Pros and Cons of Online Mental Health Courses

Introduction

In recent years, online learning has emerged as a transformative force in education, offering students a flexible and accessible pathway to acquiring knowledge and skills. The field of mental health studies is no exception, with many aspiring mental health professionals turning to online education to pursue their career goals.

Online learning in mental health studies presents numerous advantages, such as flexibility, accessibility, and a diverse range of course options. However, it also comes with its set of challenges, including the need for self-discipline and potential limitations in practical experience.

This blog explores the advantages and challenges of online learning in mental health studies in Australia, providing insights into how aspiring mental health professionals can leverage this educational format to excel in their careers.

1. Advantages of Online Learning in Mental Health Studies

1.1 Flexibility and Convenience

One of the key advantages of online learning is its flexibility, allowing students to study at their own pace and balance their education with work and personal commitments. Aspiring mental health professionals can access course materials and lectures at any time and from anywhere with an internet connection, enabling them to create a personalised learning schedule.

In Australia, around 42% of people aged 15-74 engaged in online or distance learning in 2022, citing busy lifestyles and the need to fit learning around work or family as major reasons. Studies also show that more than one-third of students view the ability to study at one’s own pace as a key advantage of online courses. Moreover, a 2024 review of studies found that flexibility and accessibility in online learning frequently lead to improved academic performance when students can manage their own pace.

1.2 Accessibility and Reach

Online learning breaks down geographical barriers, enabling students from all over Australia to access high-quality mental health studies programs. This accessibility broadens the reach of education, making it possible for individuals in remote or underserved areas to pursue their academic and career aspirations.

Virtual schools are also helping: for example, Virtual School Victoria has experienced a 63% increase in enrolments since 2019, with many students joining because their home schools didn’t offer particular courses or because they needed more flexible options. This rise shows that online delivery services are enabling learners in geographically isolated or resource-limited settings to study subjects they otherwise couldn’t.

Given government commitment through strategies like the National Regional, Rural and Remote Education Strategy (which aims to halve current disparities by 2030), online learning seems positioned not just as a convenience, but as a key mechanism for educational equity. Data shows that students in very remote areas are currently 19-48 percentage points less likely to meet certain educational milestones than the general population, highlighting how online access is one of the tools for closing that gap.

1.3 Diverse Course Options

Online education offers a wide array of specialised mental health studies courses, catering to different interests and career goals. Whether students are interested in diploma of mental health, clinical psychology, counselling, or mental health policy and advocacy, they can find relevant courses that align with their passions.

1.4 Engaging Learning Experience

Virtual classrooms provide an engaging learning experience through live webinars, interactive discussions, multimedia resources, and virtual simulations. This interactive approach fosters student engagement, peer collaboration, and critical thinking.

This interactive approach fosters student engagement, peer collaboration, and critical thinking. For example, a recent systematic review found that online courses with multimedia resources, discussion forums, and strong instructor interaction tend to produce higher performance and engagement than less interactive online formats. Additionally, in a multimedia intervention, students who viewed narrated videos with images and worked examples scored significantly higher on tests of procedural and evaluative knowledge than those who did not. A case study in Western Australia likewise showed that synchronous virtual classes strengthened students’ sense of belonging, emotional engagement, self-efficacy, and helped retention.

1.5 Cost-Effectiveness

Online learning can be a more cost-effective option compared to traditional on-campus programs. Students can save on commuting and accommodation expenses, and many online mental health courses offer affordable tuition fees.

In “eLearning in Australia: Trends and Opportunities”, the report states that eLearning eliminates many traditional costs (travel, accommodation, printed materials, venue hire) which make in-person learning more expensive.

2. Challenges of Online Learning in Mental Health Studies

2.1 Self-Discipline and Time Management

While flexibility is an advantage, it can also present challenges in maintaining self-discipline and managing time effectively. Online students must be proactive in setting and adhering to study schedules to ensure they cover the necessary coursework.

Research shows that many standard online courses have low completion rates (often 10-15%), but when programs include supports like coaching or accountability, completion can rise dramatically to 70% or higher. In Australia, over half of people engaged in work-related training in 2020-21 did so online, suggesting many are adapting to balancing work, life, and learning. To succeed in such an environment, strategies like time-blocking, creating a dedicated study space, scheduling “sacred” study hours, and using self-monitoring or peer accountability are commonly recommended. studyskills.federation.edu.au+1

2.2 Limited Practical Experience

Mental health studies often require practical experience and hands-on training. While some online programs incorporate practical components, it may be more challenging to access the same level of in-person experience compared to traditional on-campus programs.

