Please note the course is for registered clinicians / registered health professionals only (eg GP's, Nurses, Registered allied health).
It is also appropriate for those currently enrolled in applied PG health practitioner programmes such as AOD clinicians and MCounselling.
Course content covers high prevalence disorders in primary care with a particular focus on depression and anxiety, together with assessment/screening tools, skills in brief psychological intervention, and building knowledge of broader treatment options. Other mental health presentations such as adjustment disorders, eating disorders, alcohol/substance abuse, bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia, and postpartum depression are also discussed. Complimentary content such as perspectives on recovery, cultural approaches, resilience, and stigma are also included.
The course has a key focus on practical skills (basic CBT/behavioural activation for primary care) during the compulsory in person block course teaching (2-days).
Key topic areas covered are:
- Developing a Context for Mental Health (Epidemiology, psychosomatic interface, recovery approach, cultural perspectives, access inequalities)
- Strengthen knowledge base of high prevalence mental health conditions (particularly depression & anxiety disorders including phobia's & PTSD, also including eating disorders, adjustment disorders, maternal mental health, alcohol & drugs). Foundation skills in mental health screening, assessment, and risk assessment and also covered.
- Understand and develop early competence and clinical skills in using a brief cognitive-behavioural tool with patients, to provide a brief psychological intervention for mild, non-complex presentations. Learn how to use this tool in a targeted way for different presentations.
- Increase knowledge regarding Māori and Pacific views of health
- Build reflection and evaluation of own practice