HEA1036 | Contemporary Issues in Child & Adolescent Mental Health

Course Summary

In this module, students will critically explore contemporary and emerging trends in acute and community-based health and wellbeing care for children and adolescents with mental health issues. The module will enhance and develop students' theoretical knowledge and understanding of the skills necessary for the assessment and interdisciplinary care support for children and adolescents with a range of mental health issues across a variety of settings. Students will critically evaluate approaches that provide compassionate mental health care and consider innovative ways of developing ethical, culturally sensitive, age-appropriate, evidence-based practice.

This module will appeal to all graduates, early and mid-career professionals who work with, or who aspire to work with children, young people, and their families in various capacities. The module is suitable to individuals from across different disciplines, including, but not limited to health and social care professionals, educationalists, youth workers, Garda Siochana and related areas such as those working in community, voluntary and non-governmental organisations.  

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module and following a period of personal study, the student will be able to:

1. Critically analyse contemporary and emerging trends in the organisation and delivery of mental health services provision in children and adolescents in acute and community settings.
2. Critically examine developmental stages in childhood including the conceptualisation and assessment of positive aspects of development and their role in the promotion of child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing.
3. Appraise and enhance knowledge of the skills required to work with children and adolescents using evidenced based psychotherapeutic techniques.
4. Critically review approaches/models of health and social care including the application of legislative guidelines and clinical governance frameworks in mental health.
5. Examine risk assessment and management strategies for working safely with young people with a range of mental health conditions in the acute and community setting.

Course Schedule

The module will be delivered in the School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health in DCU (Glasnevin Campus) in Semester 2 (January to May) 2025. The module requires 22 contact hours for students and a blended teaching approach is used. This comprises of online synchronous classes every Tuesday evening from 6pm to 8pm and face-to-face lectures on DCU campus on the following dates: Jan 17 and 18, March 21 and 22 2025.

Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically hold a (NFQ) Level 8 Honours Degree with a H2.1 or equivalent. Professionals who work with children and young people and who hold an NFQ Level 7 qualification or equivalent, e.g. An Garda Siochana, can apply for admission to the stand-alone module via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Credit / Level: Level 9, 10 ECTS Credits 

Cost of module:  €1,250

Applications will close: December 6th, 2024 or sooner if the course is oversubscribed.

How to apply:

To apply, complete this short application form, ensuring to upload all relevant documentation prior to submission.

It is recommended that as part of your application, you provide detail of your current work location and how it aligns with the course objectives. Prior to application you may discuss your suitability with the course co-ordinator, Colleen O'Neill.

For further details, contact:

Ms Colleen O¡¯Neill
T: 01 7007175     E: colleen.oneill@dcu.ie