Course Title: Complex Mental Health and recovery

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Complex Mental Health and recovery

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: TBC

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: @rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Enforced Pre-Requisite Courses 

Successful completion of the following courses: 

Note: it is a condition of enrolment at RMIT that you accept responsibility for ensuring that you have completed the prerequisite/s and agree to concurrently enrol in co-requisite courses before enrolling in a course. 

For information go to RMIT Course Requisites webpage. 

Required Concurrent Study 

You should undertake the following courses at the same time as this course as it contains areas of knowledge and skills which are implemented together in practice. 

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.  

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.   


Course Description

Complex Mental Health and Recovery builds on prior study in Mental Health and Human Development. In this course, you will examine acute and complex mental health presentations, You will conceptualise mental health variations and learn about the importance of a consumer focused, recovery based approach to assessment and treatment. Early intervention, risk assessment and the physical healthcare of mental health consumers in the mainstream healthcare setting will also be examined. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course will contribute to Program Learning Outcomes for BP032P24 Bachelor of Nursing through the following learning outcomes: 

  • PLO1. Demonstrate a breadth and depth of nursing knowledge and concepts in a variety of real-world settings using an evidence-based approach    
  • PLO2. Apply evidence-based nursing knowledge to conceptualise and deliver safe and effective practice in a variety of contexts, independently and collaboratively, using emerging technological advancements   
  • PLO3. Generate and evaluate solutions to all aspects of interprofessional nursing practice while complying with ethical, legal, and regulatory standards   
  • PLO4.   Communicate to diverse audiences employing integrity, inclusivity, and culturally safe practices to deliver quality patient care.   
  • PLO5. Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for professional decisions through critical thinking and reflection to resolve challenges as part of a multidisciplinary and interprofessional team   
  • PLO6. Evaluate and critically reflect on the concepts of reconciliation and cultural intelligence considering the experience and perspectives of health and wellbeing for First Nations people   
  • PLO7. Demonstrate professionalism through lifelong learning to deliver safe, quality, holistic, and person-centred nursing care   
  • PLO8. Examine and evaluate theories fundamental to lifespan development and practices that enhance lifespan transition, disability, and public health advocacy.  


On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:   

  1. Evaluate mental health models of care in the context of the legislation including the Mental Health Act.  
  2. Demonstrate understanding of various therapeutic skills and techniques in engaging effectively and safely with consumers. 
  3. Utilise and comprehend diagnostic tools to conduct mental state assessments and risk assessments.  
  4. Justify the clinical rationale for therapeutic interventions to promote wellbeing and recovery for mental health consumers. 
  5. Critically analyse contemporary research for consumers with complex comorbidities of mental health. 
  6. Examine the various communication requirements utilised to promote mental health wellbeing for consumers as part of the interdisciplinary model of care.  


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks 

Assessment Task 1: Online Test 
Weighting 15% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 4 

Assessment Task 2: Case Study Presentation 
Weighting 30% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 

Assessment Task 3: Written Assignment 
Weighting 40% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3. 4, 5 & 6 

Assessment Task 4: Online Test 
Weighting 15% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 4 

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.