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Occupational Therapy and Mental Health unit (CXA750)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Launceston

Introduction

In this unit you will explore the history of occupational therapy in mental health to contextualise this area of practice in alongside other mental health approaches.  You will consider mental health from a global, national, and local perspective to examine the continuum of mental health across the lifespan   and from a person-environment-occupation conceptual understanding.  You will learn occupational therapy process and skills to address conditions and formulate culturally safe clinical opinions to articulate occupational therapy plans and programs that enhance wellbeing, health and participation outcomes through occupation-based intervention and environmental adaptation.  This unit includes experiential learning activities to enhance your understanding of the lived experience of mental health, mental health issues and mental disorders with a focus on reducing stigma and enhancing social inclusion and advocacy though affirming and collaborative practices. 

Summary

Unit name Occupational Therapy and Mental Health
Unit code CXA750
Credit points 12.5
College/School Health
School of Health Sciences
Discipline Health Sciences
Coordinator Doctor Anita Hamilton
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Postgraduate

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Launceston Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 5/7/2026 27/7/2026 30/8/2026 24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Critically compare different understandings of mental health across the lifespan using the evidence-based research and relevant theories of human occupation.
  • Critique approaches to supporting individuals, communities, and populations to enhance mental health, wellbeing, and quality of life through environmental adaptation, occupational engagement, and participation.
  • Apply relevant occupational therapy theories and other evidence to develop effective interventions for complex client and community scenarios involving mental health issues, illness or risk factors.
  • Synthesise information from a range of occupational therapy assessments and interventions appropriate to addressing mental health and participation needs of individuals and families in their community.
  • Articulate culturally safe written and verbal communication when framing clinical opinions and formulation of therapeutic plans, programs, and outcomes.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
061703 $1,192.00 $1,192.00 not applicable $2,919.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

CXA723

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

2x 6hr Workshop, 4hrs weekly self-directed study, 3hrs weekly Independent Learning, 1hr weekly online tutorial

AssessmentMental Health Continuum Annotated Concept Map (30%)|Skill Demonstration Simulation Client (30%)|Occupational Therapy Formulation (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.
Recommended

Brown, C., Munoz, J., & Stoffel, Virginia. (2025). Occupational Therapy for Mental Health. A Vision for Participation (3rd edition). F. A. Davis Company. (available in hard copy and as an eBook)
Parkinson, S. & Brooks, R. (2021). A Guide to the formulation of plans and goals in occupational therapy. Routledge. (available in hard copy and as an eBook)
Meadows, G., Farhall, J., & Fossey, E. (2020). Mental health and collaborative community practice: An Australian perspective. Oxford University Press Australia & New Zealand.
 

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