Diploma of Mental Health

The Diploma of Mental Health (CHC53315) is designed to launch your career in the rapidly growing field of mental health support. As demand for mental health workers continues to rise—with reports indicating that only a small fraction of community services can keep up with current needs—this qualification provides the essential skills to make a tangible impact. This course prepares students to provide high-level services to clients, including counselling, referral, advocacy, education, and health promotion. Throughout the program, you will gain specialist knowledge in the legal frameworks affecting mental health, the range of available community services, and the complex health issues associated with mental illness.

The curriculum is delivered by experienced teachers who bring real-world industry experience into the classroom, building student confidence through simulated work environments. These simulations involve role-playing challenging scenarios such as crisis intervention, family violence situations, and substance use support. Students are required to complete a minimum of 160 hours of practical placement to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting. This placement requires a valid Working with Children Check and a National Police Record Check. Upon graduation, students are prepared for roles such as mental health support workers, welfare support workers, or community rehabilitation workers. Additionally, the diploma serves as a pathway into higher education, including Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology or Community Mental Health. The course emphasizes a recovery-oriented approach, ensuring that graduates can work collaboratively with care networks to provide trauma-informed care and promote social, emotional, and physical wellbeing for diverse populations.