Assessing and Understanding Mental Health Problems

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Mental Health Studies (MHS) is a one-year, full-time program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of mental health and its complexities. The program emphasizes a holistic approach, exploring biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors that contribute to mental well-being. Students gain advanced knowledge of mental health disorders, social and cultural contexts, and research skills. The program culminates in a supervised internship, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Master of Arts in Mental Health Studies (MHS)

Overview:

The Master of Arts in Mental Health Studies (MHS) is a one-year, full-time program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of mental health and its complexities. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health, exploring the biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors that contribute to mental well-being.

Objectives:

The MHS program aims to equip students with:

• Advanced knowledge of mental health disorders, including their causes, symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments.
• A critical understanding of the social and cultural contexts of mental health, including the role of stigma, discrimination, and social determinants of health.
• The ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world mental health challenges through case studies, simulations, and practical experience.
• Strong research skills, including the ability to critically evaluate and synthesize research findings and conduct independent research projects.
• The ability to communicate effectively about mental health issues to diverse audiences.

Description:

The MHS program curriculum is divided into three core modules:

• Module 1: Foundations of Mental Health: This module provides students with a strong foundation in the core concepts of mental health, including the history of mental health care, the different models of mental illness, and the various approaches to assessment and treatment.
• Module 2: Social and Cultural Perspectives on Mental Health: This module explores the social and cultural factors that influence mental health, including stigma, discrimination, poverty, and access to care.
Students will learn how to critically analyze the impact of these factors on mental health and develop strategies for promoting mental well-being in diverse communities.
• Module 3: Advanced Topics in Mental Health: This module allows students to delve deeper into specific areas of interest within the field of mental health, such as trauma, addiction, child and adolescent mental health, forensic mental health, or mental health policy.
Students will have the opportunity to conduct independent research projects and present their findings. In addition to the core modules, students will also complete a supervised internship in a mental health setting. This internship will provide students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world practice and develop their professional skills.

Outline:

The MHS program consists of 120 credits, divided into three core modules (40 credits each) and a supervised internship (40 credits).

Module 1: Foundations of Mental Health

• Introduction to Mental Health: This course will explore the definition, history, and scope of mental health.
Students will learn about the different models of mental illness and the various approaches to assessment and treatment.
• Psychopathology: This course will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the major mental health disorders, including their causes, symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments.
Students will have the opportunity to discuss case studies and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Mental Health Assessment and Intervention: This course will teach students how to assess and intervene in mental health disorders.
Students will learn about different assessment tools and techniques, as well as various therapeutic approaches.
• Research Methods in Mental Health: This course will introduce students to the basics of research in mental health.
Students will learn how to critically evaluate research findings and conduct their own research projects.

Module 2: Social and Cultural Perspectives on Mental Health

• Social Determinants of Mental Health: This course will explore the social and cultural factors that influence mental health, including poverty, discrimination, and access to care.
Students will learn how to analyze the impact of these factors and develop strategies for promoting mental well-being in diverse communities.
• Mental Health and Social Justice: This course will examine the intersection of mental health and social justice.
Students will learn about the history of mental health care and the impact of social inequalities on mental health outcomes.
• Mental Health and Culture: This course will explore the ways in which culture influences the understanding, expression, and treatment of mental health.
Students will learn about different cultural perspectives on mental health and how to provide culturally competent care.
• Mental Health and Policy: This course will examine the mental health policies and systems in place at the local, national, and international levels.
Students will learn about the impact of these policies on mental health care and develop strategies for advocating for change.

Module 3: Advanced Topics in Mental Health

Students will choose four elective courses from a wide range of options, such as:

• Trauma and Mental Health
• Addiction and Mental Health
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health
• Forensic Mental Health
• Mental Health Policy
• Global Mental Health
• Mental Health and Technology
• Mental Health and the Arts

Internship:

The internship will provide students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world practice and develop their professional skills. Students will work under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional in a mental health setting, such as a hospital, community mental health center, or private practice.

Assessment:

The MHS program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Essays: Students will be required to write essays on various topics related to mental health, such as the causes of mental illness, the effectiveness of different treatments, and the impact of social factors on mental health.
• Examinations: Students will take written and oral examinations to assess their understanding of the course material.
• Case studies: Students will be required to analyze case studies and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Presentations: Students will give presentations on their research projects and other assignments.
• Internship evaluation: Students will be evaluated on their performance during their internship by their supervisor.