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Unit of study_
PSYC6078: Clinical Skills and Practice
2025 unit information
In this unit of study students will develop the practical skills of clinical psychology practice in child and adult mental health. An emphasis is placed on developing clinical competencies through active learning (observation, modelling, role play , feedback). Specific topics addressed in the unit include concepts and practices related to clinical assessment and formulation (e.g., diagnostic systems and interviews, mental status examination), as well as counselling micro skills and basic relational skills, and skills for the design and delivery of evidence-based interventions (e.g., cognitive behaviour therapy). Where relevant, attention is given to the distinct clinical skills involved in effective practice concerning problems of childhood versus adulthood, and the use of such skills as part of culturally responsive practice with diverse client populations. Attention is also given to practical procedures involved in the operation of mental health clinics (e.g., intake processes), skills for participating in clinical supervision, and skills for collaborating with other mental health professionals and support staff in the course of clinical practice.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Psychology Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Apply advanced knowledge of psychopathology, and the core principles and theoretical models that underpin current evidence-based practice, in working with socially and culturally diverse clients across the lifespan;
- LO2. Identify psychological disorders using a recognised international taxonomy as part of the broader clinical engagement and multi-method assessment of diverse clients across the lifespan;
- LO3. Integrate and interpret multi-modal psychological assessment and diagnostic data to inform case conceptualisation and evidence-based treatment planning;
- LO4. Formulate conceptualisations of presenting issues to determine the most appropriate interventions and manage risk;
- LO5. Demonstrate skills in empirically supported interventions, and in monitoring clients’ progress and intervention outcomes;
- LO6. Integrate psychopharmacology knowledge into case conceptualisation, clinical planning and management, including working effectively with other health professionals;
- LO7. Demonstrate professional communication skills, including interviews and assessments and evidence based intervention demonstrations of skills.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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Important enrolment information
Additional advice
Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology degree at the University of Sydney.
