Overview
You will critically evaluate the dominant and alternative models of mental health through a lens of diversity and inclusion, placing a strong emphasis on lived experience perspectives. You will be encouraged to engage with a range of theoretical frameworks and consider the ways in which different models can impact service users. The unit will also cover a range of assessment and intervention strategies in mental health, exploring the role of social work in this context. You will consider the values and ethics that underpin professional practice, as well as human rights and social justice principles. This unit offers a comprehensive and critical exploration of mental health within a social work context. Through engagement with theory and practice, you will develop the knowledge and skills required to work effectively in this complex and evolving field.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Successful completion of 48 credit points in any course.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student feedback
Students consistently reported that they valued the involvement of mental health clinicians in the unit, particularly the use of real-world practice examples. This contributed to a more applied and authentic learning experience, helping students connect theoretical concepts to contemporary social work practice.
Maintain and, where possible, expand the involvement of practicing mental health clinicians in the unit to further strengthen the integration of real-world perspectives and enhance student engagement and applied learning.
- Examine the socio-political and historical context of mental health and how this has shaped mental health service delivery.
- Apply social work strategies effectively in interdisciplinary contexts while incorporating professional values and ethics.
- Analyse the dominant discourses and alternative discourses and constructions of mental health, including alternative mental health constructions which include the Lived Experience perspective, cultural and Indigenous perspectives, and a human rights and social justice perspective.
Learning outcomes are linked to the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS, 2020).
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||
| 2 - Group Work - 60% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||
| 5 - Team Work | |||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | |||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||
Textbooks
Models of Mental Health
- 2nd Edition (2026)
- Authors: Gavin Davidson, Jim Campbell, Ciaran Shannon, Ciaran Mullholand
- Bloomsbury Publishing
- London London , UK
- ISBN: 9781350477636
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Academic Learning Centre services
- Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Word
- CQUniveristy Library Resources
- Zoom access
- Zoom access: microphone and webcam required
- Wordprocessing, spreadsheeting and powerpoint
- CQUniversity
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
p.cesare@cqu.edu.au
j.a.duggan@cqu.edu.au
m.chesham@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 13 Jul 2026Module/Topic
The History of Mental Illness
Chapter
Chapter 1 pp. 25-32 Prescribed Text
Week 1 Moodle Resources
e-Reading List
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentations:
Welcome/Unit Introduction
Weekly lecture
Live Zoom:
Weekly tutorials are held each week
which are an opportunity to apply knowledge to practice scenarios.
Learning Activities:
There are weekly learning activities that you are expected to complete to enhance your understanding, which are available on Moodle.
Additional Content/Resources:
This is to assist in understanding the
content further or enhance learning.
Assessments:
Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Foundations of Academic Integrity
Program: Complete your annual
program.
Announcements and Discussion
Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Student email:
Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 2
Begin Date: 20 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Biomedical Perspectives
Chapter
Chapter 1 pp. 12 - 25 and pp. 28-37 of Text Book
Week 2 Moodle Resources
eReading List
Events and Submissions/Topic
Case Study for A1 & A2
The case study for A1 and A2 will be released by COB on Monday, 20th July 2026.
Assessment 1 Live Zoom
(This will be recorded)
Please check the virtual class timetable on Moodle.
Live Zoom Tutorial
Please check the virtual timetable on Moodle.
CHECK:
Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 3
Begin Date: 27 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Psychological Perspectives
Chapter
Chapter 2, Prescribed Text
Week 3 Moodle Resources
e-Reading List
Events and Submissions/Topic
Live Zoom Tutorial
Please check the virtual timetable on Moodle.
Census:
Cenus date is next week. If you are struggling, please contact your Unit Coordinator for help.
CHECK:
Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 4
Begin Date: 03 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Social Perspectives
Chapter
Chapter 3, Prescribed Text
Week 4 of Moodle Resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Live Zoom Tutorial
Pleaes check the virtual timetable on Moodle.
Census Date:
Tuesday 4th August 2026.
CHECK:
Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications
Week 5
Begin Date: 10 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Service User-Led Perspectives
Chapter
Chapter 6, Prescribed Text
Week 4 Moodle Resources
e-Reading List
Events and Submissions/Topic
Live Zoom Tutorial
Please check the virtual timetable on Moodle.
CHECK:
Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications
Week 6
Begin Date: 17 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Critical Mental Health Perspectives
Chapter
Chapter 5, Prescribed Text
Week 6 Moodle Resources
E-Reading List
Events and Submissions/Topic
Live Zoom Tutorial
Please check the virtual timetable on Moodle.
Assessment 2 Live Zoom (this will be recorded)
Please check the virtual timetable on Moodle.
Group Assignment for Assessment 2
Group allocation will be released by COB on Monday 17th August. The group information will be located in the Assessment tile.
CHECK:
Check your student email at least twice per week for important
communications
Critical Analysis of Mental Health Service Responses and System Gaps Due: Week 6 Wednesday (19 Aug 2026) 12:00 am AEST
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 24 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Vacation week
Chapter
This week offers time to catch up on any required readings and consolidate your understanding of the material.
Events and Submissions/Topic
ACTIVITIES
This week provides an opportunity to catch up on or revisit any teaching
and learning activities you may have missed or would like to review.
APPOINTMENTS WITH THE LECTURER:
If you would like to meet with the Lecturer of the Unit
to discuss any learning and
teaching matters, you can contact the Lecturer via email to organise an appointment this week.
