Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health difficulties vary depending on the age and developmental stage of the child or adolescent. Therefore their healthcare needs are different.
A sound understanding of developmental differences and knowledge of what is normal and abnormal are key to practicing in the area. The specialisation focuses on this as well as the assessment of psychopathology and impairment.
Formulation skills, the key principles of management of child and adolescent mental health disorder in general, and more specific therapy skills in key areas are also covered in the courses. This is essential training for clinicians working in ICAMHS or youth addiction services.
Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health can also be studied in the disciplines of Counselling and Social Work. Dealing with the emotional needs of children is very different from adults. With the introduction of social media and the rise in cyberbullying, along with the increasing incidence of suicide and self-harm, there is growing awareness around the mental health of our children and youth. If you are wanting a career where you can make a difference by focusing on the mental health of children, then this specialisation is ideal for you.
You can study towards an Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health specialisation within a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Health Sciences, in the Master of Health Sciences or within the Faculty of Education and Social Work in the Master of Social Work, Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work, Master of Counselling, or Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Theory.
The Faculty of Education and Social Work offers courses that cover theories and concepts relevant to understanding mental illness in children and young people and approaches to care and recovery, with emphasis on evidence-based interventions for supporting severely emotionally distressed children and young people in New Zealand. Topics may include mental health policy, youth mentoring, positive youth development, risk assessment, as well as working with sexual abuse, family violence, trauma, anxiety, depression, self-harm and grief.