Advanced Certificate in Child & Adolescent Mental Health

Module 1: Child and Adolescent Mental Health

1. Nature and Scope of Mental Health
2. Childhood Depression
3. Anxiety Disorders
4. Tic Disorders
5. Brain Disorders
6. Other Disorders
7. Environmental Problems
8. Adolescent Problems
9. Holistic and Alternative Approaches to Treatment
10. Special Project

In this module, you will learn about mental health problems in childhood, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, tic disorders and problems associated with brain disease or injury, environmental factors, abuse and neglect. As an introductory module, it provides a solid foundation to the scope of common child and adolescent mental health disorders and how to identify them.

Module 2: Child Psychology

1. Introduction to Child Psychology
2. The Newborn Infant
3. States and Senses of the Infant
4. Learning
5. Emotions and Socialisation
6. Cognitive Development
7. Language Development
8. Intelligence
9. Socialisation Part A
10. Morality
11. Sexuality
12. Socialisation Part B

This module aims to deliver an introduction into child psychology, where you will discover how infants and children develop (socially, cognitively, sexually, morally), how they acquire language, and different types of learning. You will hone your critical thinking skills, learn how to make observations of behaviour seen in children, and ways to analyse information to encourage you to approach scenarios from a different perspective.

This module will cover a range of topics; from discovering how parenting styles can influence childhood behaviour, to what age you can expect children to start speaking, to learning how much of a child’s behaviour is due to genetics and understanding how children learn in different ways.

Module 3: Anger Management

1. Nature and Scope of Anger
2. Managing Anger with Counselling
3. Managing Anger with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
4. Anger Management Techniques for Violence
5. Anger Management for People with Mental Health Issues
6. Managing Anger in Children and Adolescents
7. Anger Management for People with Special Difficulties
8. Anger Management Services
9. Deciding on a Course of Action

This module is designed with the aim to help you understand the nature and scope of anger in children and techniques (including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), to help manage and provide support when required. You will discover that anger management is not about removing all anger, but instead learn how to help children channel their anger into positive aspects and away from the negative aspects, so it can be productive rather than destructive.

Module 4: Developmental, Learning and Behavioural Conditions

1. Nature and Scope of Developmental Disorders
2. Autism
3. Higher Functioning Autism /Asperger’s Disorder
4. Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders
5. Attention-Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders
6. Conduct Disorders
7. Learning Disorders
8. Communications Disorders and Motor Skills Disorder
9. Special Project

In this foundation introductory module, you will learn about developmental disorders, including pervasive developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (which now includes Asperger’s syndrome) as well as Rett’s disorder and childhood disintegrative disorder. The module aims to help you identify the different signs and symptoms, treatments and possible causes of each, the implications of a developmental disorder later in life and how important it is to respond to the signs and symptoms as early as possible.

You will also learn about behavioural disorders, such as different types of attention and hyperactivity disorders, along with conduct disorders like oppositional defiant disorder. The module also explores learning disorders, which are specific developmental disorders, such as reading disorders.

Module 5: Adolescent Psychology

1. Introduction - Theories of Human Development
2. Life Crises
3. Physical Development
4. Intellectual Development
5. Emotional Development
6. Sexuality
7. Social Development
8. Moral Development
9. Delinquency and Crime
10. Adolescents and the Transition to Adulthood

This is a comprehensive segment of the course, focusing on the multifaceted aspects of adolescent development. This module provides an in-depth look at the various life crises adolescents face, alongside their physical, intellectual, emotional and sexual development. It also covers key areas such as social and moral development, delinquency and crime, and the critical transition of adolescents into adulthood. As an essential part of the course, it lays a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of adolescent psychology, equipping you with the knowledge to identify and address the unique challenges faced by adolescents.

Module 6: Play Therapy

1. The Foundation for Using Play Therapy
2. Applications of Play and Play Therapy
3. Play Therapy for Anxiety and Depressive Disorders
4. Play Therapy for Behavioural Disorders
5. Play Therapy for Developmental Disorders
6. Play Therapy for Social and Family Problems
7. Play Therapy and Adult Populations
8. Related Specialised Creative Therapies
9. Play and Rehabilitation

This module covers a wide range of applications, from addressing anxiety and depressive disorders to behavioural and developmental disorders in children. It also examines the role of play therapy in resolving social and family problems, its surprising applications in adult populations, and its integration with other specialised creative therapies. Additionally, the module delves into the use of play in rehabilitation, providing a comprehensive understanding of how play therapy can be a versatile and effective tool in mental health treatment across different age groups and conditions.

Module 7: Developmental Psychology

1. Theoretical Approaches and Key Concepts
2. Early Childhood: Cognitive and Social Development in the First 6 Years
3. Middle Childhood – Cognitive, Moral and Social Development In The Primary School Years
4. Challenges of Middle Childhood
5. Adolescence: Cognitive, Moral and Social Development
6. Challenges of Adolescence
7. Adulthood: Cognitive and Psychosocial Development in Early and Middle Adulthood
8. Challenges of Adulthood
9. Late Adulthood: Cognitive and Psychological Changes in the Older People
10. Challenges of Late Adulthood

The Developmental Psychology module provides an extensive exploration of human development from early childhood through to late adulthood. It begins with theoretical approaches and key concepts, laying a foundation for understanding the subsequent stages of development. It covers cognitive and social development in the first six years of life, moving into the challenges and growth experienced during middle childhood and adolescence. It then examines the cognitive and psychosocial development in early and middle adulthood, along with the unique challenges faced during these stages. Finally, it delves into the cognitive and psychological changes in older people, providing a comprehensive understanding of the developmental challenges and transitions experienced throughout the entire lifespan.