| Type: | Postgraduate Subject |
|---|---|
| Code: | PSYC71-608 |
| EFTSL: | 0.125 |
| Faculty: | Faculty of Society and Design |
| Semesters offered: |
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| Credit: | 10 |
| Study areas: |
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| Subject fees: |
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Description
This subject provides 48 hours of advanced training in the assessment, diagnosis, classification and treatment of common and severe mental disorders and psychopathology in children and adolescents. The disorders covered include anxiety and depressive disorders, externalising problems, adjustment disorders, developmental disorders (including autism spectrum disorders), and suicide and self-harm. In this subject, students receive 10 hours of formal academic training in the mechanisms and aetiology of these disorders, including a critical examination of significant diagnostic systems and diagnostic criteria, 10 hours of formal academic training in the clinical, behavioural, and psychometric assessment of these problems, 24 hours of formal academic training in empirically validated psychological interventions, and 4 hours formal academic training in psychopharmacology as it applies to these disorders. Students will learn to reliably diagnose the disorders covered, and to plan and evaluate appropriate treatments.
Subject details
Learning outcomes
- Apply cognitive behavioural therapy skills with a child or adolescent client in a simulated clinical interaction, using developmentally appropriate interpersonal and interview skills.
- Write a clinical case report that documents assessment findings, diagnosis and treatment plan using professional reporting conventions.
- Select evidence-based psychological interventions for children and adolescents, accounting for developmental stage, family context and cultural background.
- Critically evaluate the empirical evidence supporting psychological treatments for disorders of childhood and adolescence.
- Analyse the aetiology, classification and management of common and severe disorders of childhood and adolescence.
- Formulate a case conceptualisation for a child or adolescent client that integrates assessment findings, DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, developmental stage and family context.
- Assess client risk pertinent to child and adolescent clients including risk of harm using structured clinical procedures.
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.
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| Restrictions: |
This subject is not available to
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is an accredited 5th and 6th Year pathway towards registration as a Psychologist. Entry into this program 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
- September 2026 [Standard - Psychopathology and Therapy: Families, Children and Adolescents]
- September 2025 [Standard - Psychopathology and Therapy: Families, Children and Adolescents]
- September 2024 [Standard - Psychopathology and Therapy: Families, Children and Adolescents]
- September 2023 [Intensive - Psychopathology and Therapy: Families, Children and Adolescents]
- September 2022 [Standard - Psychopathology and Therapy: Families, Children and Adolescents]
- September 2021 [Standard - Psychopathology and Therapy: Families, Children and Adolescents]
- September 2020 [Standard - Psychopathology and Therapy: Families, Children and Adolescents]
- September 2019 [Standard - Psychopathology and Therapy: Families, Children and Adolescents]
- September 2018 [Standard - Psychopathology and Therapy: Families, Children and Adolescents]
- September 2017 [Standard - Psychopathology and Therapy: Families, Children and Adolescents]
Subject dates
September 2026
| Standard Offering | |
|---|---|
| Enrolment opens: | 19/07/2026 |
| Semester start: | 14/09/2026 |
| Subject start: | 14/09/2026 |
| Last enrolment: | 27/09/2026 |
| Teaching census: | 09/10/2026 |
| Withdraw - Financial: | 10/10/2026 |
| Withdraw - Academic: | 31/10/2026 |
| Standard Offering | |
|---|---|
| Enrolment opens: | 19/07/2026 |
| Semester start: | 14/09/2026 |
| Subject start: | 14/09/2026 |
| Last enrolment: | 27/09/2026 |
| Teaching census: | 09/10/2026 |
| Withdraw - Financial: | 10/10/2026 |
| Withdraw - Academic: | 31/10/2026 |