At a glance
Upgrade your career in the community services or health industry with this advanced-level course that will qualify you to work in mental health in a broad range of settings.
JOB PROSPECTS
- Mental Health Worker
- Alcohol and Other Drugs Worker
COURSE OUTCOME
CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health
Course overview
Specialise in mental health with this advanced-level qualification. This course will give you the specialised skills and knowledge needed to work with people with complex needs in both community services and healthcare settings.
According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as welfare support workers is expected to grow strongly in the coming years. There's likely to be around 30,000 job openings in this occupational area over the next five years.
This course will equip you to work with a diverse range of clients, run early intervention and health promotion programs, and research and apply evidence to your practice. You will also develop the skills required to advocate on behalf of people with complex coexisting mental health, drug, and alcohol issues. Our highly-experienced team of industry professionals will give you the one-on-one guidance needed to succeed in the industry.
Successful completion of this course will give you the essential skills you need to work as a mental health or alcohol and other drugs worker.
Units
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 5 elective units from the list below. You will also be required to undertake a minimum 160 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| CHCADV005 |
Provide systems advocacy services | |
| CHCDIV001 |
Work with diverse people | |
| CHCDIV002 |
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | |
| CHCMHS002 |
Establish self-directed recovery relationships | |
| CHCMHS003 |
Provide recovery oriented mental health services | |
| CHCMHS004 |
Work collaboratively with the care network and other services | |
| CHCMHS005 |
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues | |
| CHCMHS009 |
Provide early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs | |
| CHCMHS010 |
Implement recovery oriented approaches to complexity | |
| CHCMHS011 |
Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing | |
| CHCMHS012 |
Provide support to develop wellness plans and advanced directives | |
| CHCMHS013 |
Implement trauma informed care | |
| CHCPOL003 |
Research and apply evidence to practice | |
| CHCPRP003 |
Reflect on and improve own professional practice | |
| HLTWHS004 |
Manage work health and safety | |
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Brisbane | ||
| CHCAOD001 |
Work in an alcohol and other drugs context | |
| CHCCCS003 |
Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide | |
| HLTWHS006 |
Manage personal stressors in the work environment | |
| CHCCSM004 |
Coordinate complex case requirements | |
| CHCEDU001 |
Provide community focused health promotion and prevention strategies | |
| North and Far North Queensland | ||
| CHCAOD001 |
Work in an alcohol and other drugs context | |
| CHCCCS003 |
Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide | |
| HLTWHS006 |
Manage personal stressors in the work environment | |
| Gold Coast | ||
| CHCAOD001 |
Work in an alcohol and other drugs context | |
| CHCCCS003 |
Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide | |
| CHCCSM004 |
Coordinate complex case requirements | |
| CHCEDU001 |
Provide community focused health promotion and prevention strategies | |
| HLTWHS006 |
Manage personal stressors in the work environment | |
| Sunshine Coast | ||
| CHCAOD001 |
Work in an alcohol and other drugs context | |
| CHCCCS003 |
Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide | |
| CHCCSM004 |
Coordinate complex case requirements | |
| CHCEDU001 |
Provide community focused health promotion and prevention strategies | |
| HLTWHS006 |
Manage personal stressors in the work environment | |
| Darling Downs and South West | ||
| CHCAOD001 |
Work in an alcohol and other drugs context | |
| CHCCCS017 |
Provide loss and grief support | |
| CHCINM001 |
Meet statutory and organisation information requirements | |
| CHCPRP001 |
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships | |
| HLTWHS006 |
Manage personal stressors in the work environment | |
Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.
Ways to study
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
What you need to know about studying on campus
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
As an international student at TAFE Queensland you'll gain hands-on experience in our modern classrooms, laboratories and workshops using state-of-the-art facilities and the same tools and equipment used in industry.
Get the internationally-recognised qualification you need to launch your career while enjoying the unique Australian landscape, culture, and lifestyle.
No matter where you are in your study journey, our team of international student support advisors can help you settle into life in Australia and provide support and assistance to help you throughout your studies.
What you need to know about studying as an International student
As an international student you’ll study face-to-face in a classroom with other international and Australian students at one of our campus locations.
In addition to your scheduled class hours you will be expected to complete additional study in your own time.
The course cost indicated is for students on an international student visa. If you’re visiting Australia on a non-student visa (e.g. partner visa, working holiday, employer sponsor etc.) please contact us directly for the price applicable to you.
Important information
Please note this program is comprised of units which include topics covering sensitive material and discussion (eg. mental health, substance misuse, trauma including family violence, suicide and self-harm).
Do you need help?
- email us your questions
- call us on +61 7 3244 5100
- find an agent to help with your application
- check out our frequently asked questions (FAQs).
University pathways
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways
Payment options
No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what's right for you, get in touch. We're here to help.
Upfront payment
This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
Vet Student Loan - $16,077 cap
This is an interest-free personal loan from the Australian Government that provides eligible students access to capped funding to help pay for their studies.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
International Student Payment
Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Western Union Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Western Union and Flywire both allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays.
Learn more
Important Information
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
Selection criteria
Domestic Students
The following Selection criteria requirements apply only to Domestic Students:
Due to the sensitive and complex nature of the course content (mental health, addictions, crisis help etc), it is highly recommended that students are aged 17 or older by the course commencement date. Students will also need to be self-motivated and have sound English skills.
International Students
The following Selection criteria requirements apply only to International Students:
- English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0) or ISLPR 3 on all skills or other - For a list of all English Language test accepted by TAFE Queensland International
- Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12.
Students should be a minimum of 18 years of age. Student visa applicants under the age of 18 will be accepted where they demonstrate that they will be accompanied by a parent, legal custodian or a suitable relative who is aged 21 or over. This arrangement requires the approval of the Department of Home Affairs. For more information visit Department of Home Affairs - Welfare Requirements for Student Visa Applicants under 18.
Placement
Students complete a minimum of 160 hours of Vocational Placement in an approved workplace as part of this qualification.
Prior to placement you will need to receive and provide evidence of the following checks:
- Working with Children Check (Blue Card in Queensland)
- Australian Federal Police Check – carried out no longer than three (3) months prior to commencement of your course
Please note: TAFE Queensland wishes to warn you, as a Blue Card applicant, that it is an offence for a disqualified person to sign a Blue Card application. For further information regarding 'disqualified' persons, please contact Blue Card Services.
Depending on where your placement is conducted, further checks may be required and your Vocational Placement Coordinator or Teacher can discuss this with you on an individual basis.
Resources required
No specific resources are required to successfully complete this course.
It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.
Assessment Methods
Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.
Disclaimer
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.
How to apply
If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.
You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland.
International students can either apply directly through our TAFE Queensland International Application portal, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfers
Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
Get started with TAFE Queensland
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
University pathways
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways 