CHC53315
Diploma of Mental Health
Start Date
Please contact us for the next intake date.
Duration
12 Months
Delivery Method
Online
Units
20
Change lives, including yours.
One in five Australians experience mental health issues in their lifetime, creating more demand than ever for mental health workers. The decline in mental health is a huge issue that affects many people, but there are not enough qualified people to help those who need it. The CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health qualification will equip students with specialised knowledge and skills to lead and deliver support services to people experiencing mental health struggles.
If you want to work towards a team leader or management position within a Mental Health Organisation or looking for an entryway into further bachelor’s degree studies, the CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health may just be the course for you.
Next Start Date
Please contact us for the next intake date.
Duration
12 Months
Delivery Method
Online
Course Overview
Study the Diploma of Mental Health
The CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health course equips you with the practical skills and knowledge to support people affected by mental health struggles. During this course, you will be introduced to a wide range of theories and frameworks in mental health, as well as hands-on practical experience in the field.
Learn the practical skills in supporting, communicating, and working with individuals experiencing mental health issues, responding to critical situations, making support plans, referring clients to services and much more.
This course also equips students with specialised knowledge, competencies, and skills to take a lead role in delivering and coordinating mental health programs and services. During this course, students will learn the current legal and ethical frameworks affecting people with mental health, the range of services available for mental health sufferers, as well as gaining an understanding of the health issues related to mental illness.
Upon successful completion of this nationally recognised qualification, graduates can be presented with strong employment opportunities and be highly regarded in both the workforce and community.
Is the Diploma of Mental Health for you?
The CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health will allow you to gain skills to provide services to people suffering from mental health. With this qualification you can support, counsel, refer and advocate positive mental health outcomes for individual clients and communities.
You may choose to study the Diploma of Mental Health….
- To work within a mental health organisation or NDIS provider
- You want to give back and support people who are in need
- To open up further study opportunities in Counselling and Social Work
- To build on your existing experience in mental health support and community outreach.
What will you learn in the Diploma of Mental Health?
The CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health course is guided by our four pillars of learning:
- Pillar 1: Work in a legal and ethical manner with people within a diverse community.
- Pillar 2: Understanding and assessing holistic needs of the client.
- Pillar 3: Exploring different strategies and services available to support people through struggles.
- Pillar 4: Supporting people with complex issues such as Domestic Violence, AOD, addictions, homelessness etc.
To gain these learning outcomes you will be guided through 20 nationally accredited units to complete this course.
Core Mental Health Support Skills You Will Gain
- Observation skills – learn to distinguish between people’s normal behaviour and a mental illness
- Genuineness – provide appropriate responses to clients
- Empathy – understanding the client’s feelings surrounding a traumatic experience
- Effective Interpersonal Skills – developed behaviours and tactics to interact with people
- Suicide prevention – practical steps towards suicide prevention
- Strong communication skills – written and verbal skills to liaise with clients and other agencies and support groups
How will you study the Diploma of Mental Health?
When you study the Diploma of Mental Health at TrainSmart Australia, you will gain access to our team of Health and Community Services Trainers. Our trainers will support you throughout the duration of this Diploma course to help you understand the course content, give valuable feedback on your theoretical and practical assessments in order to assist you towards success in your studies
To study this Diploma of Mental Health course online, we will give you access to our online learning management system, LearnSmart, to access all your course material and assessments. In LearnSmart, you will have multiple attempts to submit your assessments and receive trainer feedback.
During this course, you will also be subjected to 160 Hours of work placement to expose you to a real-world setting and allow you to apply and develop the skills you have learned during your online study. Our work placement officer will work with you to arrange your placement programs.
How long is the Diploma of Mental Health?
This course will run over a duration of 12-months, fully online.
Entry Requirements
Prior to being enrolled into the VSL eligible course, TrainSmart Australia must reasonably believe that the applicant is academically suited and displays competence for the course requirements including meeting any of the set entry requirements. This is determined by either:
- The student providing TrainSmart Australia with a copy of an Australian year 12 certificate of education; or,
- The student providing TrainSmart Australia with a copy of a Certificate IV qualification (or above) that was delivered as a part of the AQF (Australian Qualification Framework) that can be verified by the issuing organisation or the USI (unique student identifier) transcript or,
- The student completing the Core Skills Profile for Adults online assessment passing at or above Exit Level 3 in the Australian Core Skills Framework in both reading and numeracy. TrainSmart Australia must also reasonably believe that the student displays that competence.
Please note, we are unable to enrol international students at this time.
Delivery Method
The CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health course is delivered fully online with 20 units to complete.
