Health and Forensic Psychology (Civil)
Duration
- One semester/teaching period
Contact hours
- 36 hours and 2 workshops
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning.
Prerequisites
Nil
Corequisites
Nil
Aims and objectives
Aims:
The aim of this unit is to provide the necessary professional knowledge and skills to develop and deliver psychological services for the purposes of illness prevention and health promotion, stress management, therapeutic interventions for the medically ill, pain management and rehabilitation after illness or injury. The second part of this unit focuses on civil law, and will facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and skills relevant to the arena of civil law and the common matters on which psychologists are asked for advice.
Unit Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this unit graduates will be able to:
1. Acquire and apply a substantial body of knowledge and skills that are necessary when developing and delivering psychological services for the purposes of illness prevention/health promotion and recovery from illness.
2. Expertly evaluate and communicate the breadth of matters falling within the arena of civil law and the common matters on which psychologists are asked for advice.
3. Develop a comprehensive understanding and consider the factors that complicate the assessment and treatment of personal injury claimants and of the particular features of victims of crime and other traumatic events.
4. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the role of health on psychological functioning.
Courses with unit
A unit of study within the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology).
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment, general skills outcomes and content.
Teaching methods
This unit is taught using lectures (3 hours per week) with some guest speakers and case presentations. Class discussion is expected.
Students are required to attend 100% of scheduled classes.
Assessment
Essay
Write a 2000 word paper on civil law. For the paper, you will choose an area of civil law where psychologists and psychiatrists conduct forensic assessments and/or intervention. You will review the relevant law and comment on the assumptions made in terms of the psychological literature. You will then make recommendations for psychologists working in this area and recommendations for improving the law. (Individual) 40%
Write a 2000 word paper on civil law. For the paper, you will choose an area of civil law where psychologists and psychiatrists conduct forensic assessments and/or intervention. You will review the relevant law and comment on the assumptions made in terms of the psychological literature. You will then make recommendations for psychologists working in this area and recommendations for improving the law. (Individual) 40%
Case Study
Each student will write up a short case study (1500-2000 words) describing a client with a problem that includes physical/medical and psychological issues. Where possible, students should use a case they have personally dealt with during their clinical placement or work experience. The case study should include a description of the clinical setting, the client’s presenting problem, medical and psychosocial history, your diagnosis and treatment plan and prognosis. (Individual) 60%
Each student will write up a short case study (1500-2000 words) describing a client with a problem that includes physical/medical and psychological issues. Where possible, students should use a case they have personally dealt with during their clinical placement or work experience. The case study should include a description of the clinical setting, the client’s presenting problem, medical and psychosocial history, your diagnosis and treatment plan and prognosis. (Individual) 60%
Two reports on two advanced level workshops on program evaluation. (Hurdle) Pass/Fail
Students are required to attend 100% of scheduled classes.
General skills outcomes
Key Generic Skills
Graduates are capable in their chosen professional area:
• Competence with the management of clients in a professional manner within specialist settings.
• Competence in therapeutic interventions.
• Ability to conduct psychological assessments
• Therapy skills in working with individual clients.
• Competence in directing and evaluating group programs.
Graduates are adaptable and work effectively and ethically:
• Applying the APS Code of Ethics and Guidelines.
Graduates are aware of environments:
• Respect clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Understand the impact of culture on therapy.
• Competence with the management of clients in a professional manner within specialist settings.
• Competence in therapeutic interventions.
• Ability to conduct psychological assessments
• Therapy skills in working with individual clients.
• Competence in directing and evaluating group programs.
Graduates are adaptable and work effectively and ethically:
• Applying the APS Code of Ethics and Guidelines.
Graduates are aware of environments:
• Respect clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Understand the impact of culture on therapy.
Content
The role of stress in health and illness
Clinical psychology and chronic health conditions
Differential diagnosis of psychology and mental disorders
Working with sexual dysfunction
Working with addiction
Introduction to civil law
Civil competencies
Psychological injuries and torts
Mental Health Act
Clinical psychology and chronic health conditions
Differential diagnosis of psychology and mental disorders
Working with sexual dysfunction
Working with addiction
Introduction to civil law
Civil competencies
Psychological injuries and torts
Mental Health Act
Mediation and dispute resolution
Ethical, legal and professional matters in forensic psychology
Ethical, legal and professional matters in forensic psychology
Study resources
- References.
References
Indicative Reference Materials
Boyer, A. B., & Paharia, M. I. (2008). Comprehensive Handbook of Clinical Health Psychology. NJ, USA :Wiley & Son.