Applied Mental Health Practice PGCert

Module content will include:

1. Mental health and other relevant legislation, related Codes of Practice and national guidance, including related case law. Mental Capacity Act 2005 and related Codes of Practice.
2. National and local policies, guidance and procedures relating to statutory mental health functions and in relation to the AMHP's wider role and duties.
3. Roles and responsibilities of the AMHP and other professionals involved in statutory mental health work. Adult and child protection procedures in relation to AMHP practice.
4. Case material - application of law in practice.

This module seeks to equip students with a systematic and detailed knowledge of mental health law and related relevant legislation, including associated codes of practice. Students will develop a critical awareness of the the legal position and accountability of AMHPs in relation to the Mental Health Act 1983, any employing authority and the authority on whose behalf they are acting. There will be an opportunity to critically reflect on the complexity of the power inherent in the AMHP role, and the implications for service users, carers and other professionals in the exercise of that power.

Module content will include:

1. Underpinning values and principles of AMHP training and mental health practice (HCPC 2013). Mental Health Act 1983 Code of Practice Guiding Principles, Professional Codes of Ethics.
2. Models of mental disorder, including the contribution of  biological, psychological and social factors.
3. Signs, symptoms and assessment of mental disorder. Diagnostic criteria: DSM V and ICD 10. Transcultural psychiatry and culturally sensitive practice.
4. The social perspective on mental disorder and mental health needs.
5. Methods of care, treatment and interventions in mental health practice.
6. The needs of children, young people and their families.
7. Social divisions and mental health.
8. Service users and carers - personal perspectives and experiences.

This module introduces the students to a range of models of mental disorder. It will enable the development of knowledge and critical understanding of the main clinical symptoms and classification of mental disorder. It will also explore the social perspective of mental illness and critically examine a range of different interventions, allowing a comprehensive understanding of the applicability of relevant techniques and approaches. It will debate and critically reflect upon the implications of mental disorder for service users, carers and other professionals.

Module content will include: 

1. Key Competence Areas for AMHP Practice (DH Regs 2008).
2. Indicators associated with risk, risk assessment, management, promoting safety and positive risk-taking in relation to the AMHP role.
3. Independence, authority and autonomy in the AMHP role. Managing anxiety, risk and conflict.
4. Effective decision-making. Analysis of information and evaluation of evidence-based AMHP Practice.
5. Effective communication and the AMHP role. Assessment and Intervention. Interviewing skills.
6. Interprofessional practice and effective collaborative working.

Approved Mental Health Professionals are required to carry out a range of responsibilities in respect of legal processes and risk assessment with people who experience mental distress. This module will enhance the candidate's understanding and skills in undertaking an AMHP assessment under MHA 1983. Candidates will critically evaluate the ethics and values located in the role, and analyse the good practice that underpins this work. The main aim of the module is to enable candidates to exercise appropriate use of independence, authority and autonomy in the AMHP role.