Knowledge Based Assessments
20
Case Studies
20
Practical Assessments
20
Work Placement
160 hours
Modules
This qualification is made up of the following units of competency. All units of competency must be completed in order to successfully attain the CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health.
The CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health is broken up into the following Modules.
Mental Health Essentials Part 1
Manage personal stressors in the work environment
HLTWHS006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain health and wellbeing by preventing and managing personal stress. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services settings, in particular work roles that operate in high stress situations and circumstances.
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCPRP003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development. This unit applies to workers in all industry sectors who take pro-active responsibility for their own professional development.
Work with people with mental health issues
CHCMHS001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish relationships, clarify needs, and then work collaboratively with people who are living with mental health issues. This unit applies to support workers in contexts outside the mental health sector, but who come into contact with people with mental health issues. The services and support provided are not mental health specific.
Work with diverse people
CHCDIV001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. This unit applies to all workers.
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCDIV002
The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the workplace, model cultural safety in own work practice, and develop strategies to enhance cultural safety. This unit applies to people working in a broad range of roles including those involved in direct client service, program planning, development and evaluation contexts.
Provide early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs
CHCMHS009
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and conduct early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs focussing on mental health and wellbeing. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Mental Health Essentials Part 2
Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
CHCMHS011
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with individuals to assess, promote and review all aspects of wellbeing. This unit applies to work with people living with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCMHS005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess capacity to support people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues and to work collaboratively to provide support and facilitate links to other services. This unit applies to work with people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) assessments in a range of community services work contexts.
Research and apply evidence to practice
CHCPOL003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish the information need, gather information and critically analyse the information for relevance to own work. This unit applies to health and community service workers who need to research existing information to support and improve their work practice. It does not cover primary research.
Provide systems advocacy services
CHCADV005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to advocate and ensure that government, community and organisational systems broadly support and uphold human rights. This unit applies to workers in a health, community services or advocacy settings who undertake a leadership role in influencing social and system changes. Workers at this level will also advocate for change and continuous improvement at the organisational level to improve client outcomes and service quality.
Facilitate the recovery process with the person, family and carers
CHCMHS006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with a person with mental illness and/or AOD issues to establish a basis for participation of family and carers in their individual recovery process and to facilitate ongoing participation in line with the person’s needs and wishes. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness and/or AOD issues.
Counsel clients affected by domestic and family violence
CHCDFV006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use counselling and facilitation skills to explore client issues and identify possible options by providing a safe and supportive environment. It includes encouraging clients to be actively involved in seeking their own solutions. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues associated with domestic and family violence within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
CHCCSM005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake case management meetings to plan, monitor and review service provision. Workers at this level work autonomously and are responsible for own outputs within organisation guidelines. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services contexts.
Mental Health Essentials Part 3
Implement trauma informed care
CHCMHS013
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote trauma informed care, and to develop strategies to address people’s specific trauma needs. Trauma informed care involves providing services that are informed by the knowledge and understanding of the impact of trauma, in particular interpersonal violence and varying service practice to reduce the likelihood of re-traumatisation. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Provide support to develop wellness plans and advanced directives
CHCMHS012
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to support a person living with mental illness to develop recovery wellness plans and advanced directives. These plans outline the person’s preferences and plans to maintain wellness and to direct actions and support strategies should they become unwell. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts. Use of the term ‘advanced directive’ may vary between states and territories.
Manage work health and safety
HLTWHS004
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish, maintain and evaluate work health and safety (WHS) policies, procedures and programs in the relevant work area, according to WHS legislative requirements. This unit applies to workers who have responsibility for WHS as part of their role, including workers with obligations under WHS legislation, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs), or their officers (as defined by relevant legislation).
Establish self-directed recovery relationships
CHCMHS002
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote the principles of recovery oriented practice, and to establish and confirm self-directed recovery relationships with people with mental illness. This unit applies to work with people living with a mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Provide recovery oriented mental health services
CHCMHS003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively in providing services to implement a range of strategies as part of recovery oriented service provision for people with mental illness. This unit applies to work with people living with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Work collaboratively with the care network and other services
CHCMHS004
This unit describes the skills knowledge required to work collaboratively with the care network and other potential services for a person with mental illness. This work provides a recovery oriented practice approach, involving a variety of health and community service professionals working collaboratively with the person and their care network. This unit applies to work with people living with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Implement recovery oriented approaches to complexity
CHCMHS010
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and respond to issues of complexity when supporting people living with mental illness and their care networks. The unit is based on a strengths-based approach and acknowledges that complexity is not a characteristic of an individual. Complexity may be impacted by a range of interactions between the worker, the organisation and the environmental context. This unit applies to work with people living with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Mental Health Essentials Part 1
Manage personal stressors in the work environment
HLTWHS006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain health and wellbeing by preventing and managing personal stress. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services settings, in particular work roles that operate in high stress situations and circumstances.
