Program Overview

CHC53315 – Diploma of Mental Health

Overview

The Diploma of Mental Health prepares individuals to support clients dealing with mental health challenges by offering services such as counselling, referrals, advocacy, and education or health promotion. It equips learners with advanced knowledge, specialised skills, and competencies, particularly in understanding laws impacting individuals with mental health issues, the services available to them, and associated health concerns.

Course Details

• Amount of Training: 1355 Hours
• AQF Level: 5
• Mode of Delivery: Blended and Face to Face
• Delivery Locations: Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane
• Professional Experience Placement (PEP): 160 Hours

Accreditation

The Diploma of Mental Health is accredited by the State Government.

Course Overview

The Diploma of Mental Health equips individuals with the skills to support people experiencing mental health challenges. The course covers mental health assessment, case management, and recovery-oriented care. Graduates are prepared for roles such as Mental Health Support Worker or Case Manager, working in various settings, including community services, healthcare, and residential facilities, to promote mental well-being and recovery.

Why Study Diploma of Mental Health at IHNA?

• Flexible Learning: Online theory classes with on-campus simulation workshops.
• Placement: Gain hands-on experience with professional placements.
• Comprehensive Student Support: 24/7 access to resources, personalised guidance, and career support.
• Industry Connections: Network with healthcare leaders and gain real-world exposure.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train with the latest equipment in modern learning environments.

Course Structure

20 units are required for award of this qualification including:

• 15 core units
• 5 electives

CORE UNITS

• 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

ELECTIVES

• CHCAOD001 | Work in an alcohol and other drugs context
• CHCEDU001 | Provide community focused health promotion and prevention strategies
• CHCCSM004 | Coordinate complex case requirements
• CHCDEV004 | Confirm developmental status
• CHCCSL002 | Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills

Course Start Dates

• 03 March 2026

Pathways

Students completing this qualification can further their studies and go on to do:

• Bachelor of Counselling
• CHC51015 – Diploma of Counselling
• CHC52021 – Diploma of Community Services
• CHC50421 – Diploma of Youth Work
• CHC53215 – Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
• BSB50420 – Diploma of Leadership and Management
• HLT54121- Diploma of Nursing
• Bachelor of Social Work
• Bachelor of Mental Health

Possible Career Outcomes

With CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health in hand, you’ll be able to work professionally as a:

• Mental Health Community Worker
• Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker
• Welfare Support Worker
• Community Rehabilitation Worker
• Community Support Worker
• Mental Health Support Worker
• Mental Health Outreach Worker

Fees & Funding

• Was: $4,999
• Now: $4,499

State Government Funding

• Victoria: Currently no funding available, please contact us for current fee options.
• Western Australia: Currently no funding available, please contact us for current fee options.
• New South Wales: Currently no funding available, please contact us for current fee options.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government has approved IHNA’s offering of VET Student Loans for this course. This allows eligible students to defer their tuition fees until they are earning so they can focus on their studies without financial stress.

How to Apply?

To learn more about eligibility and the application process, visit our VET Student Loans page or contact us via email or phone for assistance.

Entry Requirements

• 18 years of age and above at the time of commencement of the course
• Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification

Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND)

All IHNA students must complete the Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) assessment to ensure that students meet the necessary requirements for successfully undertaking the course.

Professional Experience Placement (PEP) Requirements

• A satisfactory National Police Clearance (NCC) or Australian Federal Police (AFP) Clearance certificate
• Immunisation records
• Working With Children check (WWCC)
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) clearance
• Students must declare a disability or disorder (if any), or if they are on any medication which may require reasonable adjustments

How is the Course Assessed?

Our approach is to collect evidence on whether the student can perform to the standards of the workplace. This is based on the relevant unit of competency, and you’ll find these tools being used:

• Theory Assessments (TA)
• Simulation Based Assessments (SBA)
• Professional Experience Placement (PEP)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) & Credit Transfer (CT)

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): With RPL we assess your competency based on formal, non-formal, informal learning or direct work experience based on the required skills of the course.
• Credit Transfer(CT): We use CT where you’ve completed units of study at another TAFE College or Registered Training Organisation that meet the requirements of another course.