a 4000-word essay that critically evaluates two evidence-based interventions taught in the module. Your di scussion must be applied to one case study involving an individual with co-occurring mental health
Budget: $250 – $750 USD
Assessment Brief
Assessment: 4000-word critical essay (+/-10%)
Weighting: 100%
Assesses Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Assignment Overview
Students are required to write a 4000-word essay that critically evaluates two
evidence-based interventions taught in the module. Your discussion must be
applied to one case study involving an individual with co-occurring mental health
and addictions.
You will be provided with a selection of case studies. You must choose one and use
it as the foundation of your essay, linking theory, evidence, and practice to the
person’s presentation, needs and context.
Assessment Requirements
Your essay must include the following elements:
1. Introduction
• Identify the two interventions you will critically appraise.
• Provide a concise rationale for their selection (e.g., relevance to the case study,
clinical relevance, research interest).
• Briefly outline how the essay will be structured.
2. Discussion and Critical Analysis
For each intervention, in turn:
A. Provide a concise explanation of the intervention
This may include its theoretical foundations, aims, and core components.
B. Apply the intervention to your chosen case study
Demonstrate how the approach could be used to support the individual.
C. Critically evaluate the evidence base
Your critique should include:
• strengths and limitations of the intervention
• empirical evidence regarding its effectiveness with co-occurring disorders
• challenges in implementation (workforce, system, engagement)
• ethical, cultural, or trauma-informed considerations
• any gaps, inconsistencies, or debates within the literature
You must draw on current research, including recent peer-reviewed articles, meta
analyses, and relevant policy documents (e.g., NICE guidelines, NHS Long Term
Plan, DHSC strategies).
3. Comparative Reflection
Briefly compare the two interventions.
Consider whether they could be:
• used together
• sequenced within a treatment plan
• adapted to meet complex co-occurring needs
• strengthened through peer support or family involvement
4. Conclusion
Summarise your key arguments and reflect on the implications for practice, policy,
and service delivery for individuals with co-occurring disorders.
5. Referencing
Use the Harvard referencing system.
Do not use blogs or non-peer-reviewed sources.
Marking
Your essay will be assessed on:
• Depth of critical analysis
• Application of theory to the case study
• Engagement with contemporary evidence
• Understanding of co-occurring disorders
• Logical organisation and academic style
• Clarity of argument and synthesis
• Accurate and consistent referencing
Case Study: Leila
Background
Leila is a 28-year-old woman of mixed heritage living in a large UK city. She has a
long-standing diagnosis of bipolar disorder, first identified when she was 18, shortly
after leaving foster care. Leila has a history of childhood trauma, including emotional
neglect and exposure to domestic violence. She also experienced frequent school
exclusions and has no formal qualifications.
Current Presentation
Leila was referred to a crisis mental health team following an emergency admission
to hospital after being found disoriented and agitated at a local train station. Her drug
screen was positive of methamphetamine and cannabis. She disclosed that she has
been using both substances to "calm down" during her manic phases and to
"escape" from intense depressive episodes.
Leila reports that when she is intoxicated, she sometimes has sex with strangers.
She describes this as happening when she feels "out of control," and later expresses
regret and shame. This behaviour raises significant safeguarding concerns, including
risks related to sexual exploitation, physical safety, and her overall wellbeing.
Leila has previously disengaged from mental health services due to feeling "judged"
and “not listened to,” and says that services do not understand her experience of
“dealing with everything alone.” Her relationships with professionals have been
inconsistent, and she describes a lack of trust in statutory services. She has also had
contact with the criminal justice system for minor drug-related offences and is
currently under probation supervision.
