Executive Certificate in Mental Health Topic

The study of mental health is a major focus of theory, research and practice in psychology. This module is designed to stimulate critical thinking about current conceptualisations of mental health and ill-health as well as issues associated with diagnosis and treatment. Students will learn about factors which impact on individual and societal experiences of mental ill-health. This module will cover a range of topics exploring biopsychosocial perspectives on the aetiology and maintenance of common mental health disorders. In addition, students will learn to apply advanced quantitative methods and analyses, including Analysis of Variance, to the evaluation of treatment effectiveness. The aim of the module is to develop mental health literacy by examining and critically evaluating a broad range of perspectives on mental health on the one hand, and to enhance practical research skills on the other hand.

1.   Demonstrate critical awareness of past and current conceptualisations of mental illness including methods of assessment and diagnosis and treatment options.

2.   Explain biopsychosocial approaches to mental health, including understanding relative contributions of genetic, biological, lifestyle, personality and social factors in explaining the aetiology of a range of mental disorders.

3.   Critically evaluate current psychological and pharmacological theories and treatment modalities in psychopathology.

4.   Demonstrate an understanding of prevention of mental health disorders and the limitations of techniques available.

5.   Critically evaluate societal, legal and ethical issues impacting on mental health understanding and research.

Employability Skills

Employers are looking for a wide range of employability skills alongside theoretical expertise. To support your professional development, this module will facilitate the development of:

• Critical thinking
• Research design and methodology
• Writing of research reports
• Understanding of mental health
• Statistical analyses

1. Aspiring or current mental health professionals (e.g., counsellors, psychologists, social workers) seeking deeper knowledge of mental health concepts, diagnosis, and treatment approaches.
2. Healthcare practitioners (nurses, occupational therapists, general practitioners) who work with individuals experiencing mental health challenges and want to strengthen their biopsychosocial understanding.
3. HR professionals, managers, or workplace wellness advocates aiming to improve mental health literacy and support employee well-being in organisational settings.
4. Researchers or students in psychology, social sciences, or health sciences who want to apply advanced research methods (including ANOVA) to mental health studies.
5. Policy makers, educators, or community workers involved in mental health advocacy, programme design, or prevention initiatives.
6. Individuals with a strong interest in mental health awareness and literacy, looking to understand the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.

In essence, this course is ideal for those who want to critically engage with contemporary mental health issues, explore diverse treatment perspectives, and apply research skills to evaluate mental health interventions.

“Dr Andy's passion for psychology is indeed contagious. His dynamic teaching style and engaging lectures transformed what could have been a mundane subject into an enchanting exploration of the human mind. His enthusiasm and energy made learning enjoyable and memorable.”

"Dr Andy's emphasis on understanding oneself and self management. He's very knowledgeable about the theories behind the law of nature. The knowledge and insights gleaned from Dr Andy allows me to feel more equipped to navigate my own personal growth."

- Ang Wei Ling Lynette, Capability Development Officer, MHA-SPF (2024)

"Trainer Andy is very knowledgeable and engaging. He gave alot of additional information on para-counselling techniques, examples and showed many relevant videos. I learnt a lot from him. The practical activities and the sharing of information/knowledge by trainer are helpful.'

- Lim Bao Qi Eileen, Senior Executive, Chinese Development Assistance Council (2024)

"Dr Andy is detailed, knowledgeable, professional and patience. Dr Andy covered all the topics and the key takeaways are a very useful to me." - Phua Ai Nah, Audrey, Senior Manager (Facilities Management), MOH (2024)

Dr. Andy Sim – Psychologist, Coach, and Educator

Dr. Andy Sim is a highly accomplished psychologist, coach, counselor, lecturer, and music educator with extensive experience in mental health and performance psychology. He holds esteemed credentials, including Associate Fellow, Chartered Psychologist, and Registered Coaching Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, as well as Master Clinical Member and Registered Counsellor with the Singapore Association for Counselling. Dr. Sim is also a full member of several professional organizations, including the Singapore Psychological Society, the American Psychological Association, and the International Society of Coaching Psychology. He has presented at the Singapore Conference on Applied Psychology and published in SpringerLink Nature.

Before transitioning to his current career in 2011, Dr. Sim was a professional military musician and band director, and he has performed with the Philharmonic Wind Orchestra since 2001. Currently, he practices as a coaching psychologist in private practice, while also serving as an associate counsellor at a tertiary institution and a staff psychologist for several companies. He teaches master's degree courses in psychotherapy and counselling, and has previously provided counselling services to local universities and the Ministry of Education. Dr. Sim holds a Doctor of Psychology (USA), a Master of Social Science in Professional Counselling (Australia), and a Graduate Certificate in Narrative Therapy (Australia). He also earned a MiniMasters in General Management (Singapore), a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (Singapore), a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Australia), and a WSQ Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (Singapore). With specialized expertise in psychophysiology, he supports musicians and athletes in enhancing their mental well-being and performance.