CHECK:
Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications
Week 7
Begin Date: 31 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Human Rights & Social Work Perspectives
Chapter
Week 7 Moodle Resources
E-Reading List
Events and Submissions/Topic
Live Zoom Tutorial
Please check the virtual timetable on Moodle.
CHECK:
Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications
Week 8
Begin Date: 07 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Trauma Informed Perspective
Chapter
Week 9 Moodle Resources
E-Reading list
Events and Submissions/Topic
Live Zoom Tutorial
Please check the virtual timetable on Moodle.
CHECK:
Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications
Week 9
Begin Date: 14 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Family & Community Perspectives
Chapter
Week 9 Moodle Resources
E-Reading list
Events and Submissions/Topic
Live Zoom Tutorial
Please check the virtual timetable on Moodle.
CHECK:
Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 10
Begin Date: 21 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Indigenous & Cultural Perspectives
Chapter
Week 10 Moodle Resources
E-Reading list
Events and Submissions/Topic
Live Zoom Tutorial
Please check the virtual timetable on Moodle.
CHECK:
Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications
Week 11
Begin Date: 28 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Religious & Spiritual Perspectives
Chapter
Chapter 7 of text book.
Week 11 Moodle Resources.
E-Reading Lists
Events and Submissions/Topic
Live Zoom Tutorial
Please check the virtual timetable on Moodle.
STUDENT SURVEY
We encourage you to provide feedback on your unit and teaching experiences. The survey opens in Week 11 and closes a week before grades are released.
CHECK:
Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications
Week 12
Begin Date: 05 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Integrated Perspectives - Biopsychosocial Model of Mental Health
Chapter
Chapter 7 of Text Book
Week 12 Moodle Resources
E-Reading List
Events and Submissions/Topic
Live Zoom Tutorial
Please check the virtual timetable on Moodle.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation Survey
Please complete the evaluation survey
CONGRATULATIONS on completing this unit and for your hard work!
DON'T FORGET to check your unit enrolments for next term.
Part A: Group Inquiry Recorded Audio-Visual, Part B: Individual Written Professional Statement Due: Week 12 Wednesday (7 Oct 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Exam Week
Begin Date: 12 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 19 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
As this unit is offered online, students are asked to prepare their own individual study plan to undertake self-led and self-directed study throughout the term. A key to your success is a strategic self-directed approach to learning and regular contact with your Unit Coordinator/s. Please check the Announcements and Discussion forums at least twice a week – there will be regular announcements about assessments and unit resources throughout the term and reviewing this information is essential to unit knowledge and your success. CQUniversity communicates with students through CQUniversity email. We recommend that you access your CQUniversity email at least twice a week so that you do not miss vital information about your studies.
1 Written Assessment
Aim
The aim of this assessment is to critically analyse the support provided to a person experiencing mental distress within the Australian mental health system. Drawing on an authentic case study, students will identify service gaps, examine the influence of power, dominant understandings of mental health, and broader social determinants, and evaluate the extent to which the person's lived experience, needs, and perspectives were recognised and addressed.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
- You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure).
- Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
The use of any generative artificial intelligence is not permitted per the Level 1 (No AI) indicator in the AI Assessment scale tool. You must complete the declaration of Gen AI use on the title page of your assessment.
Extensions:
Available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period may apply to this assessment.
Marking Criteria
One assessment re-attempt is available for this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria:
- You must achieve a minimum grade of 49.5% to pass this assessment.
Week 6 Wednesday (19 Aug 2026) 12:00 am AEST
Submit your assessment in a Word Document.
Week 8 Wednesday (9 Sept 2026)
Students will be advised of release of assessment marking via announcement posted to the Announcement Board on the Unit Moodle Site. Please note, the 'Return to Students Information' is an approximate date.
Please refer to the marking rubric on Moodle in the Assessment Tile.
- Examine the socio-political and historical context of mental health and how this has shaped mental health service delivery.
- Apply social work strategies effectively in interdisciplinary contexts while incorporating professional values and ethics.
2 Group Work
Part A & B
Aim:
The aim of this assessment is to demonstrate the ability to respond to system failures and provide solutions to address these gaps utilising a rights-based framework. Students will also critically reflect on their learning to argue their professional position on a reform that is significant for best practice in mental health.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. The use of any generative artificial intelligence is not permitted per the Level 1 (No AI) indicator in the AI Assessment scale tool. You must complete the declaration of Gen AI use on the title page of your assessment.
Extensions:
Available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period may apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria:
- You must achieve a minimum grade of 49.5% to pass this assessment.
Week 12 Wednesday (7 Oct 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your Individual Written Assessment in the Assessment 1 submission portal on the Moodle site.
Vacation/Exam Week Friday (23 Oct 2026)
Students will be advised of release of assessment marking via announcement posted to the Announcement Board on the Unit Moodle Site. Please note, the 'Return to Students Information' is an approximate date.
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site in the Assessment Bolck for more detail on how marks will be assigned for Part A and Part B of Assessment 2.
- Examine the socio-political and historical context of mental health and how this has shaped mental health service delivery.
- Analyse the dominant discourses and alternative discourses and constructions of mental health, including alternative mental health constructions which include the Lived Experience perspective, cultural and Indigenous perspectives, and a human rights and social justice perspective.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
