Course Overview
Build the high-level skills to support people experiencing mental health issues. AIPC’s Diploma of Mental Health combines flexible, practical training in intervention programs, wellness planning and advocacy with core counselling skills and drug and alcohol support, preparing you for roles such as Mental Health Worker, Counsellor of Mental Health or Community Rehabilitation Support Worker across community services and health care.
Our Diploma of Mental Health will equip you with the high-level skills to support those experiencing issues relating to mental health. Our uniquely flexible and practical program will provide you the ability to offer specialist information to those affected by mental health concerns, such as intervention programs, development of wellness plans and directives, and advocacy services. You’ll also learn counselling skills and how to work with those experiencing drug and alcohol concerns.
Who's It For?
This course is suitable for people from a wide range of backgrounds, including:
- Those seeking a fresh start in a rewarding profession in mental health.
- Professionals in nursing, teaching, community services, or related fields who want to add specialist mental health and counselling skills.
- Anyone comfortable supporting people in distress who wants formal training to do so effectively.
Job Outcomes
Potential career outcomes could include:
- Mental Health Worker
- Mental Health Counsellor
- Community Rehabilitation Support Worker
- Outreach and Residential Support Worker
What You'll Learn
- Run intervention programs for people affected by mental health concerns
- Write wellness plans and advance directives with clients
- Speak up for clients within services and systems
- Establish and maintain a counselling relationship over time
- Draw on major counselling theories in practice
- Support clients whose mental illness comes with drug or alcohol concerns
- Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary mental health teams
Recognition
Study Method
- OnlineOnline delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
- BlendedBlended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
- In-classIn class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
- VirtualVirtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
Duration Study Load
18 months full-time. Part-time and self-paced study is also available. The course comprises 19 units.
Delivery
This diploma is delivered entirely online, so wherever you live in Australia, you can work through the material at home. Seminars are held regularly in most capital cities throughout Australia, giving you the opportunity to apply theory in contemporary scenarios and participate in casework sessions under the guidance of a qualified Lecturer.
Students who cannot attend seminars can complete practical components through alternate means, such as a one-on-one or small group session with a private assessor, or by video recording a demonstration of their skills.
Entry Requirements
- Completed Year 12, or
- Completed a Certificate III qualification, or
- At least 3 years of sufficient life experience (work or study), if over 21 years of age.
Course Features
- Flexible, self-paced online study — learn from home at your own pace.
- Specialist focus on counselling and community services education.
- Unlimited access to a Toll Free Study Assistance Line staffed by degree-qualified education advisers (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm EST).
- Access to the My.AIPC Student Portal for downloading workbooks, completing activities, contacting advisers, and accessing the Knowledge Base.
- Regular seminars in most capital cities across Australia.
- Private assessors available in numerous regional areas across Australia.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Student Support Centres located in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast & Northern Rivers, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth.
Work Placement
Students are required to complete a minimum of 160 hours of work placement in a mental health or community services setting, supporting clients under the supervision of experienced staff. Several units also require the practical demonstration of skills in a real or simulated work environment.
Assessment
Assessment includes practical demonstration of skills in a real or simulated work environment for designated units, as well as a minimum of 160 hours of supervised work placement. Practical sessions (6 in total) can be completed via:
- Online group workshop
- Zoom/Skype session
- Uploaded video demonstration
- Assessment by a private assessor
Subjects
About Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors
The Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC) is Australia’s largest and longest-established educator of Counsellors. Our specialist training programs include our acclaimed Diploma of Counselling, Bachelor of Counselling, and Master of Counselling. All our programs are government and industry-accredited.
We are an organisation founded on the principle of enabling people to help others. At the very heart of our logo, designed three decades ago, is the statement “Caring for people.” That’s the core of what we do, and that’s why our work matters.
RTO Provider Number: 0670 | Institute of Higher Education: Provider ID PRV12083.