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCPRP003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development. This unit applies to workers in all industry sectors who take pro-active responsibility for their own professional development.
Work with people with mental health issues
CHCMHS001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish relationships, clarify needs, and then work collaboratively with people who are living with mental health issues. This unit applies to support workers in contexts outside the mental health sector, but who come into contact with people with mental health issues. The services and support provided are not mental health specific.
Work with diverse people
CHCDIV001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. This unit applies to all workers.
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCDIV002
The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the workplace, model cultural safety in own work practice, and develop strategies to enhance cultural safety. This unit applies to people working in a broad range of roles including those involved in direct client service, program planning, development and evaluation contexts.
Provide early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs
CHCMHS009
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and conduct early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs focussing on mental health and wellbeing. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Mental Health Essentials Part 2
Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
CHCMHS011
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with individuals to assess, promote and review all aspects of wellbeing. This unit applies to work with people living with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCMHS005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess capacity to support people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues and to work collaboratively to provide support and facilitate links to other services. This unit applies to work with people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) assessments in a range of community services work contexts.
Research and apply evidence to practice
CHCPOL003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish the information need, gather information and critically analyse the information for relevance to own work. This unit applies to health and community service workers who need to research existing information to support and improve their work practice. It does not cover primary research.
Provide systems advocacy services
CHCADV005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to advocate and ensure that government, community and organisational systems broadly support and uphold human rights. This unit applies to workers in a health, community services or advocacy settings who undertake a leadership role in influencing social and system changes. Workers at this level will also advocate for change and continuous improvement at the organisational level to improve client outcomes and service quality.
Facilitate the recovery process with the person, family and carers
CHCMHS006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with a person with mental illness and/or AOD issues to establish a basis for participation of family and carers in their individual recovery process and to facilitate ongoing participation in line with the person’s needs and wishes. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness and/or AOD issues.
Counsel clients affected by domestic and family violence
CHCDFV006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use counselling and facilitation skills to explore client issues and identify possible options by providing a safe and supportive environment. It includes encouraging clients to be actively involved in seeking their own solutions. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues associated with domestic and family violence within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
CHCCSM005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake case management meetings to plan, monitor and review service provision. Workers at this level work autonomously and are responsible for own outputs within organisation guidelines. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services contexts.
Mental Health Essentials Part 3
Implement trauma informed care
CHCMHS013
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote trauma informed care, and to develop strategies to address people’s specific trauma needs. Trauma informed care involves providing services that are informed by the knowledge and understanding of the impact of trauma, in particular interpersonal violence and varying service practice to reduce the likelihood of re-traumatisation. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Provide support to develop wellness plans and advanced directives
CHCMHS012
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to support a person living with mental illness to develop recovery wellness plans and advanced directives. These plans outline the person’s preferences and plans to maintain wellness and to direct actions and support strategies should they become unwell. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts. Use of the term ‘advanced directive’ may vary between states and territories.
Manage work health and safety
HLTWHS004
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish, maintain and evaluate work health and safety (WHS) policies, procedures and programs in the relevant work area, according to WHS legislative requirements. This unit applies to workers who have responsibility for WHS as part of their role, including workers with obligations under WHS legislation, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs), or their officers (as defined by relevant legislation).
Establish self-directed recovery relationships
CHCMHS002
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote the principles of recovery oriented practice, and to establish and confirm self-directed recovery relationships with people with mental illness. This unit applies to work with people living with a mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Provide recovery oriented mental health services
CHCMHS003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively in providing services to implement a range of strategies as part of recovery oriented service provision for people with mental illness. This unit applies to work with people living with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Work collaboratively with the care network and other services
CHCMHS004
This unit describes the skills knowledge required to work collaboratively with the care network and other potential services for a person with mental illness. This work provides a recovery oriented practice approach, involving a variety of health and community service professionals working collaboratively with the person and their care network. This unit applies to work with people living with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Implement recovery oriented approaches to complexity
CHCMHS010
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and respond to issues of complexity when supporting people living with mental illness and their care networks. The unit is based on a strengths-based approach and acknowledges that complexity is not a characteristic of an individual. Complexity may be impacted by a range of interactions between the worker, the organisation and the environmental context. This unit applies to work with people living with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Job Outcomes
Diploma of Mental Health Career Opportunities
The CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health qualification can lead to a number of career opportunities with job titles such as;
- Mental Health Outreach Worker
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Coordinator / Assessor
- Case Manager
- Program Service Coordinator
- Welfare Support Worker
This qualification can also open up further study pathways into studying a bachelor degree. See more details here.
