PSYC71-506: Psychopathology and Therapy: Adults 1

Description

This subject provides advanced training in adult psychopathology, including the diagnosis, classification and treatment of common mental health conditions. The subject covers conditions related to psychosis, bipolar, depressive, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, sexual, and personality. In this subject, students achieve formal academic training in the mechanisms and aetiology of these conditions. The subject emphasises consideration for the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and cultural safety in professional practice. This includes a critical examination of the major diagnostic systems and diagnostic criteria; formal academic training in the clinical, behavioural, and diagnostic assessment of conditions; and formal academic training in planning empirically validated, reflexive, and inclusive psychological interventions. At the end of this subject, students will have learned the skills to competently apply scientific methods to identify, diagnose, formulate and plan appropriate evidence-based treatments for the conditions listed. 

Subject details

Type: Postgraduate Subject
Code: PSYC71-506
EFTSL: 0.125
Faculty: Faculty of Society and Design
Semesters offered:
  • September 2026 [Non-Standard Offering]
Credit: 10
Study areas:
  • Psychology, Criminology, and Social Sciences
Subject fees:
  • Commencing in 2025: $5,880.00
  • Commencing in 2026: $6,000.00
  • Commencing in 2027: $6,210.00
  • Commencing in 2025: $6,730.00
  • Commencing in 2026: $7,040.00
  • Commencing in 2027: $7,360.00

Learning outcomes

  1. Conduct a clinical mental status examination with a simulated patient, including appraisal of risk.
  2. Communicate clinical observations in written form using professional conventions
  3. Match adult clinical presentations to appropriate evidence-based interventions
  4. Identify adult psychological conditions using a recognised diagnostic taxonomy.
  5. Apply frameworks for cultural safety and inclusive practice with diverse, minority and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups.
  6. Analyse the mechanisms and aetiology of common adult mental health conditions.

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.

Subject outlines

Subject dates

September 2026
Non-Standard Offering
Enrolment opens: 19/07/2026
Semester start: 07/09/2026
Subject start: 07/09/2026
Last enrolment: 10/09/2026
Teaching census: 08/10/2026
Withdraw - Financial: 09/10/2026
Withdraw - Academic: 29/10/2026
Non-Standard Offering
Enrolment opens: 19/07/2026
Semester start: 07/09/2026
Subject start: 07/09/2026
Last enrolment: 10/09/2026
Teaching census: 08/10/2026
Withdraw - Financial: 09/10/2026
Withdraw - Academic: 29/10/2026