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Be part of the solution in mental health care

Looking for work that actually matters?

Mental health plays a vital role in every area of life — from how we work and connect with others, to our overall wellbeing. Sadly, nearly half of all Australian adults — around 7.3 million people — will experience mental health issues at some point in their lives.

The consequences can be serious, often leading to family breakdowns, job loss, self-harm, homelessness, and physical health complications.

With mental health services in growing demand, the need for skilled professionals has never been greater. In 2020, Australia had just over 62,000 registered mental health workers — far fewer than what’s needed to support our population.

A qualification in mental health from Breakthru College can equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to step into this critical field and make a real difference.

Expert mental health training with Breakthru College

As a part of the Royal Rehab Group—a respected not-for-profit organisation dedicated to health and disability services—Breakthru College delivers training grounded in real-world experience.

Our trainers bring extensive professional expertise, ensuring your education goes beyond theory to practical application. We don’t just provide a qualification; we support you in building a purposeful and impactful career in mental health care and support.

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

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

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.

Our mental health courses

A career in mental health support offers a meaningful opportunity for compassionate and empathetic individuals to positively impact lives and strengthen communities. Breakthru College’s nationally recognised courses deliver the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to build a successful career in the mental health sector, whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your existing career.

CHC43315

Certificate IV in Mental Health

This course is suitable as an introduction to the mental health sector and allows for mental health care work in a variety of community contexts such as residential services, clinical settings, and employment programs.

Course overview

Course duration
12 - 24 months
Work placement
80 hours (mandatory)
What you’ll learn:
  • Working with diverse people from all age groups and backgrounds
  • Providing recovery focused support and services
  • Supporting social, emotional and physical wellbeing
  • Managing co-existing diagnoses and conditions
  • Responding to behaviours of concern and crisis situations
Mental Health Courses Online
Mental Health Courses Australia
CHC43515

Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work

This course is suitable for individuals interested in the mental health sector who have a lived mental health experience, either directly or indirectly as a client or carer. Workers with this qualification generally support clients or carers in a variety of contexts such as government, community-managed, public, and private services. 

Course overview

Course duration
12 – 24 months
Work placement
80 hours (mandatory)
What you’ll learn:
  • Delivering trauma informed care
  • Facilitating client self-advocacy
  • Applying your lived experiences in a mental health setting
  • Working effectively with clients and carers as a mental health peer worker
  • Developing and maintaining collaborative relationships

Trauma Informed Care

Developed by industry experts, this short course will help you gain the necessary skills and understanding required to better support people that have experienced trauma.

Course overview

Course duration
3-hour workshop or self-paced online
What you’ll learn:
  • How to identify warning signs and take steps to avoid re-traumatisation.
  • How to communicate effectively with someone who has experienced trauma.
  • How to help develop strategies and plans to help those with trauma.
  • How to aid recovery with compassion and expertise.
  • How to help those with trauma navigate tasks and situations.
  • How to practice self-care techniques and avoid vicarious trauma.
Online Mental Health Courses
Courses in Mental Health

Mental Health First Aid

Learn how to assist individuals experiencing or at risk of poor mental health.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) develops strategies to provide initial support to adults who are developing a mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis.

Much like physical first aid, mental health first aid is given until the person receives professional help.

Course overview

Course duration
This two-day mental health course is delivered under the authority of Mental Health First Aid Australia, by MHFA accredited instructors.
What you’ll learn:

The qualification will support individuals in professions at risk of developing mental illness, enabling workplaces to develop practical, evidence-based action plans until appropriate professional help is received.

Mental health courses 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.

Regions we serve

At Breakthru College, we offer nationally recognised mental health courses online, making it easy for students across Australia to access quality education.

While our mental health courses are available nationwide, we have a strong focus on regions where demand for skilled professionals in disability, aged care and mental health continues to grow. We proudly support students in key areas including:

Your mental health training questions answered

Depending on which qualification you’re interested in, course length can vary. Nationally recognised accredited qualifications like a Certificate IV can take between 12 – 24 months to complete, depending on your mode of study.

Both qualifications prepare you for meaningful roles within the mental health sector, but they focus on different approaches.

The Certificate IV in Mental Health provides comprehensive knowledge and skills for supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

The Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work builds on the student’s own lived experience with mental health, offering additional tools and strategies to support clients and carers through shared understanding and empathy.

Work placements are a key part of our mental health courses. They give you the chance to put your learning into practice in real-world environments. Under professional supervision, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience working within care networks or mental health services, preparing you for a confident transition into your career before you graduate.

Completing one of Breakthru College’s courses may allow you to undertake further study, such as a diploma or bachelor-level qualification.

Students may be eligible to use their work experience as evidence of prior learning. To do this they 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.

Yes, Breakthru College is a registered training organisation that offers online mental health courses. This flexibility allows you to study at your own pace from any location and provides an alternative for those who prefer not to study in traditional, centre-based programs.

Subsidised training is available for eligible students. These include the Skills Assure Funding (QLD) and the Smart & Skilled Funding (NSW). Where funding is not available, we offer payment plan options including weekly, fortnightly, or monthly payment plans.

If you live in Queensland, you can visit the QLD Government website to check your eligibility.

NSW residents can visit the NSW Government Smart and Skilled page to check eligibility criteria.

Get in touch to start your career 

A mental health qualification with Breakthru College can open doors to new and rewarding opportunities in a growing sector. Contact us today to see how we can support your career advancement in mental health support.
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