Mental Health / Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Student Placement Resource

Mental Health / Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Student Placement Resource

As part of your studies in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS), you will have access to the Mental Health / Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Student Placement Resource. This online Canvas module has been developed to support student learning and preparation for placements, and to build shared understanding of mental health and AOD issues that often intersect with many areas of health and wellbeing.

The resource has been informed by recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and is designed to enhance student awareness of patient/client and consumer experiences. Because mental health and AOD concerns can arise across a wide range of settings, all students can benefit from engaging with this resource, regardless of whether you are commencing placement this semester.

What the resource includes

The module is self-directed and flexible, allowing you to engage at your own pace. You’ll find:

• Short videos with practical tips from past students and clinical educators
• Interactive training on key mental health and AOD concepts
• A curated resource library with relevant readings and links
• Activities, worksheets, and templates for reflection and self-assessment

Core content takes around 1 - 2 hours to complete, with optional additional resources available for deeper exploration depending on your interests, discipline, or placement context.

Why engage with this resource?

By engaging with the module, the aim is that you will:

• Feel more prepared, confident, and capable in mental health and AOD contexts
• Have easy access to practical tools and knowledge to support learning and placement experiences
• Be better prepared to build a strong learning relationship with supervisors

Reflective practice and self-directed learning are emphasised throughout, encouraging you to think critically about what you need to learn, how you will learn it, and what will help you succeed.

This resource is voluntary, complementary to your course curriculum, and designed to support your learning before, during, or after placement. We encourage you to bookmark, download, and revisit materials as needed.

Accessing the module

Students of medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, psychology, social work, and speech pathology will be automatically enrolled in this Canvas module in February, and it will appear in your Canvas subject list. If you are studying a degree not included above, and you would like to access the resource, please email: ispc-project@unimelb.edu.au

The resource is available to you anytime throughout the year. We wish you all the best for the semester and look forward to supporting your learning journey.