Key facts
UNE unit code: HLTH422
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information

The scope of practice for mental health professionals in Australia is underpinned by a range of theories, legislation, policies and standards.
Designed for practitioners wishing to gain qualifications for working in the mental health sector, this unit introduces these interconnecting elements, helping you to develop knowledge and understanding of the factors that govern the scope of practice for mental health professionals.
You will gain an understanding of the Australian recovery-oriented mental health framework and professional mental health documentation practices.
Using an evidence-based approach, you will also explore current service delivery models, and examine your own professional role within the context of collaborative, interprofessional practice.
With opportunities to engage in critical self-reflection and extend your knowledge, the unit will help you to enhance your clinical practice in rapidly changing mental health settings.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
You must enrol in this unit by the Monday before the Trimester starts. If there are insufficient student numbers this unit will not run and you will be withdrawn from the unit and offered an appropriate alternate unit by the course coordinator.
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 an advanced understanding of the theoretical, legal and ethical frameworks for mental health practice;
- initiate, plan and implement approaches which support the rights of people with mental health issues and their carers to access and participate in their care and recovery;
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of the national recovery-oriented framework for provision of mental health services and the recovery principles that support recovery-oriented mental health practice;
- communicate knowledge and ideas using advanced critical reflection skills to explain and enhance the principals of interproffesional and clinical practice in mental health service provision and the contribution of each professional group to effective care; and
- apply advanced professional knowledge in documenting mental health care.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Written assignment. No. Words: 2500 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Written Assignment No. Words: 2500 |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Online activities. May include online group work, online quizzes, and online forum participation. No. Words: 1000 |
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.
Mental Health in Australia: Collaborative Community Practice
ISBN: 9780190309916
Meadows, G. and others, Oxford University Press 4th ed. 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Mental Health Care : an Introduction for Health Professionals, 5th Edition.
ISBN: 9781394177233
Hungerford, C., Hodgson, D., Clancy, R., Murphy, G., Doyle, K., Bernoth, M., & Cleary, M., John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated. 5th ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
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