Expected Salary and Biggest Employment Opportunity
$56,200
SALARY
70.8%
JOBS
81.6%
INDUSTRY
All statistics are supplied by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research. Based on national surveys.
Payment Options
$7,500
The maximum tuition fee for this course is $7,500. Your fee payment options are:
- Upfront payment
- VET Student Loans – Australian government income contingent loan which allows you to study now and pay later †.
- Interest Free Payment Plan – No deposit, no interest payment plans.
- Find out what your repayments may be using our Payment Plan Repayment Calculator
†VET Student Loans are subject to students meeting eligibility requirements. VET Student Loan creates a debt that must be repaid to the Commonwealth.
Simulated Practicals
Gain Practical Experience In a Safe Environment
As a part of studying Health and Community Services at TrainSmart Australia, some units require students to complete practical assessments that simulate a counselling setting. These assessments give students opportunities to practice counselling skills and techniques before entering the workplace.
Simulated Practicals provides a safe and controlled environment to build confidence and develop essential counselling skills for future health care professionals.
Simulated Practicals simulates a counselling environment through an online Zoom call between an actor and the learner/student. In these sessions, the actor takes on the role of resembling a real-life client, in which an issue or traumatic event is retold from the actor’s perspective.
Based on the assessment criteria, the student is tasked with responding to the client with the focus on utilising skills taught in the unit.
Through these recorded sessions, students can gain valuable feedback and be prepared to handle complex situations before entering the real-world environment.
We know that Counselling is an incredibly important skill, which is why we implemented Counselling units throughout more courses than just our Diploma of Counselling. TrainSmart Australia students studying Health and Community Services have access to our Simulated Practicals service!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course nationally recognised? What does that mean?
Completing a nationally recognised qualification (or training) means that your qualification and credentials are recognised all across Australia by other registered training organisations and employers. All accredited courses must adhere to the standards set by the Australian Skills and Quality Authority (ASQA). According to ASQA, accreditation is formal confirmation that the course:
- Is nationally recognised
- Meets an established industry, enterprise, educational, legislative or community need
- Provides appropriate competency outcomes and satisfactory basis for assessment
- Meets national quality assurance requirements
- Is assigned appropriately to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) where it leads to a qualification.
How many hours do I need to study each week?
To achieve this qualification within the given timeframe, students are required to commit to a minimum of 15 hours of study per week.
Can I get course credit for previous study?
Students enrolling into a Trainsmart Australia course can receive recognition for previous studies completed at a Certificate and Diploma level. Students can be awarded a credit transfer if:
- The student already holds a unit (or units) for the they’re enrolling into,
- The student holds an old unit which is deemed equivalent to the new unit they’re enrolling into
Receiving credit transfers will reduce the overall cost of your qualification as well as the duration to complete your remaining units.
University qualifications are not backwards transferrable, which means no credit transfers can be awarded. However, you can still apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL).
What if I don’t meet the entry requirements?
If you are unable to provide a copy of an Australian Year 12 Certificate or Certificate IV qualification or higher, you may be required to complete an Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) test to gain entry into your course of interest. This test is offered online, free of charge, after you have submitted your application.
Are TrainSmart courses Centrelink approved?
All of our courses are Centrelink approved through AUSTUDY.
Trainers
Other Courses
Related Content
Change lives, including yours.
One in five Australians experience mental health issues in their lifetime, creating more demand than ever for mental health workers. Mental health is a huge issue that affects many people, but there are not enough qualified people to help those who need it. The CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health qualification will equip students with specialised knowledge and skills to lead and deliver support services to people experiencing mental health struggles.
If you want to work towards a team leader or management position within a Mental Health Organisation or looking for an entryway into further bachelor’s degree studies, the CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health may just be the course for you.
Next Start Date
Please contact us for the next intake date.
Duration
12 Months
Delivery Method
Online OR Face-to-Face* (*Required for WA Subsidy)
Course Overview
Study the Diploma of Mental Health
The CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health course equips you with the practical skills and knowledge to support people affected by mental health struggles. During this course, you will be introduced to a wide range of theories and frameworks in mental health, as well as hands-on practical experience in the field.
Learn the practical skills in supporting, communicating, and working with individuals experiencing mental health issues, responding to critical situations, making support plans, referring clients to services and much more.
This course also equips students with specialised knowledge, competencies, and skills to take a lead role in delivering and coordinating mental health programs and services. During this course, students will learn the current legal and ethical frameworks affecting people with mental health, the range of services available for mental health sufferers, as well as gaining an understanding of the health issues related to mental illness.
