Unit of Study MHNS6002 Mental Health in Community, Non-Government and Primary Health Settings (2025)

Unit description

Explores the provision of mental health care, treatment and support outside of tertiary mental health services. Learners will critically consider how service users from a range of socio-economic backgrounds can access timely treatment and support to address their problems and realise recovery. The funding and service models of non-government organisations, primary care services and private providers will be explored and critiqued. Contemporary ideologies such as 'stepped care' which underpin subsidised care provision through primary health networks, the medicare benefits schedule and the National Disability Insurance Scheme will be explored. Learners will explore how to assist people navigate the system, and what part they may play in providing effective services. Learners will consider the role of 'lived experience' in service development and delivery in the community sector.

Unit content

• The funding of care and support in the community, primary care and non-government contexts.
• Consideration of what services are subsidised and gaps in funding and delivery.
• Exploration of treatment options and recovery focused services and how these are experienced by service users.
• The notion of 'stepped care' and alternative frameworks and funding arrangements to enable people to receive the most effective treatment or response by the most qualified person or agency in a timely way.
• Vulnerable or priority groups within the community and how services may be effectively targeted.
• The role of 'lived experience' of service use and mental distress in service reform and the delivery of care.