This course explores mental health and well being across developmental stages throughout the life cycle. Intra societal differences in illness and the ecological distribution of mental health disorders are introduced in the context of biological, sociological, cultural, psychological and spiritual theories of development consistent with social works' person-in-environment framework. Prevalent categories of psychiatric disorders are considered with respect to their relevance for social work practice and students are introduced to diagnosis, diagnostic tools, assessment and biopsychosocial interviews.