The focus of this course is on concepts, theories and research underlying advanced practice psychiatric nursing (APPN). The scope and standards of psychiatric-mental health nursing practice frame study of APPN functions - psychotherapy, psychopharmacology interventions, community interventions, case management activities and consultation- liaison activities. Epidemiology, definitions, and classification models for mental health and mental illness are explored as a base for ethical, clinical decision making in advanced psychiatric nursing practice. Psychological, biological, social and cultural influences on coping responses of individuals and families across the lifespan, for groups, and communities of people/populations at risk are explored. Intervention models including prevention and models incorporating psychiatric and physical co-morbidities are introduced.