Upon successful completion of this nationally recognised qualification, graduates can be presented with strong employment opportunities and be highly regarded in both the workforce and community.
Is the Diploma of Mental Health for you?
The CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health will allow you to gain skills to provide services to people suffering from mental health. With this qualification you can support, counsel, refer and advocate positive mental health outcomes for individual clients and communities.
You may choose to study the Diploma of Mental Health….
- To work within a mental health organisation or NDIS provider
- You want to give back and support people who are in need
- To open up further study opportunities in Counselling and Social Work
- To build on your existing experience in mental health support and community outreach.
What will you learn in the Diploma of Mental Health?
The CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health course is guided by our four pillars of learning:
- Pillar 1: Work in a legal and ethical manner with people within a diverse community.
- Pillar 2: Understanding and assessing holistic needs of the client.
- Pillar 3: Exploring different strategies and services available to support people through struggles.
- Pillar 4: Supporting people with complex issues such as Domestic Violence, AOD, addictions, homelessness etc.
To gain these learning outcomes you will be guided through 20 nationally accredited units to complete this course.
Core Mental Health support skills you’ll gain
- Observation skills – learn to distinguish between people’s normal behaviour and a mental illness
- Genuineness – provide appropriate responses to clients
- Empathy – understand client’s feelings surrounding a traumatic experience
- Effective Interpersonal Skills – developed behaviours and tactics to interact with people
- Suicide prevention – practical steps towards suicide prevention
- Strong communication skills – written and verbal skills to liaise with clients and other agencies and support groups
How will you study the Diploma of Mental Health?
When you study the Diploma of Mental Health at TrainSmart Australia, you will gain access to our team of Health and Community Services Trainers. Our trainers will support you throughout the duration of this Diploma course to help you understand the course content, give valuable feedback on your theoretical and practical assessments in order to assist you towards success in your studies
To study this Diploma of Mental Health course online, we will give you access to our online learning management system, LearnSmart, to access all your course material and assessments. In LearnSmart, you will have multiple attempts to submit your assessments and receive trainer feedback.
During this course, you will also be subjected to 160 Hours of work placement to expose you to a real-world setting and allow you to apply and develop the skills you have learned during your online study. Our work placement officer will work with you to arrange your placement programs.
Studying the Diploma of Mental Health in Perth, WA
If you are in Perth, you may be eligible to study at our Perth CBD campus through the Lower Fees, Local Skills subsidy. Our face-to-face classes provide a fun and safe environment to learn the theoretical components of each unit while also developing the skills you’ll need to complete your practical assessments.
Classes run 1 day per week from 9 am – 4 pm over a 12 month period.
To study under the Lower Fees, Local Skills subsidy, class attendance is required at our Perth CBD campus.
How long is the Diploma of Mental Health?
This course will run over a duration of 12-months, both online and on-campus.
Entry Requirements
Prior to being enrolled into the VSL eligible course, TrainSmart Australia must reasonably believe that the applicant is academically suited and displays competence for the course requirements including meeting any of the set entry requirements. This is determined by either:
- The student providing TrainSmart Australia with a copy of an Australian year 12 certificate of education; or,
- The student providing TrainSmart Australia with a copy of a Certificate IV qualification (or above) that was delivered as a part of the AQF (Australian Qualification Framework) that can be verified by the issuing organisation or the USI (unique student identifier) transcript or,
- The student completing the Core Skills Profile for Adults online assessment passing at or above Exit Level 3 in the Australian Core Skills Framework in both reading and numeracy. TrainSmart Australia must also reasonably believe that the student displays that competence.
Please note, we are unable to enrol international students at this time.
Delivery Method
The CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health course is delivered through a blended learning approach with 20 units to complete.
Knowledge Based Assessments
20
Case Studies
20
Practical Assessments
20
Work Placement
160 hours
Modules
This qualification is made up of the following units of competency. All units of competency must be completed in order to successfully attain the CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health.
The CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health is broken up into the following Modules.
Mental Health Essentials Part 1
Manage personal stressors in the work environment
HLTWHS006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain health and wellbeing by preventing and managing personal stress. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services settings, in particular work roles that operate in high stress situations and circumstances.
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCPRP003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development. This unit applies to workers in all industry sectors who take pro-active responsibility for their own professional development.
Work with people with mental health issues
CHCMHS001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish relationships, clarify needs, and then work collaboratively with people who are living with mental health issues. This unit applies to support workers in contexts outside the mental health sector, but who come into contact with people with mental health issues. The services and support provided are not mental health specific.
Work with diverse people
CHCDIV001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. This unit applies to all workers.
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCDIV002
The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the workplace, model cultural safety in own work practice, and develop strategies to enhance cultural safety. This unit applies to people working in a broad range of roles including those involved in direct client service, program planning, development and evaluation contexts.
