Diploma of Mental Health

(CHC53315)
Childhood Education and Care

Empowering You to Become a Skilled Mental Health Practitioner

At Sydney Gateway College, our Diploma of Mental Health is a comprehensive and hands-on program. It’s designed to shape compassionate, capable, and knowledgeable professionals in the field of mental health services. This nationally recognised qualification equips you with specialist skills to provide - 

  • counselling, 
  • advocacy, 
  • referral, 
  • and health education to individuals navigating mental health challenges.

Whether you're looking to become a trainee education mental health practitioner or seeking a pathway to a graduate diploma of mental health online, we have the solution. This course lays the strong foundation you need to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Course Overview
What You’ll Learn?
Career Outcomes

Course Name: Diploma of Mental Health

Duration: 12 weeks (including 160 hours of mandatory work placement)

Qualification Code: [Insert Code Here if applicable]

Delivery Mode: Blended (In-class + Practical Work Placement)

Total Units: 20 (15 Core Units + 5 Elective Units)

Location: Sydney, NSW

This qualification is suited to those - 

    • already working in the community sector 
    • or those who aspire to become mental health support workers or counselling professionals.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop high-level expertise in:

  • Mental health recovery frameworks
  • Systems advocacy
  • Culturally safe practices
  • Providing trauma-informed care
  • Working with clients affected by alcohol, drug use, and co-existing conditions
  • Delivering early intervention and health promotion programs

Our curriculum helps you master the laws and services relevant to mental health. It also includes critical wellbeing strategies and ethical professional practice.

Core Units

The 15 mandatory core units focus on building essential skills and knowledge, including:

  • 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 AOD 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

Choose 5 electives to suit your career goals. You must complete:

  • At least 3 units from the approved electives below
  • Up to 2 units from any relevant endorsed training package

Popular Elective Topics Include:

  • Alcohol & other drugs (AOD) support
  • Grief and suicide bereavement
  • Counselling and decision-making
  • Domestic and family violence support
  • Gambling-related mental health support

Community engagement and health promotion

Graduates of the Diploma of Mental Health are qualified to work in a variety of settings, such as:

  • Community mental health services
  • Non-profit organisations
  • Hospitals and residential mental health facilities
  • Youth and family services
  • Counselling centres
  • Drug and alcohol rehabilitation units

Job Titles Include:

  • Mental Health Support Worker
  • Community Rehabilitation Worker
  • Case Worker / Case Manager
  • Peer Support Worker
  • Counsellor
  • Mental Health Advocate
  • Welfare Worker

Whether you’re beginning your journey or stepping up from a Certificate IV in Mental Health, this qualification is your bridge to long-term employment in the health and community services sector.

Individual Support
Duration
12 Week
Language
English
Units
20 (15 Core Units + 5 Elective Units)
Certificate
Yes
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Industry-Focused Learning

Our course includes:

  • 160 hours of supervised work placement

  • Practical assessments that mirror workplace conditions

  • Knowledge of relevant mental health legislation and ethical standards

Skill-building in self-care, professional reflection, and safe work practices

Pathways to Further Education

After completing this diploma, you may pursue advanced qualifications such as:

  • Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Mental Health)

  • Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing Online

  • Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Online

  • Bachelor degrees in Social Work, Psychology, or Community Services
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Why Choose Sydney Gateway College?

Education should be transformative and deeply connected to industry needs. That’s what we focus on. Here’s why you can trust our organisation: 

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Expert Trainers

Our trainers are qualified mental health professionals with real-world experience. They bring both academic rigour and practical insights to every class.

Fast-Tracked Learning

Complete your Diploma in just 12 weeks, including placement. It’s perfect for career changers and upskillers.

Work-Ready Skills

You’ll graduate with knowledge and experience to support clients immediately upon completion.

Strong Industry Connections

We partner with mental health service providers to ensure meaningful placements and job-readiness.

Supportive Environment

Our team supports you with flexible study options, mentoring, and career guidance.

Course Delivery & Timetable

  • Duration: 12 weeks (full-time)
  • Work Placement: 160 hours (organised by the college)
  • Location: Sydney
  • Delivery Method: Classroom-based learning with practical components and supervised placement

Our program is structured to suit new entrants and existing community workers. 

Who Should Apply?

This qualification is ideal for:

  • People seeking to work in the mental health sector
  • Existing support workers wanting formal accreditation
  • Individuals transitioning from general counselling to mental health specialisation
  • Professionals in AOD support services expanding their scope
  • Students pursuing a graduate diploma of mental health online in the future

Whether your goal is to become a community caseworker or a mental health advocate, this course is your launchpad.

Be Part of a Growing Industry

Mental health support is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Australia. With this diploma, you’ll gain the competence to work in rewarding environments. You will contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of others.

Contact us to learn of more information about the course.

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Complete Your Degree

How to Apply?

Getting started is simple:

  1. Submit an enquiry via our website
  2. Speak with one of our course advisors
  3. Complete your application and pre-enrolment assessment

Secure your place in our next intake

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Complete Your Degree

How to Apply?

Getting started is simple:

  1. Submit an enquiry via our website
  2. Speak with one of our course advisors
  3. Complete your application and pre-enrolment assessment

Secure your place in our next intake

Support

Frequently Asked Question

The Diploma of Mental Health is a nationally recognised qualification that prepares individuals to work with clients who experience mental health challenges. This course equips you with the skills to provide counselling, advocacy, education, and support services in a wide range of community settings.

It is ideal for those who want to become a - 

  • trainee education mental health practitioner, 
  • community worker, 
  • case manager, 
  • or peer support officer.

This course is best suited for:

  • Individuals looking to enter the mental health and community services sector
  • People currently working in aged care or AOD services who want formal credentials
  • Graduates of Certificate IV in Mental Health
  • Students considering further study in an advanced diploma of nursing mental health

If you are passionate about making a difference, this course is the answer.

The Diploma of Mental Health runs for 12 weeks full-time. It includes 160 hours of mandatory work placement. This accelerated format is perfect for individuals wanting to enter the workforce quickly.

Yes. To meet the assessment requirements, you must complete at least 160 hours of supervised work placement. We help you secure a position within a relevant and supportive mental health or community setting.

This hands-on experience is essential for building real-world skills and confidence.

You’ll gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills in:

  • Mental health recovery strategies
  • Early intervention and health promotion
  • Working with co-occurring AOD (alcohol and other drugs) and mental health issues
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Culturally safe practices
  • Case management and counselling
  • Systems advocacy and social inclusion

The course includes 15 core units and 5 electives aligned with industry standards.

Graduates of the Diploma of Mental Health can work in:

  • Mental health services
  • Community health organisations
  • Non-profit agencies
  • Residential facilities
  • Counselling centres
  • Drug and alcohol recovery units

Job roles may include:

  • Mental Health Support Worker
  • Community Services Worker
  • Recovery Coach
  • Peer Worker
  • Case Worker
  • Alcohol and Other Drugs Worker
  • Welfare Officer

This course also serves as a pathway to further studies in mental health nursing and counselling.

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