Fully-funded enrolments now open in Townsville
Learn more
CHC43315

Certificate IV in Mental Health – Sunshine Coast

Why complete a Certificate IV in Mental Health on the Sunshine Coast?

This nationally recognised qualification gives you the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to grow your career while creating meaningful change for the people you support.

Perfect for Sunshine Coast locals:

seeking to strengthen their skills and deepen their understanding of mental health conditions.

wanting to deliver more responsive, holistic care to clients with mental health needs.

aiming to better recognise and address mental health concerns in older adults.

Course Overview

AQF Level
Certificate IV
Course Duration
6 to 12 months
Delivery Method
Classroom on the Sunshine Coast or online (with local placement opportunities)
Fees & funding
Government-funded or from $42.89 per week
Work Placement
80 hours required
Number of Units
15 units to complete

What you will gain

A strong foundation in mental health care and support

Whether you’re currently working in the field or looking to move into mental health, this qualification builds the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in the Sunshine Coast’s care and support sector.

You will learn to:

  • Understand mental health conditions and recovery principles
  • Support clients to maintain independence, dignity, and wellbeing
  • Manage dual diagnoses and co-existing conditions
  • Deliver recovery-oriented care in both one-on-one and group settings
  • Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams
  • Apply legal, ethical, and cultural safety frameworks
  • Implement inclusive, culturally competent approaches that reflect the diversity of the Sunshine Coast community

Learning made affordable

Australian residents living in NSW or QLD may be eligible to have all or part of their course fees subsidised using State Government funding schemes like Smart & Skilled (NSW) or Skills Assure (QLD).

Students who do not qualify for funding:

Start with a $200 deposit, then pay as little as $42.89 per week for 12 months.

Smart and Skilled (NSW)

Government-subsidised training for eligible NSW residents. It applies to courses on the NSW Skills List, from Certificate II to Advanced Diploma. Use the online fee-estimate tool to confirm eligibility and see your student fee.

Skills Assure (QLD)

Fully or partly subsidised training for Queenslanders is available under the Career Start and Career Boost programs. Complete a short questionnaire on the Skills Gateway website to check whether you qualify.

Train with the experts

Breakthru College is part of the Royal Rehab Group, a not-for-profit that works every day in the health and disability space.

So, when we teach, it’s based on real experience – not just theory. Our goal is simple: to help you build a rewarding career in care and support. With us, it’s not just about getting a qualification – it’s about learning the skills that make a real difference in people’s lives.

Awarded for excellence

We stand out as one of the few training providers officially recognised by the Department of Education as a High-Performing Provider.

This means we consistently deliver exceptional training outcomes, strong student support, and real-world job readiness. When you study with us, you’re choosing a provider with a proven record of success.

Focused on student success

At Breakthru College, we know that everyone learns differently. That’s why we tailor our approach to suit your learning style and pace, with one-on-one support whenever you need it.

Struggling with online learning or teach? We’ve got you covered. Our support team is here to help you stay focused, connected, and confident – every step of the way.

Led by industry experts

Our trainers are more than just educators – they’re experienced professionals who’ve worked in the field. They bring real-life insights, practical examples, and genuine passion to every class.

You won’t just learn the theory; you’ll gain practical knowledge that prepares you for the real world. Plus, they’re approachable and invested in your success from day one.

Loved by students

Students choose Breakthru College not just for the qualifications, but for the supportive, inclusive and welcoming environment we’re known for.

We treat every student as an individual, and create a space where you can feel comfortable, motivated and empowered. Many of our students return for further study or recommend us to friends – and that says everything.

Units

There are fifteen (15) units of competency to complete for the Certificate IV in Mental Health qualification, comprised of eleven (11) core units and four (4) elective units. A work placement of 80 hours is also required.
Code Title Core or Elective
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people Core
CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety Core
CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically Core
CHCMHS002 Establish self-directed recovery relationships Core
CHCMHS003 Provide recovery oriented mental health services Core
CHCMHS004 Work collaboratively with the care network and other services Core
CHCMHS005 Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues Core
CHCMHS007 Work effectively in trauma informed care Core
CHCMHS008 Promote and facilitate self-advocacy Core
CHCMHS011 Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing Core
HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety Core

 

Code Title Core or Elective
CHCCCS014 Provide brief interventions Elective
CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations Elective
CHCCCS020 Respond effectively to behaviours of concern Elective
CHCPRP001 Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnershipses Elective

Career opportunities

Mental health, disability, and community services are rapidly expanding on the Sunshine Coast, driven by population growth, increased NDIS participation, and greater community awareness. Local providers in areas such as Maroochydore, Caloundra, Noosa, and surrounding hinterland communities are seeking skilled, qualified staff to meet rising demand.

