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Mental Health Essentials: Transitioning from Student to Practitioner

Edited by Phil Maude, Sophia McNamara and Angela Milligan

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Coming soon - in July 2026

Mental Health Essentials is a collaborative initiative led by La Trobe University, bringing together contributors from numerous organisations across Australia and New Zealand to co-design an open access, living educational resource. This resource is designed for mental health theory subjects and clinical placement preparation, aiming to replace legacy commercial texts with a contemporary, inclusive alternative.

This open educational resource consolidates essential mental health concepts, current clinical practices, self-care strategies and culturally safe approaches into a single, accessible digital publication. It is grounded in experiential, student-centred learning and prioritises the translation of theoretical knowledge into practical skills for placement readiness. Interactive activities, case studies and reflective exercises are embedded throughout to foster deep learning and professional confidence.

Developed through co-design with academic experts, lived-experience contributors, First Nations cultural advisors, graduates and students, the resource centres on inclusivity and equity. It incorporates trauma-informed, recovery-oriented frameworks and highlights the voices of marginalised groups. The publication is structured in four main sections including: foundational concepts, clinical practice preparation, transition to graduate roles and advanced practice, which covers topics such as therapeutic communication, legal and ethical considerations, diagnosis, mental health disorders, placement success, professional roles and advanced interventions.

Designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as emerging practitioners, Mental Health Essentials supports effective and enriching clinical placements, ensuring learners are well-equipped to make a meaningful impact in their careers. The resource is freely accessible, mobile-friendly and aligned with sector reforms and government initiatives to promote equity and workforce readiness across Australia and New Zealand.

Section outlines

This resource includes the following sections. Select each to view the chapters it contains.

Section One: Theoretical Necessities

  • Chapter 1 – Foundational Mental Health Concepts: Trauma, Recovery and Wellbeing
  • Chapter 2 – Therapeutic Communication and Consumer and Carer Experiences
  • Chapter 3 – Navigating Policy, Legalities and Ethical Practice in Mental Health
  • Chapter 4 – Cultural sensitivity for Inclusive Practice across the lifespan
  • Chapter 5 – Mental Health in indigenous populations
  • Chapter 6 – Holistic Assessment: Understanding Strengths and Needs

Section Two: Understanding Mental Health Experiences and Supporting Recovery

  • Chapter 7 – Supporting People Experiencing Anxiety
  • Chapter 8 - Responding to Mood Disorder and Depression
  • Chapter 9 – Suicide Prevention: Assessment, Safety and Hope
  • Chapter 10 – Understanding and Supporting People Experiencing Psychosis
  • Chapter 11 – Working with Personality Diversity
  • Chapter 12 – Promoting Healthy Eating and Body Image
  • Chapter 13 – Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) & Mental Health: Pathways to Recovery
  • Chapter 14 – Inclusive Approaches to Neurocognitive Differences and Intellectual
    Disability
  • Chapter 15 – Substance Use: Engagement and Recovery Pathways
  • Chapter 16 – Trauma-Informed Care and Relapse Prevention

Section Three: Preparing for Clinical Practice

  • Chapter 17 – Self-Care and Wellbeing for Mental Health Professionals
  • Chapter 18 – Exploring Mental Health Professional Roles
  • Chapter 19 – Maximising Success in Clinical Placements
  • Chapter 20 – Preceptorship: Mentoring for Growth

Section Four: Transitioning to Graduate Roles

  • Chapter 21 – Launching Your Mental Health Career: Applying for Graduate Roles
  • Chapter 22 – Reflective Practice and Clinical Supervision
  • Chapter 23 – Communicating Effectively in Challenging Situations
  • Chapter 24 – Advancing Assessment Skills
  • Chapter 25  – Integrating Physical and Mental Health in Practice
  • Chapter 26 – Psychopharmacology: Understanding Medications in Mental Health
  • Chapter 27 – Motivational Interviewing for Positive Change
  • Chapter 28 – Introduction to Therapy in Mental Health: Practical Approaches
  • Chapter 29 – Managing Risk: Assessment and Intervention Strategies

Section Five: Advanced Practice

  • Chapter 30 – Community Engagement in Mental Health Practice
  • Chapter 31 – Advanced Therapeutic Skills: Family Therapy and Collaboration
  • Chapter 32 – Supporting Recovery from Addiction and Withdrawal
  • Chapter 33 – Working in Forensic Mental Health Settings
  • Chapter 34 – Mental Health Rehabilitation
  • Chapter 35 – AI to enhance reflective practice skills, complementary and integrative approaches to mental health care

Details

Publication date: TBA
Publisher: La Trobe eBureau
ISBN: 978-0-6458388-9-3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26826/1027