Considering a Mental Health Course Online?

Many people consider taking a mental health course online because they want to have the opportunity for a new career. You can earn a certificate or Diploma in Mental Health if you want to start a career helping people navigate the challenges of mental health issues. Take a look at what you need to know before you start these courses.

Who Should Take Mental Health Courses?

When you take a mental health course, you can learn what you need to know so that you have the skills necessary to work with clients who are facing mental health challenges. You will develop specialised skills and learn about the link between mental health and alcohol and other drugs. You also get to explore mental health in the workplace and the community.

People who are interested in helping those affected by mental illness and psychiatric disability will want to take mental health TAFE courses so that they are qualified to work in this field. TAFE stands for Technical and Further Education, and these programs give you the training and qualifications that you need.

What Are the Entry Requirements?

If you want to take a mental health worker course, there are no formal entry requirements. However, you will take an assessment for Language, Literacy, and Numeracy. This will ensure that you are academically prepared for the program. Then, you need a laptop and Internet to access your courses.

Once you enrol, you can learn over 9 to 12 months, depending on whether you want a certificate or a diploma. The Diploma of Mental Health is nationally recognised, and you will have online access to all of your learning resources. In addition, you will have workshop training sessions by Skype, telephone, or in person with your trainer once a month. There are 190 hours of work placement experience in one of the rehab centres as well.

For the Certificate IV Mental Health, you will learn how to provide self-directed recovery support for anyone who is affected by psychiatric disabilities or mental illness. You need 120 hours of work placement experience, and you will study for nine years.

What Are Your Career Options?

When you take mental health courses, you are preparing for a range of different careers where you can help people who are struggling with the challenges of mental health. With a Certificate IV Mental Health, you can pursue any of the following careers:

• Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker
• Community Support Worker
• Mental Health Intake Officer
• Mental Health Outreach Worker
• Mental Health Rehabilitation Support Worker

If you work towards a Diploma of Mental Health, you can pursue the above careers, as well as the following:

• Community Care Worker
• Mental Health Worker
• Mental Health Services
• Rehabilitation Counsellor

You will take 20 units for the Diploma, which include 15 core units and five elective units. You will learn about the links between mental health and alcohol or other drugs, as well as mental health in the community and the workplace. It offers a great opportunity, especially if you have work or volunteer experience in health or community services and want to transition to mental health work.