Unit rationale, description and aim
In order to address the increasing prevalence of psychological disorders in adults around the world and in our communities, the practice of clinical psychology requires an in-depth and critical understanding and application of the principles and methods of psychological diagnosis, assessment, formulation, and intervention of psychological disorders in adults. This unit is designed to provide a detailed study of diagnostic criteria, aetiological factors (including epidemiological, risk, protective and maintenance factors), and biopsychosocial models relevant to assessment and intervention of psychological disorders. There will be a particular focus on empirically validated interventions for severe, complex, and chronic disorders diagnosed in adults, including anxiety and mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, and disorders associated with eating, addictive behaviours, personality, and psychosis. Students will acquire knowledge of assessment and intervention skills with a particular focus on evidence-based assessment, formulation and intervention for psychological disorders in adults. The aim of this unit is to provide students with essential knowledge and practical skills to support their clinical work with adults with psychological disorders in a culturally responsive manner.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Describe the diagnostic criteria, aetiological fac...
Learning Outcome 01
Integrate, interpret, and synthesise psychological...
Learning Outcome 02
Apply knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Is...
Learning Outcome 03
Apply culturally responsive clinical evaluation sk...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Current diagnosis and classification systems
- Diagnostic criteria, aetiological factors, assessment methods, and psychological models for common psychological disorders typically seen in adults
- Conducting clinical assessment and diagnosis of psychological disorders typically seen in adults
- Empirically validated treatment for psychological disorders typically seen in adults
- Identifying, selecting and implementing a range of empirically validated treatment for psychological disorders typically seen in adults
- Justifying the link between diagnosis, formulation and intervention plans, goals and strategies
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment strategy for this unit allows students to demonstrate their acquisition and critical application of evidence-based assessment and intervention skills. In order to best enable students to demonstrate unit learning outcomes and develop graduate capabilities, standards-based assessment is utilized, consistent with university assessment requirements. All assessment tasks in this unit are graded hurdles to ensure that students are demonstrating achievement of all unit learning outcomes. The written assignment is designed to assess students’ ability to critically analyze and synthesize information relevant to diagnosis, assessment and formulation of an adult psychological disorder. The skills demonstration is designed to assess students’ ability to develop a treatment plan and demonstrate their therapeutic skills. The exam is designed to assess students’ knowledge in assessment and diagnosis of psychological disorders in adults. To pass this unit, students must pass all assessment tasks. The passing mark for each of the assessment tasks is 50%. If students fail their original submission (i.e., first attempt) they are provided with another opportunity to pass the assessment task (i.e., second attempt). If the student passes the second attempt, the highest mark that they can achieve on that assessment task is 50%. It is critical that students demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge and skills related to diagnosis, assessment, formulation and intervention in adults which is essential to the practice of clinical psychology.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1 - Written Assignment To asses...
Assessment Task 1 - Written Assignment
To assess students’ ability to critically evaluate and integrate the literature on evidence-based assessment and diagnoses.
Graded Hurdle (40%)
Assessment Task 2 - Skills Demonstration (recorde...
Assessment Task 2 - Skills Demonstration (recorded unedited submission)
Requires students to demonstrate their competencies in specific intervention strategies by submitting an unedited, single take recording.
Graded Hurdle (30%)
Assessment Task 3 - Online Examination Req...
Assessment Task 3 - Online Examination
Requires students to demonstrate their knowledge in assessment and diagnosis of psychological disorders in adults, including culturally responsive practice particularly in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Graded Hurdle (30%)
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit uses an active learning approach presented through asynchronous activities such as discussion forums where students interact with peers and engage with online modules and readings via the online learning platform. This unit involves a minimum of 150 hours of self-study, learning activities and assessments. There will also be opportunity for synchronous activities (e.g., via Open Office sessions scheduled during the term). Active learning opportunities provide students with opportunities to practice and apply the skills taught in this unit. Collaboration with peers in the online environment will support students in considering, discussing and debating the content of the unit. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively within online activities. The learning and teaching strategy include case-based learning, web-based learning, and reflective/critical thinking activities. Web-based learning and reflective/critical thinking activities will enhance learning and provide opportunities for students to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively. This range of strategies will provide students with appropriate access to required knowledge and understanding of unit content, and opportunities for development of competency in clinical adult psychology. Students receive regular and timely feedback on their learning, which includes information on their progress.