Key facts
UNE unit code: PSYC529
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information

Gain advanced training in psychological assessment and intervention with children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties.
Studying this unit, you will build on your skills and knowledge developed in PSYC504, PSYCH505 and PSC507. Your focus will be assessment, formulation, diagnosis and management of neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as a range of interventions for complex psychological problems typically presenting in childhood and adolescence.
Drawing on the developmental systems approach, you will learn to formulate complex presentations whilst taking account of systemic and contextual factors. The unit will also help to strengthen your ability to appropriately consult and collaborate with other professionals to manage complex client presentations.
Introducing you to leading evidence-based assessment and treatment approaches for young people, you will also learn strategies to work with families and systems to optimise therapeutic outcomes.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 Days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | Mandatory 3 day online intensive school. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate understanding of psychological theories of the aetiology and course of specific disorders commonly presenting in young people;
- demonstrate ability to formulate psychological disorders within a developmental systems model in order to inform diagnosis and intervention;
- demonstrate competence in culturally responsive methods for assessing complex and enduring psychological disorders commonly presenting in childhood and adolescence, with reference to the relevant international taxonomies of classification;
- select, tailor and implement culturally responsive evidence-based interventions based on an initial case formulation, with individuals, dyads or families as appropriate;
- monitor treatment progress and outcomes and modify approach based on evolving case formulation; and
- demonstrate understanding of the roles of other professionals involved with children and young people (GP, school, health services) and collaborate with other professionals as appropriate in the management of complex cases.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay in 4 parts | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Mandatory to pass each Essay Part - each of 4 parts has word count of 750 words. It is mandatory to pass this assessment task in order to pass this unit. No. Words: 3000 |
| OSCE and Reflection Assignment - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | OSCE of 30 mins and Reflection Exercise It is mandatory to pass this assessment task in order to pass this unit. No. Words: 3000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Clinical Handbook of Psychological Disorders in Children and Adolescents : A Step-By-Step Treatment Manual
ISBN: 9781462540297
Flessner, C.A., and Piacentini, J.C., The Guilford Press 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
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