Mental Health and Substance Abuse (5cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Objective

The students understand the phenomena and challenges related to mental health. They identify the special needs of client groups. They understand and are able to apply key legislation and basic concepts in the field. The students recognize the service system and are able to guide and support the client to the services. The students are able to reflect on their professional activities and identify the limits of their own professional competence in the work of a Bachelor of Social Services. The students are able to evaluate current discussions related to mental health and substance abuse and understand the importance of structural work in the fields of mental health and substance abuse.

Content

Mental health Protective factors / risk factors. Being normal / abnormal. History of mental health work. Mental health components. Challenges in Mental health. The students have the ability to support suicidal clients and their close ones. Supporting a person prone to suicide and loved ones. Substance use in the life of an individual. Addictions as phenomena. Trends in substance abuse work. Client-respecting encounters, speaking up and motivating. Legislation safeguarding the fundamental rights of the individual. The students are able to guide and support the client to services. Key services and guiding the client to them. Preventive, corrective and rehabilitative mental health and substance abuse work.

Location and time

Lecture schedule: 19.01.2026 09:00 - 12:00 Orientation + Mental Health and Substance Abuse Work 26.01.2026 09:00 - 12:00 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Work 19.02.2026 09:00 - 12:00 Exam 23.02.2026 09:00 - 12:00 Online: Seminar: Guest Lecturers 02.03.2026 13:00 - 16:00 Practical Case Exercise In cases of absence, the student is obliged to complete a compensatory assignment defined by the teacher on pedagogical grounds. Changes are possible.

Materials

Material to be provided in the Moodle workspace. Laws: Healthcare Act 1326/2010 Social Welfare Act 1301/2014 and its Application Guide 2024 Mental Health Act 1116/1990 Substance Abuse Services Act 1308/2014

Teaching methods

Seminar work Moodle exam Learning assignment *1 THL online course (2h) Completion of the study unit requires a passing assessment of the exam, learning assignments, and seminar work, as well as completion of the online course. Attendance at the orientation meeting is compulsory, and by participating in the orientation you secure your place in the study unit. If you are unable to attend the orientation meeting, please arrange this with the teacher. The student must be prepared to use a camera and microphone during online lectures. The camera must remain on throughout the entire online lecture.

Employer connections

Seminars and learning assignment.

Exam schedules

19.2.2026 Moodle examination concerning legislation and services - the examination is a single attempt, and the points constitute 30 percent of the total course grade. A resit examination will be organised one month after the first examination.

Completion alternatives

An application related to the identification and recognition of previously acquired competence (AHOT) must be submitted before the start of the course. AHOT coordinator: Anu Pellinen

Student workload

A five-credit course corresponds to approximately 135 hours of work. One credit corresponds to approximately 27 hours of work.