MHP208 Working with Children and Adolescents (8)
Enrolment Restriction: for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students only
This subject builds upon MHP103 (Mental Health Across the Lifespan 1). It discusses the relationship between the developmental process and mental health disorders in children and adolescents, and provides an overview of the epidemiology, causes, assessment and treatment of childhood and adolescent mental health disorders. Specific attention is paid to issues of culture, gender, racism, identity and spirituality as they influence the manifestations and assessment of mental health disorders in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents. Developmentally and culturally sensitive approaches to engagement, assessment and management of mental health disorders are discussed, as well as factors that promote mental health and resilience in children and adolescents. Consideration is also given to issues including youth suicide, intergenerational trauma, mandatory reporting and confidentiality as they relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents.