MN664-1: Construct a consistent approach to the evaluation and management

Posted: May 5th, 2020

Construct a discussion that identifies how you feel the learning objectives were met supported with examples of course materials and course assignments.

For any course objectives, you feel were not met during the course please provide a discussion as to why it was not met.

Here are the course learning objectives for your review:

MN664-1: Construct a consistent approach to the evaluation and management of mental health disorders and conditions for adult/geriatric clients and clients across the lifespan presenting in the acute and/or primary care setting.

MN664-2: Design age-appropriate mental health and physical health maintenance screening plans for adult/geriatric clients and clients across the lifespan for psychiatric mental health disorders.

Provide evidence (citations and references) to support your statements and opinions.

All references and citations should be in APA format where appropriate.

Throughout the course MN664, I feel that the learning objectives were effectively met, with relevant course materials and assignments provided to support our learning.

Objective MN664-1 aimed to teach us to construct a consistent approach to the evaluation and management of mental health disorders for clients presenting in the acute and/or primary care setting. This objective was achieved through a variety of means, including lectures, case studies, and discussions. For instance, we explored different approaches to evaluating and diagnosing mental health conditions, such as the DSM-5 criteria and the use of clinical assessments. We also learned about evidence-based treatments and interventions for different mental health disorders, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy. Additionally, we were provided with opportunities to apply our learning through case studies and class discussions, where we could practice our diagnostic and treatment planning skills.

Objective MN664-2 aimed to teach us how to design age-appropriate mental health and physical health maintenance screening plans for clients with psychiatric mental health disorders. This objective was achieved through lectures, readings, and assignments. We learned about the importance of preventative care in mental health, such as the need for regular physical check-ups and screenings for comorbid physical health conditions. We also explored different strategies for designing age-appropriate screening plans, such as tailoring the plan to the client’s developmental stage and addressing any potential cultural or linguistic barriers. Additionally, we were given assignments to develop screening plans for hypothetical clients, which allowed us to apply our learning and receive feedback from our instructors.

Overall, I feel that the course effectively met its learning objectives, with relevant course materials and assignments provided to support our learning. The course readings and lectures were informative and engaging, and the assignments provided opportunities for us to apply our learning and receive feedback.

However, one objective that I feel could have been further developed was the inclusion of more diverse perspectives and experiences in our learning. While we did discuss some cultural considerations in mental health, such as the need to consider cultural differences in symptom presentation and treatment preferences, I feel that the course could have done more to explore issues of diversity and social justice in mental health. For instance, we could have learned more about the impact of systemic racism and discrimination on mental health outcomes, or explored different approaches to providing mental health care for marginalized communities.

References:

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000

National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Mental health information. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/index.shtml