Graduate Diploma in Mental Health for Teaching Professions

This course, developed jointly by the School of Psychology and Psychiatry and the Faculty of Education, focuses on the central role of the teacher in the development of optimal mental health in the primary and secondary school population. The course aims to provide teaching and allied staff with both theoretical and practical information on mental health and emotional development together with practical instruction on the use of such understanding in the classroom and in school settings. The two-year structure provides a basic understanding of mental health issues on which specialised counselling and group dynamic skills can be based. This course aims to provide education and psychology professionals with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills concerning mental health and emotional development together with information on its application in the classroom and in school settings. The program has been developed on the premise that the teacher has a central role in the development of optimal mental health in the school population, and therefore has a particular focus on specialised counselling and group dynamic skills.. Studies cover the teacher in the classroom (practical considerations); understanding mental development, child to adolescence; counselling techniques for members of the teaching professions; and organisational and group aspects of the school environment.
Minimum entrance requirements Applicants must have an undergraduate Bachelor of Education, Psychology or equivalent degree.
On completion of this course students will: •have an appreciation of psychological development from infancy to adolescence •have acquired an understanding of specific psychiatric and psychological syndromes of childhood and adolescence •place the child within his/her family, culture, school and the community in relation to psychological development and symptomatology •have a working knowledge and understanding of the range of interventions that may be possible within the school environment •understand the principles of communication, intervention and referral to appropriate professionals and outside agencies and community groups •participate in group case presentations of classroom difficulties and be able to involve themselves in shared solutions and strategies. Graduates of this program will have enhanced skills in dealing with students or parents with mental health issues within the educational setting. This is a recommended professional development program for teachers