Completing the Certificate IV in Mental Health locally can help you secure stable, meaningful work close to home in a sector with long-term career opportunities.

Award-winning excellence

Focused on student success

In 2024, Breakthru College was honoured as Queensland’s Training Initiative of the Year for our Certificate III in Individual Support. We also received the NSW Trainer Excellence Award, recognising our dedication to quality education.

By studying with Breakthru College, you’ll gain access to our team of highly reputable and award-winning trainers just like Gil, who received the prestigious Ken Downie Award as part of the NSW Training Awards ceremony.

Study locations

Breakthru locations are dotted throughout Sydney and Regional NSW, Brisbane and Regional Queensland, as well as Melbourne. We’re here for you with a friendly smile and a helping hand.

Entry requirements

Australian residents may be eligible to have their Certificate III in Individual Support course fees subsidised using State Government funding schemes like Skills Assure (QLD).

You must demonstrate that you have the required level of Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills necessary to complete this course by undertaking a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment.

Learners will need to have a reasonable level of fitness as the role may involve a variety of physical tasks such as providing personal care, assisting clients with mobility and supporting clients with transfers. Learners may also be required to stand or walk for long periods of time.

To effectively participate in their studies, all online learners are required to have their own laptop / tablet installed with Microsoft Office or similar. Learners are also required to have access to a stable internet connection and a computer / laptop / tablet to participate in an online LLN assessment.

Breakthru College also has an option to provide physical copies of learning and assessment resources for face to face students.

Delivery and assessment

  • Face to face / virtual classroom (theory and practical sessions) – includes classroom-based delivery for knowledge and practical teaching in a simulated environment
  • Self-paced study (structured and mandatory) – students are required to undertake self-study to complete a range of structured activities such as reading, research, completing case studies, and quizzes to reinforce their learning.

  • Oral or Written Questions
  • Observation / Demonstration / Role-play
  • Report
  • Portfolio of Evidence
  • Case Study
  • Research
  • Journal / Log
  • Third Party Report

You will be required to complete a range of activities throughout the course depending on the requirements of each unit of competency. You will also be provided with the assessment and delivery plan at the commencement of your course which outlines the topics to be covered, duration, resources and due dates.

You are expected to allocate a minimum of 27 to 33 hours per week to undertake this qualification. This includes training, self-paced study, supervised and non-supervised assessment activities, and work placement requirements.

If you are an existing worker in the industry, you may with permission use your workplace for your work placement hours and assessment.

Students are strongly encouraged to contact a host organisation and arrange their work placement as early as possible. If you’re unable to secure your own work placement, please contact Breakthru College for assistance.

When applying for work placement, students may also be required to obtain several clearances before commencing at their host organisation. This may include:

  • National Police Certificate
  • Working with Children Check
  • NDIS Worker Screening Clearence
  • Vaccination record check
  • Code of Conduct check

Please speak with your work placement host organisation regarding specific screening requirements, as policies may vary.

Frequently asked questions

It takes between 6 – 12 months to complete most of our accredited qualifications. This depends on your ability to study the appropriate modules and complete your assessments.

All accredited qualifications also require 80 – 120 hours of work placement to be completed prior to graduation, which may take some time for students to complete.

You will not be charged any fees if you wish to withdraw your enrolment.

If you have previously withdrawn from one of our courses and wish to re-enrol, a $350 administration fee may be applied.

Once all of your enrolment information has been received, we generally process your enrolment and provide initial access to learning materials within 1 – 2 business days.

Yes, students may use their work experience as evidence of prior learning.

To do this, students must first enrol in a qualification and complete the

RPL Application Form attached to their Learner Handbook.

Note there is a $250 administration fee applied for each RPL unit.

The support and resources at Breakthru College were incredible. My teacher Ann is such a wealth of knowledge and always made herself available whenever I needed help. I now feel extremely fulfilled working in the industry and couldn’t be happier.

Leigh Brown

Townsville Graduate & Support Worker
Studying at Breakthru College was a great experience. The support and practical skills I learned helped me grow personally and professionally. The inclusive environment and dedicated staff gave me a really strong foundation for my future career!

Lachlan White

Certificate IV Graduate & Team Leader

Get in touch

If you’d like more information prior to enrolling, please get in touch using the form below.

Training news direct to your inbox
Get the latest information about upcoming courses, work placements and job opportunities with Breakthru College and our close partners.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Royal Rehab acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea, and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future and we extend our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples.
Copyright 2025 Breakthru Ltd operating as Breakthru College
ABN 18 097 919 607 | RTO #91512