How to Become a Mental Health Officer: Australian Careers in Mental Health

The online CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health course from Open Colleges in association with Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd (RTO: 90197), teaches you the essential skills needed to work in mental health services.

Ideal for those already working in the sector or individuals looking to enter the field for the first time, this online course provides students with the skills to understand mental health diagnoses, establish communication with clients to support recovery, reflect cultural awareness in work practice, and provide effective intervention for individuals at risk of self-harm or suicide.

Students will also develop the competencies to support clients with a dual diagnosis and liaise with other support services to address co-existing issues. Successful completion of this certificate will enable you to apply evidence-based theory to the development of community rehabilitation programs and work to create a greater awareness of the importance of promoting positive mental health practices.

Practical work placement

This certificate includes a mandatory work placement of at least 120 hours, in order to acquire essential practical skills. You will be required to source your own placement with an organisation involved in the delivery of mental health services.

The Certificate IV will be issued by from Open Colleges in association with Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd.

PLEASE NOTE – Open Colleges is a privately-run RTO, not government-run like a TAFE, so they cannot offer government funding. Please check eligibility requirements before beginning an enrollment with Open Colleges.

If you are looking for a career path based on helping others overcome issues posed by mental health challenges, or you already have some community services or health experience and would like to advance your career, then this CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health qualification from Hader Institute of Education could be a great option for you.

This qualification is designed to give you all the necessary specialist skills that will allow you to work with and support people in the community who face various challenges related to mental health. The course will teach you essential skills such as how to provide recovery oriented mental health services, how to provide early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs, how to provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues and how to assess and promote social, emotional and physical well-being.

The theoretical component of the qualification is 100% online based, while the course also involves 160 hours of practical work placement which will ensure that on completion you will have both required skills and knowledge and real world experience to engage in one of many mental health work positions available nationally.

Please note: This course is fee-for-service, it is not government funded.

Designed specifically for educators, our Online Graduate Certificate in Mental Health for Education can teach you how to make a positive impact on the mental health of students as well as how to manage mental health within the school system.

Throughout our Certificate’s four subjects, you will explore topics in school responsiveness, trauma theory, experiences and perceptions of mental illness and therapeutic skills for mental health.

Develop and understanding of:

• Communication strategies: learn how to effectively and sensitively work with students and colleagues in accordance with professional ethical standards.
• Person-centred care: practice and advocate professionally and independently as a team member in mental health settings to drive improved student outcomes.
• Trauma informed education: examine principles that underpin trauma and how those principles may inform pedagogy and learning for students who have experienced trauma.
• Evidence-based plans: develop plans to support therapeutic relationships with students, families, and carers that are characterized by co-constructive care and collaborative engagement.
• Causes and prevalence: critically analyse wellness issues for students and assess how they may influence learning including trauma, anxiety, depression and bullying.

This is a nested qualification within the Master of Education. When you complete this online course, you can continue with advanced standing.

If you possess a strong sense of compassion and excellent communication skills, and are looking to commence a rewarding career based on helping people in your community, then this CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health qualification from Insight Training could be just the course you’re looking for.

Focus on mental health in Australia is on the rise, as is the demand for trained mental health professionals nationally, and this course is specifically designed to give you all the necessary skills and knowledge, as well as confidence, to join this fast growing industry. By learning essential skills such as how to assess and promote social, emotional and physical well-being, how to recognise and respond to crisis situations, how to provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drug issues and how to work collaboratively with the care network and other services you will set yourself up to perform competently in one of many community or individual mental health support roles available throughout the country. This qualification will provide the basis for a fulfilling that will see you making a real difference in the community.

This course features 80 hours of practical work that will ensure that you are fully prepared to put your newly gained skills to use in real-world situations.

You have a choice of studying this course online (blended with virtual classes), or by correspondence. Please note that both options still involve the practical work experience component.

After successful completion of this course, you may like to do further study with the CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services.

This CHC43315 Certificate in Mental Health qualification from Insight Training has government funding from the Jobs and Skills WA program, which applies to eligible WA residents, and is also backed by the WA and Commonwealth Government funding initiative “Free in ’23 – extended into ’24”, where eligible students can enrol in a select group of courses at no cost. Enquire today to see if you qualify!

This course uses the following delivery methods, please take this into account when assessing course suitability:

• Blended with virtual classes – you can do the whole course online but you do need to attend some online classes at specific times (a couple of nights per week) with trainers. This study mode is government funded and is the most popular type of study mode used by students at Insight Training.

Please Note: This course is NOT available to people on a 500 or 600 visa.