Provide early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs
CHCMHS009
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and conduct early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs focussing on mental health and wellbeing. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Mental Health Essentials Part 2
Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
CHCMHS011
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with individuals to assess, promote and review all aspects of wellbeing. This unit applies to work with people living with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCMHS005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess capacity to support people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues and to work collaboratively to provide support and facilitate links to other services. This unit applies to work with people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) assessments in a range of community services work contexts.
Research and apply evidence to practice
CHCPOL003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish the information need, gather information and critically analyse the information for relevance to own work. This unit applies to health and community service workers who need to research existing information to support and improve their work practice. It does not cover primary research.
Provide systems advocacy services
CHCADV005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to advocate and ensure that government, community and organisational systems broadly support and uphold human rights. This unit applies to workers in a health, community services or advocacy settings who undertake a leadership role in influencing social and system changes. Workers at this level will also advocate for change and continuous improvement at the organisational level to improve client outcomes and service quality.
Facilitate the recovery process with the person, family and carers
CHCMHS006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with a person with mental illness and/or AOD issues to establish a basis for participation of family and carers in their individual recovery process and to facilitate ongoing participation in line with the person’s needs and wishes. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness and/or AOD issues.
Counsel clients affected by domestic and family violence
CHCDFV006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use counselling and facilitation skills to explore client issues and identify possible options by providing a safe and supportive environment. It includes encouraging clients to be actively involved in seeking their own solutions. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues associated with domestic and family violence within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
CHCCSM005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake case management meetings to plan, monitor and review service provision. Workers at this level work autonomously and are responsible for own outputs within organisation guidelines. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services contexts.
Mental Health Essentials Part 3
Implement trauma informed care
CHCMHS013
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote trauma informed care, and to develop strategies to address people’s specific trauma needs. Trauma informed care involves providing services that are informed by the knowledge and understanding of the impact of trauma, in particular interpersonal violence and varying service practice to reduce the likelihood of re-traumatisation. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Provide support to develop wellness plans and advanced directives
CHCMHS012
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to support a person living with mental illness to develop recovery wellness plans and advanced directives. These plans outline the person’s preferences and plans to maintain wellness and to direct actions and support strategies should they become unwell. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts. Use of the term ‘advanced directive’ may vary between states and territories.
Manage work health and safety
HLTWHS004
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish, maintain and evaluate work health and safety (WHS) policies, procedures and programs in the relevant work area, according to WHS legislative requirements. This unit applies to workers who have responsibility for WHS as part of their role, including workers with obligations under WHS legislation, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs), or their officers (as defined by relevant legislation).
Establish self-directed recovery relationships
CHCMHS002
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote the principles of recovery oriented practice, and to establish and confirm self-directed recovery relationships with people with mental illness. This unit applies to work with people living with a mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Provide recovery oriented mental health services
CHCMHS003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively in providing services to implement a range of strategies as part of recovery oriented service provision for people with mental illness. This unit applies to work with people living with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Work collaboratively with the care network and other services
CHCMHS004
This unit describes the skills knowledge required to work collaboratively with the care network and other potential services for a person with mental illness. This work provides a recovery oriented practice approach, involving a variety of health and community service professionals working collaboratively with the person and their care network. This unit applies to work with people living with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Implement recovery oriented approaches to complexity
CHCMHS010
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and respond to issues of complexity when supporting people living with mental illness and their care networks. The unit is based on a strengths-based approach and acknowledges that complexity is not a characteristic of an individual. Complexity may be impacted by a range of interactions between the worker, the organisation and the environmental context. This unit applies to work with people living with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Mental Health Essentials Part 1
Manage personal stressors in the work environment
HLTWHS006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain health and wellbeing by preventing and managing personal stress. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services settings, in particular work roles that operate in high stress situations and circumstances.
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCPRP003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development. This unit applies to workers in all industry sectors who take pro-active responsibility for their own professional development.
Work with people with mental health issues
CHCMHS001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish relationships, clarify needs, and then work collaboratively with people who are living with mental health issues. This unit applies to support workers in contexts outside the mental health sector, but who come into contact with people with mental health issues. The services and support provided are not mental health specific.
Work with diverse people
CHCDIV001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. This unit applies to all workers.
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCDIV002
The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the workplace, model cultural safety in own work practice, and develop strategies to enhance cultural safety. This unit applies to people working in a broad range of roles including those involved in direct client service, program planning, development and evaluation contexts.