Social and Environmental Context
Leila is currently homeless and has been sofa-surfing with friends. She lacks family
support and describes feeling isolated and stigmatised. She occasionally accesses a
local drop-in centre where peer support is available. The staff at the centre have
encouraged her to seek help and have linked her with a voluntary sector outreach
mental health and substance use worker.
my 2 interventions are motivational interviewing and cognitive behaviour therapy
Assessment: 4000-word critical essay (+/-10%)
Weighting: 100%
Assesses Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Assignment Overview
Students are required to write a 4000-word essay that critically evaluates two
evidence-based interventions taught in the module. Your discussion must be
applied to one case study involving an individual with co-occurring mental health
and addictions.
You will be provided with a selection of case studies. You must choose one and use
it as the foundation of your essay, linking theory, evidence, and practice to the
person’s presentation, needs and context.
Assessment Requirements
Your essay must include the following elements:
1. Introduction
• Identify the two interventions you will critically appraise.
• Provide a concise rationale for their selection (e.g., relevance to the case study,
clinical relevance, research interest).
• Briefly outline how the essay will be structured.
2. Discussion and Critical Analysis
For each intervention, in turn:
A. Provide a concise explanation of the intervention
This may include its theoretical foundations, aims, and core components.
B. Apply the intervention to your chosen case study
Demonstrate how the approach could be used to support the individual.
C. Critically evaluate the evidence base
Your critique should include:
• strengths and limitations of the intervention
• empirical evidence regarding its effectiveness with co-occurring disorders
• challenges in implementation (workforce, system, engagement)
• ethical, cultural, or trauma-informed considerations
• any gaps, inconsistencies, or debates within the literature
You must draw on current research, including recent peer-reviewed articles, meta
analyses, and relevant policy documents (e.g., NICE guidelines, NHS Long Term
Plan, DHSC strategies).
3. Comparative Reflection
Briefly compare the two interventions.
Consider whether they could be:
• used together
• sequenced within a treatment plan
• adapted to meet complex co-occurring needs
• strengthened through peer support or family involvement
4. Conclusion
Summarise your key arguments and reflect on the implications for practice, policy,
and service delivery for individuals with co-occurring disorders.
5. Referencing
Use the Harvard referencing system.
Do not use blogs or non-peer-reviewed sources.
Marking
Your essay will be assessed on:
• Depth of critical analysis
• Application of theory to the case study
• Engagement with contemporary evidence
• Understanding of co-occurring disorders
• Logical organisation and academic style
• Clarity of argument and synthesis
• Accurate and consistent referencing
Case Study: Leila
Background
Leila is a 28-year-old woman of mixed heritage living in a large UK city. She has a
long-standing diagnosis of bipolar disorder, first identified when she was 18, shortly
after leaving foster care. Leila has a history of childhood trauma, including emotional
neglect and exposure to domestic violence. She also experienced frequent school
exclusions and has no formal qualifications.
Current Presentation
Leila was referred to a crisis mental health team following an emergency admission
to hospital after being found disoriented and agitated at a local train station. Her drug
screen was positive of methamphetamine and cannabis. She disclosed that she has
been using both substances to "calm down" during her manic phases and to
"escape" from intense depressive episodes.
Leila reports that when she is intoxicated, she sometimes has sex with strangers.
She describes this as happening when she feels "out of control," and later expresses
regret and shame. This behaviour raises significant safeguarding concerns, including
risks related to sexual exploitation, physical safety, and her overall wellbeing.
Leila has previously disengaged from mental health services due to feeling "judged"
and “not listened to,” and says that services do not understand her experience of
“dealing with everything alone.” Her relationships with professionals have been
inconsistent, and she describes a lack of trust in statutory services. She has also had
contact with the criminal justice system for minor drug-related offences and is
currently under probation supervision.
Social and Environmental Context
Leila is currently homeless and has been sofa-surfing with friends. She lacks family
support and describes feeling isolated and stigmatised. She occasionally accesses a
local drop-in centre where peer support is available. The staff at the centre have
encouraged her to seek help and have linked her with a voluntary sector outreach
mental health and substance use worker.
my 2 interventions are motivational interviewing and cognitive behaviour therapy