2.3 Technology and Connectivity Issues

Reliable internet access and technical proficiency are essential for successful online learning. Students must be equipped with the necessary technology and have access to stable internet connections to participate fully in virtual classrooms.

2.4 Reduced Face-to-Face Interaction

In an online learning environment, students may miss out on the face-to-face interaction with peers and instructors that can foster a sense of community and support.

2.5 Potential Isolation

Online learning may sometimes lead to feelings of isolation, particularly for students who prefer social learning environments. However, research shows that the difference lies in how online programs are designed and supported. Courses that integrate strong teacher presence, live webinars, discussion forums, and peer collaboration activities achieve much higher levels of engagement and satisfaction. For example, one Australian study found that interactive and supportive online courses significantly increased student retention rates compared to less interactive models.

Completion rates can vary widely, but evidence shows that average online course completion of 10–15% can rise to 70% or higher when accountability and support structures are built in. At the same time, students consistently value the flexibility of online education, with 45% citing the ability to view lectures anytime as its greatest benefit and 34% highlighting the ability to study at their own pace. These findings demonstrate that while online learners must be proactive, the right mix of support and engagement strategies transforms flexibility into a powerful advantage, enabling students to stay connected, complete their studies, and succeed.

3. Maximising the Benefits of Online Learning in Mental Health Studies

3.1 Setting Clear Goals and Schedules

Establishing clear academic and career goals, along with a well-structured study schedule, helps students maintain focus and accountability throughout their online learning journey.

Research shows that students who set goals and manage their time effectively tend to have higher academic outcomes. For instance, a 2025 study found those students who combined goal setting, time management, and regular engagement with study activities performed better in online courses. Another MOOC study revealed that completers had significantly more goal setting, self-efficacy, and time management than non-completers. Models like immersive scheduling in Australian online pathways programs also showed notably higher success rates for learners when coursework was structured with a focused schedule. Even digital tools (e.g. goal-setting chatbots) have been shown to help students establish targets and stay more accountable and engaged.

3.2 Seeking Practical Experience Opportunities

Students can proactively seek opportunities for practical experience, such as internships or volunteer work in mental health settings, to supplement their online education.

University placement programs like those at UWA similarly report that internships and work-integrated learning help students build employability skills, enhance CVs, and increase their chance of employment in their field. While direct quantitative evidence is limited in the mental health education sector, national volunteering data (about 27% of adults in April 2022) suggests many students already make use of volunteering to gain relevant skills and connections.

3.3 Engaging in Virtual Group Discussions

Participating in virtual group discussions and online forums enables students to connect with peers, share insights, and collaborate on projects, fostering a sense of community.

Research backs this up: at Western Sydney University, postgraduate health students placed in small peer-support groups (4-5 per group) reported greater academic help, psychological and social support, and a stronger feeling of belonging. In another large-scale study of over 7,500 undergraduates who engaged proactively in discussion forums during emergency remote learning, those students had significantly higher final GPAs, especially among those who struggled previously. Collaborative learning research also shows that peer support mediates engagement: when students work together in forums and group tasks, participation and effort tend to increase.

3.4 Leveraging Online Resources

Taking advantage of online resources such as digital libraries, research databases, and webinars can enrich students' knowledge and provide exposure to cutting-edge developments in the mental health field.

3.5 Seeking Support and Mentorship

Online students should actively seek support and mentorship from their instructors, academic advisors, and fellow students to enhance their learning experience and stay motivated.

4. Embracing the Hybrid Learning Approach

To address the challenge of limited practical experience, some students may consider a hybrid learning approach. This involves combining online education with in-person workshops, seminars, or internships to gain hands-on experience while still enjoying the benefits of online learning.

Conclusion

Online learning in mental health studies offers aspiring professionals the flexibility, accessibility, and diverse course options needed to excel in their careers. However, it also comes with challenges related to self-discipline, limited practical experience, and potential isolation.

By understanding and addressing these challenges, students can maximise the advantages of online learning and achieve their academic and career goals in the mental health field. Embracing a hybrid learning approach, seeking mentorship, and actively engaging in virtual interactions can enrich the online learning experience and prepare mental health professionals to make a positive impact on the well-being of individuals and communities across Australia.

With the right mindset and approach, online learning becomes a powerful tool for aspiring mental health professionals to thrive in their studies and contribute meaningfully to the field.