Assessment and management of co-existing substance use and mental health

This programme is for practitioners working with people who experience co-existing substance use (including gambling) and mental health issues.

Practitioners on the programme gain foundation knowledge in the assessment and management of co-existing substance use and mental health issues. Practitioners complete a postgraduate certificate.

The programme is practice based and combines clinical experience, academic learning, online and self-directed learning, and practice mentorship.

Providers

The programme is available at the University of Auckland and University of Otago (National Addiction Centre, Christchurch).

Eligibility and entry requirements

Registered health professionals employed in a clinical role, or DAPAANZ registered addiction practitioners in NGO and DHB mental health and addiction services can apply for this programme.

• Applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or hold a residency permit.
• Applicants must have an undergraduate degree (at least Bachelor's) that qualifies them to work as a registered health professional or registered practitioner.
• Applicants must be working clinically for at least 0.6 full time equivalent (24 hours a week) where they have at least one year’s experience.
• Applicants who are new graduates must be working a minimum of 0.7 full time equivalent (28 hours a week).
• Applicants must be currently working with people with substance use and/or mental health issues.
• Applicants must meet the university’s criteria for eligibility to study at this level.

Programme details

The programme combines workplace experience, on-campus learning, audio-conference classes, online and self-directed learning, and practice mentorship. 

University of Auckland participants

Participants in the University of Auckland programme complete a 60 point Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences and Alcohol and Drug Studies. Required papers include:

• POPLHLTH 737 Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Studies (core theory course, 15 points)
• POPLPRAC 708 A&B Assessment and Intervention with Addiction (core practice course, 30 points).
• POPLPRAC 707 Theory and Skills in Counselling Practice (core course, 15 points).

National Addiction Centre, University of Otago participants

Participants in the University of Otago programme complete a 60 point Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (Addiction and Co-existing Disorders). The qualification consists of two papers:

• PSMX 404 Assessment of Addiction and Co-existing Disorders (30 points)
• PSMX 422 Treatment of Addiction and Co-existing Disorders (30 points).

For more information on the programme content and entry criteria refer to the programme service specifications.

Support available

Skills Matter funding covers all course fees. Programme participants also receive:

• time away from the workplace (in addition to rostered days off) to attend academic learning
• supervision or mentoring over the year with an experienced and qualified practitioner who provides the trainee with guidance and support.

Some travel and accommodation assistance is available for those who work 100km or more away from the nearest Skills Matter funded provider. However this assistance might not meet all of the participant's travel and accommodation costs, which should be considered before applying.

How to apply

Please apply directly to the tertiary institute for a funded place on the programme. For all enquiries about the enrolment process, contact the following people:

University of Auckland
Desiree Govender, Postgraduate Admissions, Faculty Student Centre
Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences
fmhs@auckland.ac.nz

National Addiction Centre, University of Otago
Judith Stone, Postgraduate administrator, Department of Psychological Medicine
Phone 03 372 0404

Academic advice

University of Auckland
Dr David Newcombe, senior lecturer in alcohol and drugs studies, coordinator of alcohol and drugs studies programmes
Phone 09 373 7599 ext 86557 or 021 295 3851

National Addiction Centre, University of Otago
Associate Professor Simon Adamson, deputy director
Phone 03 364 0480