This module is for registered nurses, doctors and rehabilitation and therapeutic health professionals in the Western Cape. 

It covers common mental health conditions in adults, as well as mental health in adolescents, including how mental health conditions present in this age group.

About the course

  • Course Design: Self-directed

  • Duration: It will take approximately 6 hours to complete.

  • Eligibility for this course:
    • Healthcare professional working in the Western Cape.
    • Completed Practical Approach to Mental Health Care: Foundations

  • Certification: Participants need 70% pass mark for final quiz in order to receive a certificate.

  • Published: October 2024

Course curriculum

The following topics are covered in this course:

Common mental health conditions

Part 1: Psychoeducation

  • Psychoeducation
    • The mental health continuum
    • The 5 components of psychoeducation


Part 2: Mood & anxiety disorders and schizophrenia

  • Assessment & management of common mental health conditions 
    1. Mood & anxiety disorders
    2. Schizophrenia


Part 3: Substance use, dementia and integrating mental health & comorbidities 

  • Assessment & management of common mental health conditions continued
    • Substance use
    • Dementia 
  • Integrating mental health & comorbidities
    • Case scenario 4: Jane
    • Case scenario 5: Nokhanyo
    • Case scenario 6: Sindi
    • Case scenario 7: Herman
    • Case scenario 8: Adelaide

 

Mental health in adolescents

Part 1: Foundations of adolescent mental health

  • Adolescent development
    • Key changes
    • Cognitive, emotional & behavioural impact
    • The role of mental health
  • Legal, ethical & cultural considerations
    • Adolescent rights
    • LGBTQIA+
    • Youth with disabilities
  • Effective communication with adolescents


Part 2: Risk & protective factors and stress & anxiety

  • Risk & protective factors
    • Family & caregivers
    • Social media
    • Academic performance
  • Common adolescent mental health problems
    • Stress & anxiety
      • Case scenario 12: Damian


Part 3: Common adolescent mental health problems continued

  • Common adolescent mental health problems continued
    • Depression
      • Case scenario 13: Luthando
    • Substance use
      • Case scenario 14: Lungi
    • Eating disorders
      • Case scenario 15: Nicole


Module 3 assessment quiz


Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness
People Development Centre

Acknowledgements:

  • Knowledge Translation Unit