Provide early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs
CHCMHS009
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and conduct early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs focussing on mental health and wellbeing. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Mental Health Essentials Part 2
Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
CHCMHS011
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with individuals to assess, promote and review all aspects of wellbeing. This unit applies to work with people living with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCMHS005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess capacity to support people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues and to work collaboratively to provide support and facilitate links to other services. This unit applies to work with people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) assessments in a range of community services work contexts.
Research and apply evidence to practice
CHCPOL003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish the information need, gather information and critically analyse the information for relevance to own work. This unit applies to health and community service workers who need to research existing information to support and improve their work practice. It does not cover primary research.
Provide systems advocacy services
CHCADV005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to advocate and ensure that government, community and organisational systems broadly support and uphold human rights. This unit applies to workers in a health, community services or advocacy settings who undertake a leadership role in influencing social and system changes. Workers at this level will also advocate for change and continuous improvement at the organisational level to improve client outcomes and service quality.
Facilitate the recovery process with the person, family and carers
CHCMHS006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with a person with mental illness and/or AOD issues to establish a basis for participation of family and carers in their individual recovery process and to facilitate ongoing participation in line with the person’s needs and wishes. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness and/or AOD issues.
Counsel clients affected by domestic and family violence
CHCDFV006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use counselling and facilitation skills to explore client issues and identify possible options by providing a safe and supportive environment. It includes encouraging clients to be actively involved in seeking their own solutions. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues associated with domestic and family violence within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
CHCCSM005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake case management meetings to plan, monitor and review service provision. Workers at this level work autonomously and are responsible for own outputs within organisation guidelines. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services contexts.
Mental Health Essentials Part 3
Implement trauma informed care
CHCMHS013
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote trauma informed care, and to develop strategies to address people’s specific trauma needs. Trauma informed care involves providing services that are informed by the knowledge and understanding of the impact of trauma, in particular interpersonal violence and varying service practice to reduce the likelihood of re-traumatisation. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Provide support to develop wellness plans and advanced directives
CHCMHS012
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to support a person living with mental illness to develop recovery wellness plans and advanced directives. These plans outline the person’s preferences and plans to maintain wellness and to direct actions and support strategies should they become unwell. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts. Use of the term ‘advanced directive’ may vary between states and territories.
Manage work health and safety
HLTWHS004
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish, maintain and evaluate work health and safety (WHS) policies, procedures and programs in the relevant work area, according to WHS legislative requirements. This unit applies to workers who have responsibility for WHS as part of their role, including workers with obligations under WHS legislation, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs), or their officers (as defined by relevant legislation).
Establish self-directed recovery relationships
CHCMHS002
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote the principles of recovery oriented practice, and to establish and confirm self-directed recovery relationships with people with mental illness. This unit applies to work with people living with a mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Provide recovery oriented mental health services
CHCMHS003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively in providing services to implement a range of strategies as part of recovery oriented service provision for people with mental illness. This unit applies to work with people living with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Work collaboratively with the care network and other services
CHCMHS004
This unit describes the skills knowledge required to work collaboratively with the care network and other potential services for a person with mental illness. This work provides a recovery oriented practice approach, involving a variety of health and community service professionals working collaboratively with the person and their care network. This unit applies to work with people living with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Implement recovery oriented approaches to complexity
CHCMHS010
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and respond to issues of complexity when supporting people living with mental illness and their care networks. The unit is based on a strengths-based approach and acknowledges that complexity is not a characteristic of an individual. Complexity may be impacted by a range of interactions between the worker, the organisation and the environmental context. This unit applies to work with people living with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Job Outcomes
Diploma of Mental Health Career Opportunities
The CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health qualification can lead to a number of career opportunities with job titles such as;
- Mental Health Outreach Worker
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Coordinator / Assessor
- Case Manager
- Program Service Coordinator
- Welfare Support Worker
This qualification can also open up further study pathways into studying a bachelor degree. See more details here.
Expected Salary and Biggest Employment Opportunity
$ 52,200
SALARY
48.2 %
JOBS
55.3 %
INDUSTRY
All statistics are supplied by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research. Based on national surveys.
Available subsidies for this course
Attendance Requirements – WA Government Funding
Along with meeting the eligibility criteria, students must attend scheduled classes to gain the Jobs and Skills WA discounted course fees. From 1st January 2023, changes to the class attendance requirements have been made for Existing Workers applying for the Jobs and Skills WA funding.
Existing Workers: 1 Day/per week
For the target group ‘Existing Workers’, 1 day per week of face-to-face training is timetabled to cover the knowledge and skills transfer requirements for the 20 units, as follows:
- Mandatory on-campus face-to-face classes for the specialist units; and,
- Mandatory live remote/virtual classes for the few highly theoretical/research-based units that have limited practical requirements and are well suited to online delivery.
