Primary and Community Health 1: Mental Health and Addictions Settings and Context

This course aims to extend participants' mental health and addictions knowledge and skills.

Key facts

Start date: 14 July 2025

Cost: $650 including GST

Duration: 8 weeks

Delivery mode: Online and in person

In-person day: Thursday 4 September 2025 at the Auckland campus

Time commitment: 3 x 90-minute live online sessions (which are also recorded), attendance at 1 full-day workshop on campus, and self-directed learning with resources available. (Up to 50 hours.)

Overview

This Aotearoa-focused micro-credential is the first in a bundle of 3 that we offer. Each of the micro-credentials has the same structure: 3 x 1.5-hour online live sessions and 1 in-person workshop day.

No pre-course preparation is required. At the first live session of each credential, you will be oriented to the online course site, which contains all the relevant resources you need to support your learning. As a Massey University student, you will also have full access to the library and other student services.

Each credential will have 1 assessment to pass (not graded). You will be given a case study with short-answer questions to reflect on and discuss with others at the workshop, before submitting in writing to be assessed.

This micro-credential, Primary and Community Health 1: Mental Health and Addictions Settings and Context:

  • focuses on legislation, ethical and cultural perspectives, stigma, therapeutic communication, and equity
  • enhances skills and confidence to engage effectively with diverse individuals, families/whānau, and communities affected by mental health and addiction challenges.

Who this course is for

Primary and community health workers, including nurses, who meet the Massey University postgraduate entry requirement and hold a relevant bachelor's degree (or equivalent).

What you'll get

Successful students will receive 5 credits added to their academic record at Massey.

Completion of this course, plus the Primary and Community Health 2: Mental Health and Addictions Early Intervention and Primary and Community Health 3: Mental Health and Addictions Complexities of Care, equates to a 15-credit course, which can contribute to an approved postgraduate qualification.

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course should be able to:

  • apply knowledge of care for mental health and addictions in primary and community health care settings
  • critically reflect on contemporary issues related to mental health and addiction in primary and community health care within the Aotearoa New Zealand context.

Assessments

Exploring a case study.

Assessment type Weighting (%) Link to learning outcome
Case study 100 1 and 2

Meet your facilitators

Associate Professor Andrea Donaldson

Associate Professor Andrea Donaldson

Phone
Department
School of Nursing
 Maria Kekus

Maria Kekus

Chief Clinical and Nursing Director, Comprehensive Care

Registrations and enquiries

For all course enquiries and to register your interest, please email nursing@massey.ac.nz. You will need to provide transcripts of qualifications for approval into this course.

Other micro-credential courses you might like

Primary and Community Health 2: Mental Health & Addictions Early Intervention

This course equips health workers to identify and address mental health issues and addictions in primary and community settings.

Primary and Community Health 3: Mental Health & Addictions Complexities of Care

This course focuses on the complex health and social needs of people with mental health issues, addictions, and other co-morbidities.