Clinical Coursework II is comprised of a number of sub-courses covering a range of topics designed to further advance the students knowledge of clinical theory and practice and relevant research methodology. 

The sub-courses that comprise this course are:

• Advanced Psychopathology

• Evidence-Based Treatments for Psychological Disorders

• The Scientist-Practitioner in Clinical Psychology

Advanced Psychopathology (Convenor: Dr Elizabeth Rieger)

(Staff: Dr Elizabeth Rieger, Dr Sarah Davenport, Dr Robert Tait, Dr Myra Whitney) 2 hrs/week

This sub-course continues the focus on models of specific psychological disorders and their treatment begun in Introductory Psychopathology and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. The focus will be on substance use disorders, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, and eating and weight disorders. The epidemiology, aetiology, psychological assessment, interventions, and rehabilitation for these disorders will be described.

Evidence-Based Treatments for Psychological Disorders (Convenor: Dr Elizabeth Rieger)

(Staff: Dr Elizabeth Rieger, Dr Mark Boschen) Full day workshop in Week 1; 2 hr/week from Weeks 2-13

This sub-course continues the focus on evidence-based treatments for psychological disorders begun in Introductory Psychopathology and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. The focus will be on psychopharmacology, interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) and motivational enhancement therapy (MET). This course begins with a full day workshop on "Psychopharmacology for Psychologists" which will provide a broad introduction to the important concepts of pharmacological treatment of psychological disorders including a revision of the basic concepts of psychophysiology and an examination of each of the major classes of psychotropic medication (i.e., antidepressants, anxiolytics and antipsychotics). The classes on IPT and MET will provide students with an understanding of the theoretical background underpinning these approaches and their implementation with a range of disorders such as depression and eating disorders.

The Scientist-Practitioner in Clinical Psychology (Convenor: Dr Jay Brinker) 2 hrs/week

The underlying philosophy of professional psychology advocated in the Clinical Program is the scientist-practitioner model. Essentially this model argues that to be an effective and responsible, professional psychologist, scientific research should both inform and be part of clinical practice. Thus, appropriate clinical research skills (both methodological and statistical) are viewed as an essential part of professional training.

On completion of this course students will:

• Be able to understand current theoretical, clinical, and empirical work on various psychological disorders including substance use disorders, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, and eating and weight disorders. Students will understand the epidemiology, aetiology, psychological assessment, interventions, and rehabilitation for these disorders.

• Have an introductory understanding of current theoretical, clinical, and empirical work on several of the dominant treatment approaches for psychological disorders, namely, psychopharmacology, motivational enhancement therapy (MET), and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT).

• Know and understand the ethical procedures for both research and practice in clinical psychology.  Also, they will be able to integrate research and practice in a meaningful way.

The assessment for each sub-course equals 1/3 of the overall assessment for this course:

Advanced Psychopathology: 2,500 word essay

Evidence-Based Treatments for Psychological Disorders: 2,500 word essay

The Scientist-Practitioner in Clinical Psychology: Class Presentation and Ethics Case Reports

Six hrs/week and 1 full day workshop.

Enrolment in postgraduate clinical psychology units is usually restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology, Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) or Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical) at the School of Psychology. 

This course may be available with the written permission of the Director of Clinical Training Program. 

Applicants must be eligible for registration as a psychologist in the ACT. 

Enrolment in 7601 Master of Clinical Psychology program and PSYC8101. Incompatible with PSYC9012 and PSYC9412.

A basic understanding of clinical diagnosis, assessment and treatment comparable to undergraduate level abnormal psychology.

To be confirmed at the beginning of the course. Texts will be selected in line with current research.