Mental Health Practitioner Courses
Mental Health Practitioners assess, support, and manage individuals with mental health issues, including crisis intervention, counselling, and care planning.
AI Exposure
High
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Mental Health Practitioner
Get qualified to work as a Mental Health Practitioner with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
CHC53315
Duration
11 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
A Diploma of Mental Health CHC53315 is perfect for students seeking careers as community services workers supporting people with mental health issues. Students learn about working collaboratively, maintaining personal safety, helping people affected by drugs and alcohol, facilitating recovery, as well as managing grief and trauma.
The Diploma of Mental Health CHC53315 is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package.
Career opportunities
Duration
11 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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CHC43315
Duration
6 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
The Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315) is for students wanting to work or volunteer providing support to people affected by mental illness or have a psychiatric disability. Students complete 15 units which focus heavily on foundation interpersonal skills such as building relationships, working collaboratively, and working with diverse cultural groups. Additionally, students graduate with practical skills and knowledge in trauma informed care, drug and alcohol issues affecting mental health and st...
Career opportunities
Duration
6 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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CHC51015
Duration
3 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
The Diploma of Counselling is suitable for students seeking careers as counsellors working with clients on personal and psychological issues using established counselling modalities. Students graduate ready to work in supported counselling roles in established agencies rather than in independent practice. Students will learn about communication, micro-counselling and interviewing skills and how to draw on varied counselling therapies to assist clients.
Career opportunities
Duration
3 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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CHC40512
The Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC40512) enables you to work or volunteer at a mental health facility. In this nationally recognised qualification you will learn how to provide rehabilitation and support to people affected by mental illness or have a psychiatric disability. Choose electives that support work areas including: drug and alcohol, home-based support, residential care. Enquire now for a list of study units and the requirements for enrolling.
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Mental Health Practitioner.
Common questions
How much do Mental Health Practitioners earn?
The average weekly salary for a Mental Health Practitioner in Australia is approximately $1,473. Increase your earning capacity by obtaining post-graduate qualifications in mental health and joining a professional association.
What are the job opportunities for Mental Health Practitioners?
There are no clear employment figures for Mental Health Practitioners working in Australia at this time. They are employed by large hospitals and community health organisations, not-for-profits, mental health treatment facilities, and government agencies.
How do I become a Mental Health Practitioner?
Mental Health Practitioners in Australia are also known as Authorised Mental Health Practitioners (AMHPs). To be appointed to this role, you must already be a qualified health professional with at least three (3) years of experience in mental health support.
We’ve listed the accepted professions below, along with the minimum qualifications, though we recommend checking our specialist pages for each occupation for the full training requirements.
- Registered Nurse (Bachelor of Nursing)
- Clinical Psychologist (Bachelor of Psychology + Master of Clinical Psychology)
- Occupational Therapist (Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy)
- Social Worker (Bachelor of Social Work)
If you are already a qualified health professional, to become an Authorised Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP), you will need to complete a specialist qualification in mental health such as the Diploma of Mental Health, Graduate Certificate in Applied Mental Health, Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice, or Master of Mental Health.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
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More information
Mental Health Practitioners are qualified health professionals such as registered nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and clinical psychologists who have specialist skills (and training) in mental health management and support services. They carry out mental health assessments, care for people with issues such as bipolar or bulimia, and support people who are at high risk of suicide or self-harm.
As a Mental Health Practitioner you could be assessing the status of a long-term patient with a personality disorder, organising a group therapy session for patients with addiction issues, conducting a one-on-one counselling session with a patient who is showing signs of distress, helping parents understand the treatment plan of a child with severe anxiety, managing a crisis intervention after an attempted suicide, or just taking a self-care day to ensure your own health and wellbeing.
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