Program Overview

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.

What You'll Study

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.

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

Elective Units

• 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

Ways to Study

• On campus: You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom.
• International: As an international student at TAFE Queensland you will gain practical, hands-on experience in our purpose-built classrooms, laboratories and workshops with the same tools and equipment used in industry.

Study Locations

• Greater Brisbane: South Bank
• Gold Coast: Southport

Payment Options

• Payment plan: If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
• 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 - $18,838 cap: The VET Student Loans program assists eligible students enrolled in approved courses to pay their tuition fees.
• International student payment: Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Convera Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection Criteria

• 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 18 or over by the course commencement date. Students will also need to be self-motivated and have sound English skills.
• International students: English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0) or equivalent. 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.

Resources Required

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 and Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Placement

If you are not currently employed or volunteering in industry, during your course you will be required to complete vocational placement so you can start practising your new skills in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland may be able to assist in arranging suitable placements.

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.

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.

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. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.