This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of various theoretical perspectives related to evidence-based practices in community mental health. Various intervention approaches in working with adults with mental illness and their families will be discussed, such as recovery-oriented services, strengths-based approach, anti-stigma program, and family psychoeducation, etc. Local policies, legislation and services related to mental illness are also critically examined. In addition, this course provides students with experiential learning activities to enhance learning and application of intervention approaches and skills. In particular, the group presentation with agency visit and/or case interview allows students to critically evaluate intervention approaches in working with adults with mental illness and their families.

Assessment Details

AM1: Reflective learning paper (20%)
Each student must write a reflection paper of approximately 1500 words on an online intervention to promote mental health or treat mental health problems in the local context. Individual access and use of an online intervention, such as an online platform or smartphone app, will deepen students’ understanding and reflection of the contributions and limitations on online intervention in local context. 

AM2: Presentation (30%)
The students are asked to divide into groups. Each group is responsible for a presentation on the application of an intervention approach/model for adults with mental illness and/or family caregivers in the local context. The application of the chosen intervention approach/model in the local context is illustrated by a visit to a service unit and/or case interview(s).

AM3: Term Paper (50%)
Each student is required to submit a term paper of approximately 2,500 words on an intervention approach / model they have learnt in this course working with adults with mental illness and/or family caregivers. This paper should critically evaluate the objective, content, contributions and limitations of the chosen intervention approach / model.