Occupational Therapy and Mental Health (12258.1)

This unit explores the unique and evolving role of occupational therapists within interprofessional mental health teams, with a strong focus on contemporary, Recovery-oriented practice. Students will develop theoretical and practical knowledge of mental health concepts and apply the occupational therapy process to support individuals and communities affected by mental illness. Through critical analysis of current approaches in mental health care¿including trauma-informed care, strengths-based practice, and psychosocial rehabilitation¿students will examine their impact on occupational participation and wellbeing. Emphasis is placed on collaborative, person-centred care, ethical decision-making, and cultural responsiveness. Using scenario based and experiential learning, with reference to contemporary capability and competency practice evidence, students will gain skills in assessment, intervention planning, and evaluation within a mental health context, preparing them for practice in diverse settings.

This unit is co-taught with 10414 Occupational Therapy and Mental Health

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Articulate the professional role of occupational therapists in interprofessional mental health teams;
2. Apply theoretical and practical knowledge of Recovery;
3. Apply the occupational therapy process to individuals and/or communities experiencing mental illness; and
4. Compare contemporary approaches in mental health practice and their impact on individuals and/or communities.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

10300 Foundations of Occupational Therapy AND
10301 Occupational Therapy Toolbox 1 AND
11399 Understanding People and Behaviour AND
5258 Counselling Communication

Corequisites

Must be enrolled in 373JA Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Incompatible units

10414 Occupational Therapy in Mental Health PG AND 12249 Occupational Therapy and Mental Health PG

Equivalent units

10417 Mental Health and Occupational Therapy

Assumed knowledge

None.