Jobseekers: 2 Days/per week
For the target group ‘Job Seeker’, 2 days per week of face-to-face training is timetabled to cover the knowledge and skills transfer requirements for the 20 units, as follows:
- Mandatory on-campus face-to-face classes for the specialist units; and,
- Mandatory live remote/virtual classes for the few highly theoretical/research-based units that have limited practical requirements and are well suited to online delivery.
Find out if you are eligible for the Jobs & Skills WA.
*Definition of Existing Workers and Jobseekers as classified by Jobs & Skills WA.
Payment Options
- $7,500
STANDARD RATE
The maximum tuition fee for this course is $7,500. Your fee payment options are:
- Upfront payment
- VET Student Loans – Australian government income contingent loan which allows you to study now and pay later †.
- Interest-Free Payment Plan
- Find out what your repayments may be using our Payment Plan Repayment Calculator
†VET Student Loans are subject to students meeting eligibility requirements. VET Student Loan creates a debt that must be repaid to the Commonwealth.
- $542.40*
CONCESSION RATE
If you meet one of the above eligibility criteria AND hold a concession card, the JOBS & SKILLS WA Government-subsidised total course fees for the CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health are; *
$542.40* or $400 per year* (based on annual cap fee)
Your fee payment options are:
- Upfront payment
- Interest-Free Payment Plan – with a $100 deposit.
Find out what your repayments may be using our Payment Plan Repayment Calculator
*You must meet eligibility criteria to qualify. The Student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Additional fees may apply such as Student service and resource fees.
- $1,830.60*
NON-CONCESSION RATE
If you meet one of the above eligibility criteria AND don’t hold a concession card, the JOBS & SKILLS WA Government-subsidised total course fees for the CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health are; *
$1,830.60* or $1,200 per year* (based on annual cap fee)
Your fee payment options are:
- Upfront payment
- Interest-Free Payment Plan – with a $100 deposit.
Find out what your repayments may be using our Payment Plan Repayment Calculator
*You must meet eligibility criteria to qualify. The Student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Additional fees may apply such as Student service and resource fees.
Simulated Practicals
Gain Practical Experience In a Safe Environment
As a part of studying Health and Community Services at TrainSmart Australia, some units require students to complete practical assessments that simulate a counselling setting. These assessments give students opportunities to practice counselling skills and techniques before entering the workplace.
Simulated Practicals provides a safe and controlled environment to build confidence and develop essential counselling skills for future health care professionals.
Simulated Practicals simulates a counselling environment through an online Zoom call which involves a Health and Community Services assessor, an actor and the learner/student. In these sessions, the actor takes on the role of resembling a real-life client, in which an issue or traumatic event is retold from the actor’s perspective.
Based on the assessment criteria, the student is tasked with responding to the client with the focus on utilising skills taught in the unit.
Through the sessions, students can gain valuable feedback and be prepared to handle complex situations before entering the real-world environment.
We know that Counselling is an incredibly important skill, which is why we implemented Counselling units throughout more courses than just our Diploma of Counselling. TrainSmart Australia students studying Health and Community Services have access to our Simulated Practicals service!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course nationally recognised? What does that mean?
Completing a nationally recognised qualification (or training) means that your qualification and credentials are recognised all across Australia by other registered training organisations and employers. All accredited courses must adhere to the standards set by the Australian Skills and Quality Authority (ASQA). According to ASQA, accreditation is formal confirmation that the course:
- Is nationally recognised
- Meets an established industry, enterprise, educational, legislative or community need
- Provides appropriate competency outcomes and satisfactory basis for assessment
- Meets national quality assurance requirements
- Is assigned appropriately to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) where it leads to a qualification.
How many hours do I need to study each week?
To achieve this qualification within the given timeframe, students are required to commit to a minimum of 15 hours of study per week.
Can I get course credit for previous study?
Students enrolling into a TrainSmart Australia course can receive recognition for previous studies completed at a Certificate and Diploma level. Students can be awarded a credit transfer if:
- The student already holds a unit (or units) for the they’re enrolling into,
- The student holds an old unit which is deemed equivalent to the new unit they’re enrolling into
Receiving credit transfers will reduce the overall cost of your qualification as well as the duration to complete your remaining units.
University qualifications are not backwards transferrable, which means no credit transfers can be awarded. However, you can still apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL).
What if I don’t meet the entry requirements?
If you are unable to provide a copy of an Australian Year 12 Certificate or Certificate IV qualification or higher, you may be required to complete an Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) test to gain entry into your course of interest. This test is offered online, free of charge, after you have submitted your application.
Are TrainSmart courses Centrelink approved?
All of our courses are Centrelink approved through AUSTUDY.
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