This course provides students with a theoretical, practice-based, and social work-informed understanding of mental health and mental illness. It introduces key concepts related to the nature, causes, and lived experiences of mental illness, while examining how social, cultural, family, community, and structural factors influence mental health needs, help-seeking, and service access. Grounded in social work values, including human dignity, social justice, empowerment, self-determination, and anti-oppressive practice, the course explores approaches to working with individuals experiencing mental health challenges and their families. Emphasis is placed on assessment, engagement, intervention planning, case management, advocacy, crisis support, recovery-oriented practice, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Students will also examine mental health policies, legislation, service systems, stigma, and related social inequalities.