Course summary

Understand what defines mental health economics as an active and distinct subfield of health economics and the main principles and best practices for mental health policy appraisals. Gain a critical understanding of the core issues in mental health and health economics and of the key policy approaches available to tackle mental health problems. Understand and discuss the core features of mental health service delivery with a specific emphasis on psychological medicine for the treatment of mental disorders. Apply economic theoretical concepts to mental health and analyze and evaluate alternative economic policies to tackle mental health issues. Apply the learned practices in projects, briefings, policy proposals, experiments or interventions of their own (e.g., in their dissertation or future employment). Be able to link theory and practice in the development of professional and reflective skills relevant to mental health Understand different approaches to health economic analysis, evaluating and critiquing the advantages, disadvantages and challenges of different evaluation designs.