Interdisciplinary professional development for mental health workers: A human rights approach

This chapter considers the dominant political, economic and social context of contemporary mental health services in western developed countries. Recent advances in mental health workforce development are focused on interdisciplinary collaboration yet much of the professional development provided remains discipline specific. Areas where an interdisciplinary approach to professional development would be beneficial are identified with a new model of human rights interdisciplinary professional development proposed in this chapter. A central feature of this model is critical reflection and a focus on issues of human rights to promote the development of humane, non-stigmatising approaches to mental health care and the development of practice wisdom. The integration of macro and micro knowledge and skill development is an essential aspect of this. This approach is considered a priority due to the increased powers vested in mental health workers to engage in involuntary or compulsory practices. A case study of professional development for the mental health workforce in the state of Victoria in Australia is presented. Professional development is considered within the context of professional practice, career development and lifelong learning and accreditation requirements by government regulatory bodies and professional associations.