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From relationships to wellbeing, mental health shapes how we live. Yet, almost half of all Australian adults — around 7.3 million people — will experience mental health struggles in their lifetime.

The consequences can be significant, including family breakdowns, job loss, self-harm, homelessness, and physical health issues.

With demand for mental health services rising, there’s an urgent need for more trained professionals. In 2020, Australia had just over 62,000 registered mental health workers — not enough to meet the growing needs of our communities.

Gain the tools to support others and build a purposeful future with a mental health qualification from Breakthru College.

Access expert mental health training with Breakthru College.

Breakthru College—proudly part of the Royal Rehab Group—delivers training shaped by the organisation’s real-world leadership in health and disability care.

Our experienced trainers ensure your education combines theory with real-world application. At Breakthru College, we’re committed to helping you create a purposeful career in mental health care.

Awarded for excellence

Breakthru College is officially recognised by the Department of Education as a High-Performing Provider.

It’s a recognition of our focus on high-quality education, student support, and preparing graduates for real-world roles. Breakthru College offers a track record you can rely on.

Focused on student success

At Breakthru College, we respect that everyone learns differently.

Our student-focused, flexible approach provides personalised support and digital guidance—so you can build skills and confidence studying both online or on campus.

Led by industry experts

Our trainers bring decades of professional experience in the aged care, disability, and healthcare sectors.

You’ll learn from passionate professionals who offer real examples, practical insight, and a commitment to your success from the start. It’s learning that goes beyond the classroom.

Loved by students

It’s not only the qualifications that attract students to Breakthru College—it’s the welcoming and supportive atmosphere.

We value every student as an individual and create an environment that builds confidence, inspiration, and growth. Many return for further study or refer others—proof of the impact we make.

Our mental health courses

Working in mental health support allows caring individuals to create lasting impact in people’s lives and contribute to healthier, more connected communities.

Our nationally recognised courses give you the practical skills and knowledge needed for a fulfilling role in mental health—at any stage of your career.

CHC43315

Certificate IV in Mental Health

Designed for those entering the sector, this course supports mental health care work in residential, clinical, and employment program settings.

Course overview

Duration
Course duration
12 - 24 months
Work placement
Work placement
80 hours (mandatory)
What you’ll learn
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 Near Atherton

Mental Health Course Atherton

CHC43515

Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work

This course is ideal for those with lived mental health experience—either personally or as a carer—who want to work in the sector across government, community, public, or private settings.

Course overview

Duration
Course duration
12 – 24 months
Work placement
Work placement
80 hours (mandatory)
What you’ll learn
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

Created by industry experts, this course gives you the tools to effectively support people with lived experiences of trauma.

Course overview

Duration
Course duration
3-hour workshop or self-paced online
What you’ll learn
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.

Mental Health Support Courses Atherton

Mental Health Course near Atherton

Mental Health First Aid

Learn to recognise and respond to mental health challenges. Mental Health First Aid gives you the tools to offer early assistance to adults experiencing a mental illness or mental health crisis, supporting them until they can access professional care.

Course overview

Duration
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
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.

Study mental health with access to government-funded support.

Australian residents living in QLD may be eligible to have all or part of their course fees subsidised using the Skills Assure State Government funding scheme.

Students who do not qualify for funding:

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

Skills Asure

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

Breakthru College provides flexible online mental health training, helping you balance study with daily life no matter where you are in NSW or QLD.

Expressions of interest for upcoming online courses accessible in Atherton are now open.

FAQs

Course length depends on the qualification you choose. Certificate IV courses typically take between 12 and 24 months, based on whether you study full-time or part-time.

Each qualification leads to valuable roles in mental health, but they are built on distinct foundations. The Certificate IV in Mental Health offers broad-based training to support individuals facing mental health difficulties, while the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work is designed for those with lived experience who wish to assist others through empathy and shared understanding.

Placement is an essential part of your training, giving you the opportunity to work within professional support settings and prepare for a smooth move into your chosen career.

After completing a course at Breakthru College, you may be eligible to pursue further study at diploma or degree level.

Eligible students can use their prior experience as part of the RPL process by enrolling and submitting the required form found in the Learner Handbook. A $250 fee is charged for every unit assessed.

Yes, as a registered training organisation, Breakthru College provides mental health training online, allowing students to study at their own pace and from any location as an alternative to in-person learning.

Breakthru College offers access to subsidised training for eligible students via Skills Assure in Queensland and Smart and Skilled in New South Wales. Where subsidies aren’t available, students can pay through flexible instalment 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.

Reach out today to take the next step in your professional journey.

A mental health qualification with Breakthru College can lead to rewarding opportunities in a growing sector. Contact us today to explore how we can support your career journey.

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