National code: CHC53315

Diploma of Mental Health

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Overview About this course

Become a leader in an in-demand industry and empower people to work through their recovery. Engage in advocacy work, implement trauma informed practice and develop programs as you gain the skills to enter team leader positions.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Contribute to the wellbeing and recovery of a diverse range of people

  • Support individuals within a recovery framework

  • Work collaboratively across a range of services

  • Develop programs to support healthy outcomes for groups and the community

  • Implement recovery and trauma informed frameworks

  • Adhere to the laws and legislation impacting people with mental health issues

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • A nationally accredited qualification at diploma level

  • A minimum of 160 hours of work placement in industry

  • Leadership and supervisory skills within the industry

  • The confidence to assess and respond to complex needs

  • Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.

Completion requirements

During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:

  • Working with Children Check (WWCC)

  • A National Police Check

  • Vaccination and health screenings

  • Any additional evidence your work placement provider requires

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • A Certificate IV in Mental Health

  • The desire to increase your managerial skills in the industry

  • High level written and verbal communication skills

  • Empathy, patience and the ability to empower others

  • Good organisational and time management skills

  • Ability to work independently and in groups

Important information

  • This qualification contains content, concepts and scenarios that may be distressing. Please consider your personal resilience and any potential emotional triggers when participating in this qualification and in any future employment in this field.

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: supervisor or team leader in a non-clinical mental health service and mental health support worker.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 1 Course

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

Further study 1 Course

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 2 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Mental Health qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 20 units of competency, including 15 core and 5 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Provide systems advocacy services CHCADV005

  • Work with diverse people CHCDIV001

  • Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety CHCDIV002

  • Establish self-directed recovery relationships CHCMHS002

  • ... 4

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.