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MHMental Health · CHC53315

Build a Career in Mental Health Support

The CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health prepares students for hands-on roles in mental health and community services, online, self-paced, with real workplace experience.

Flexible
CHC53315National Code
52 WeeksCourse Duration
160 hrsWork Placement
OnlineDelivery
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What You Get

Everything That Comes With This Course

Self-Paced Online Study

Students can study at their own pace online, with approximately 19 hours of self-directed study per week expected.

Scheduled Trainer-Led Sessions

3 hours per week of scheduled trainer-led evening sessions plus 1 hour per week of support/tutorial to guide students through the course.

Nationally Recognised Qualification

This course leads to an Australian Qualification that complies with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), or a Statement of Attainment.

Work Placement

Minimum 160 hours of work placement (typically 8 weeks) in an appropriate mental health workplace setting included in the course.

160 hours of real mental health workplace experience
Where This Can Take You

The Roles This Qualification Opens

Roles this nationally recognised qualification can lead to. Entry requirements vary by employer, and no specific job outcome is guaranteed.

Mental Health Outreach WorkerMental Health Support WorkerCommunity Rehabilitation and Support WorkerMental Health Practitioner (non-clinical)Community Services WorkerWelfare Support WorkerCase Manager (Mental Health)Support Facilitator (Partners in Recovery)Program Coordinator (Mental Health Services)

No specific job, salary or outcome is guaranteed.

What You'll Learn

The 20 Units Behind The Qualification

Every unit is nationally recognised and sits on your transcript individually, which matters for credit and recognition later.

20Total Units
15Core Units
5Electives
160Placement Hours

Core Units

CHCDIV001Work with diverse people
CHCDIV002Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
HLTWHS004Manage work health and safety
CHCMHS013Implement trauma informed care
CHCMHS009Provide early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs
CHCMHS011Assess and promote social, emotional, and physical wellbeing
CHCMHS012Provide support to develop wellness plans and advanced directives
CHCMHS005Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCADV005Provide systems advocacy services
CHCMHS004Work collaboratively with the care network and other services

 

CHCMHS002Establish self-directed recovery relationships
CHCMHS003Provide recovery oriented mental health services
CHCMHS010Implement recovery-oriented approaches to complexity
CHCPOL003Research and apply evidence to practice
CHCPRP003Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Elective Units

CHCDFV006Counsel clients affected by domestic and family violence
CHCCCS003Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide
CHCCSL001Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
CHCCSL003Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
CHCLEG001Work legally and ethically
Before You Enquire

Eligibility And The First Steps

Before You Apply

18 or over at enrolment
Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or hold a visa that allows unrestricted work and study.
Meet language, literacy and numeracy standards for this level
Must complete a Pre-Training Review
Must meet Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skill standards for this program level
Should have completed schooling to Australian Year 12 standard, OR passed a Level 4 literacy and numeracy assessment, OR hold an AQF Certificate IV or higher qualification
Must have a Unique Student Identification (USI) number

How It Starts

01
Enquire or apply online
02
Complete a Pre-Training Review
03
Meet LLN skill standards
04
Obtain a USI number (or authorise MCIE to apply on your behalf)
05
Select a payment option and pay initial deposit
The Money Part

Ways To Pay For It

$64 / week

Weekly Payment Plan. Confirmed by the provider when you enquire.

$279 / month

Monthly Payment Plan. Confirmed by the provider when you enquire.

Full Fee Upfront

Confirmed by the provider when you enquire.

Zip Money

Weekly repayments from approx. $24/week or monthly equivalent. Interest-free period available (length depends on Zip and merchant offer). Zip Money approval and terms may apply.

Buy Now Pay Later with Zip Money

Weekly repayments from approximately $24 per week, subject to Zip Money approval and terms.

Online and self-paced, with live weekly trainer sessions
Flexible Payment Options

Exact fees, plans and any funding eligibility are confirmed by the provider when you enquire. No payment is made through Get Course.

Before You Ask

Questions People Ask First

What are the entry requirements for this course?

Entry requirements can vary and may include prior experience in community services or a related field. Submit an enquiry to confirm the current entry requirements before enrolling.

How much does the Diploma of Mental Health cost?

Multiple payment options are available, including upfront payment with a discount, weekly instalments, monthly instalments, and Zip Money buy-now-pay-later. Submit an enquiry to confirm current pricing and payment options.

How long does the course take to complete?

The course runs over 52 weeks. Students study approximately 19 hours per week independently, alongside 3 hours of scheduled trainer-led evening sessions and 1 hour of tutorial support each week.

How is the course delivered?

The course is delivered fully online and is self-paced, so students can fit study around work and life. Structured support is built in through weekly trainer-led evening sessions and tutorial hours delivered by Melbourne City Institute of Education.

Is work placement required, and how does it work?

Yes, a minimum of 160 hours of work placement is included, typically completed over 8 weeks in an approved mental health workplace. Submit an enquiry to find out how placement is organised and whether you need to source your own host employer.

What career roles does this qualification prepare students for?

Graduates may move into roles such as Mental Health Support Worker, Case Manager, Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker, Outreach Worker, and Program Coordinator in mental health services. These roles span community organisations, government agencies, and non-profits. The qualification does not prepare students for clinical or registered health practitioner roles.

About This Course

What This Course Is Really About

This Diploma of Mental Health covers the skills and knowledge needed to work alongside people experiencing mental health challenges. Students learn to provide community-based support, facilitate recovery, and work within mental health service frameworks. The course is delivered by Melbourne City Institute of Education across 52 weeks.

Study is online and self-paced, with approximately 19 hours of self-directed study per week. That's balanced by 3 hours of scheduled trainer-led evening sessions and 1 hour of tutorial support each week, so students aren't studying alone.

A minimum 160 hours of work placement (typically 8 weeks) is built into the course. Placement happens in an approved mental health workplace, giving students direct experience before they graduate. This course suits career changers, community services workers looking to specialise, and anyone ready to move into the mental health sector.

The College Behind It

Delivered By A Registered Training Organisation

MC
Melbourne City Institute of Education
RTO 22172
In-house career services: job search, resume and interview preparation
Earn & Learn, the college's own recruitment service
Committed ongoing support to participants whilst training; post placement support available.
Nationally Recognised TrainingITECALes Toques BlanchesAustralian Culinary FederationCPA Australia
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The Enquiry Is The Eligibility Check

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Course information on this page is sourced from the education provider and was last verified on 28 July 2026. Details including pricing, availability, entry requirements and course content may change without notice. Get Course is a directory service that connects students with course providers; we do not deliver courses directly. Contact the provider for the most current information before enrolling.