13 Mental Health Courses Online in Australia

The Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315) trains you to provide recovery-oriented support for people affected by mental illness and psychiatric disability. Students learn to run community-based programs and activities. Graduates work in non-government organisations, clinical settings, and residential services.

The 15-subject course requires you to do 80+ hours of work as part of assessment. Financial assistance may be available as it qualifies as an Australian Apprenticeship.

Online counselling courses allow you to become a registered counsellor or upgrade your skills and qualifications in this field. They include diplomas, bachelor degrees, graduate diplomas, and master's degrees.

Qualifying courses typically combine online study with work activities and placements. Counselling is a relationship-based career where you talk with clients to clarify issues, explore options, develop strategies, and raise self-awareness.

The Diploma of Mental Health (CHC53315) is a vocational education and training qualification. Students prepare for roles providing services to clients with wellness issues. Build skills in areas such as counselling, referral, advocacy, and education services.

Job opportunities include support worker, community rehabilitation officer, and mental health outreach worker. Financial assistance is available, and the course is eligible for a VET Student Loan.

The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health is for professionals in career streams such as occupational therapy, nursing, social work, and school counselling. You'll learn to manage and respond to psychological well-being issues in clients and patients.

The course takes eight months of part-time study. Graduates gain opportunities for specialised roles and greater job responsibilities.

The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing is a postgraduate program for registered nurses. It typically requires eight months of part-time study and covers foundational topics in mental health nursing.

This qualification opens doors to higher-level nursing roles. Graduates are eligible for Clinical Nurse Specialist and other senior nurse roles, as well as receiving a qualification allowance. The course also paves the way for further studies, such as a graduate diploma or masters.

The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health offers in-depth mental healthcare training. This qualification opens up opportunities for advanced roles.

The 8-subject course covers psychological theories and evidence-based practice. It is more comprehensive than a graduate certificate yet less intensive than a master's degree. Participants explore mental health assessment, substance abuse management, and psychological techniques, along with wellbeing across ages and cultures.

The online Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing prepares registered nurses to become credentialed mental health nurses (CMHNs). It takes 16 months of part-time study to complete the eight subjects.

Topics include evidence-based practice, supporting behavioural change, physical healthcare, wellness across the lifespan, and creating a professional portfolio.

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology online is an accelerated program for non-psychology graduates. The 10-subject course covers topics such as human cognition, learning, intelligence, mental health conditions, and psychological assessment.

Graduates can study further to become registered psychologists or use their skills in industries such as health, community services, education, and business. Courses are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

The Master of Mental Health is for healthcare and other professionals who work with clients experiencing psychological difficulties. Students gain knowledge about evidence-based interventions, and develop practical skills to help patients overcome challenges.

Graduates are employed in fields such as health services, social work, and nursing. Entry requirements usually include a bachelor degree in a health, psychology, or social science-related discipline.

The Master of Mental Health Nursing prepares nurses to become credentialed mental health nurses. Participants learn how to treat psychological conditions and support patients or clients.

The online MMHN program is part-time and 100% online. Graduates are eligible for roles such as mental health nurse clinician, case worker, nurse coordinator, and health services manager, all in high demand due to the prevalence of psychological issues.

Postgraduate mental health courses are for graduates with degrees in fields such as nursing, psychology, and social sciences. Courses provide education and training to those interested in working in mental health, or who want to advance their existing career in the field.

Programs cover topics such as acute mental health, physical healthcare of mentally ill patients, supporting behaviour change, psychological health over the lifespan, and alternative treatment environments.

Online psychology courses include bachelor degrees, graduate diplomas, and masters. If you have a non-psychology undergraduate degree, a graduate diploma allows you to obtain the equivalent of a Bachelor of Psychology.

Advanced training allows you to become a registered psychologist. Other career paths include human resources, mental health, counselling or social services.

Australian universities offer social work programs that combine online study with on-campus sessions and work placements. Social workers help people deal with problems such as psychological issues, poverty, and homelessness.

An accredited Bachelor of Social Work is a four-year program that includes 1,000 hours of supervised workplace experience. The postgraduate equivalent is a two-year Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying).