Psychosocial Approaches in Mental Health Care

The aim of this module is to introduce students to Psychosocial Interventions (PSIs) and approaches which focus on psychological, social, personal, relational and vocational problems associated with mental ill health and emotional distress. The values of care, compassion and kindness (NMBI, 2016, 2021) in addition to recovery oriented principles will underpin all approaches explored. There will be an emphasis on wellness recovery action planning and the service user voice in line with recovery-oriented principles. 

Psychosocial interventions take consideration of both the primary presentation associated with mental ill health/ emotional distress and the secondary experiences which arise as a consequence. Psychosocial Interventions are person-centred and focus on holistic approaches to care and interventions. These interventions focus on reducing the impact of mental ill health/ emotional distress, improving social functioning and increasing the promotion of personal autonomy and well/being.

The student will be introduced to the different therapeutic models and techniques that come under the umbrella of Psychosocial Interventions including Psychological Therapies, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Family therapy Supported Employment, Supported Education, Peer Support, Mindfulness, Social skills training and alternate therapies. The module builds on the foundations in S1 will be further built upon in years two and three in PPD 2 and 3 modules. 

1. Explain the concept of psychosocial interventions as they apply to Mental Health Nursing and National Mental Health Services Policy (HSE, 2017 Recovery Framework for Mental Health; HSE, 2020 Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone; MHC 2023 Quality Framework: Driving Excellence in Mental Health Services).

2. Discuss the principles of psychosocial interventions and their contribution to Mental Health Care delivery. 

3. Recognise the impact mental ill health and distress can have from a lived experience perspective for individuals, family members and significant others.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the meaning of a recovery orientated care approach and how it can be supported in practice for individuals and family members.

5. Describe therapeutic interventions and approaches which focus on the psychological, social, personal, relational and vocational problems associated with mental ill health and distress.