate appropriate treatments.

Subject details

Type: Postgraduate Subject
Code: PSYC71-506
EFTSL: 0.125
Faculty: Faculty of Society and Design
Credit: 10
Study areas:
  • Psychology, Criminology, and Social Sciences
Subject fees:
  • Commencing in 2023: $5,640.00
  • Commencing in 2024: $5,760.00
  • Commencing in 2023: $6,070.00
  • Commencing in 2024: $6,440.00

Learning outcomes

  1. Apply evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsive ways.
  2. Capacity to work effectively with a range of professional and support staff in the workplace and communicate and collaborate effectively, within the bounds of ethical and legal requirements.
  3. Operate within the boundaries of their professional competence.
  4. Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
  5. Critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.
  6. Demonstrate an understanding and application of cultural responsiveness, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
  7. Knowledge of current theories, systems, regulatory and statutory authorities.
  8. Demonstrate advanced psychological knowledge for clinical psychology formulation, diagnosis, and psychopharmacology.
  9. Demonstrate advanced psychological knowledge of culturally responsive assessment in the area of clinical psychology.
  10. Demonstrate advanced psychological knowledge for culturally responsive interventions in the area of clinical psychology.
  11. Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner.
  12. Interpret standardised psychological testing, as part of broader assessment, to assess and interpret aspects of functioning.
  13. Identify psychological disorders using a recognised taxonomy.
  14. Conduct professional assessments and synthesise information from multiple sources, including assessment and management of risk.
  15. Knowledge of approaches to monitor outcomes and modifications based on evolving case formulation.
  16. Interpret and communicate findings in written formats, including formal psychological reports, using culturally appropriate language.
  17. Knowledge of empirically supported interventions, and monitor clients’ progress and intervention outcomes.
  18. Demonstrate respect for the skills and contribution of other professionals.

Enrolment requirements

Requisites:

Nil

Assumed knowledge:

Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.

Restrictions: This subject is not available to
  • Study Abroad Students

The Master of Psychology (Clinical) and Master of Professional Psychology programs are accredited pathways towards registration as a Psychologist. Entry into these programs is based on a calculated GPA derived from a completed four year sequence of study in Psychology as accredited by APAC as well as invitation into the degree. As such, this subject can only be taken by those students successfully admitted to the degree.

This subject is not available as a general elective. To be eligible for enrolment, the subject must be specified in the students’ program structure.