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Take part in shaping the future of mental health care.
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Looking for work that actually matters?

How we feel, connect and function each day is deeply influenced by mental health — and nearly one in two Australian adults will experience mental health concerns during their life.

Left unaddressed, mental health issues can lead to serious outcomes like job loss, relationship breakdowns, homelessness, and physical illness.

As more Australians seek support, the shortage of mental health workers is a growing concern. In 2020, around only 62,000 qualified workers were registered nationwide — well below what’s required.

Prepare for a career that matters with hands-on mental health training from Breakthru College.

Access expert mental health training with Breakthru College.

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

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.

This recognition reflects our commitment to delivering quality training, dedicated student support, and practical job readiness. Choosing Breakthru College means choosing a trusted and proven provider.

Focused on student success

At Breakthru College, we understand that each learner is unique.

Our flexible, student-focused approach includes personalised support, tailored resources, and help with digital tools—so you can thrive whether you study online or on campus.

Led by industry experts

Our team of trainers draw on decades of real-world experience in aged care, disability, and healthcare.

They bring real-world insights, practical examples, and genuine passion to every session. You’ll gain workplace-ready knowledge from trainers who are supportive and committed to your success from day one.

Loved by students

Students come to Breakthru College for the credentials and stay for the genuine support and sense of belonging.

We foster a learning environment where every student feels supported and empowered. It’s no surprise many return or refer others to Breakthru College.

Our mental health courses

A career in mental health support is a meaningful path for compassionate individuals to make a real difference in people's lives and support stronger 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

Suitable for entry into the mental health field, this course opens pathways to roles in community contexts such as residential, clinical, and employment support settings.

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 Near Cairns

Mental Health Course Cairns

CHC43515

Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work

This course suits people with lived experience of mental health who are looking to work across diverse support contexts such as public, private, or community-managed 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

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

Mental Health Support Courses Cairns

Mental Health Course near Cairns

Mental Health First Aid

Gain the skills to assist individuals at risk of or experiencing poor mental health. Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to provide early support to adults developing mental illness or facing a mental health crisis, offering help until professional care is received.

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.

Reduced-cost mental health courses for eligible students.

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 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.

Online courses for learners in Cairns are now open for expressions of interest.

FAQs about mental health courses

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.

These two qualifications both prepare you for work in mental health, but with different focuses. The Certificate IV in Mental Health delivers a general skillset for providing care, while the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work is for people who want to use their own experiences to guide and support others.

Our mental health courses include practical placements where you’ll apply your knowledge in real service settings. With support from experienced professionals, you’ll build confidence and skills before stepping into the workforce.

Finishing a course with Breakthru College can open the door to continued study, including diploma or bachelor-level qualifications.

To have past experience recognised, students must enrol in a qualification and complete the RPL form included in the Learner Handbook. An administration fee of $250 applies to each unit.

As a registered training organisation, Breakthru College delivers online mental health courses that can be completed from any location, offering flexibility for students who don’t wish to study in a centre-based environment.

Eligible students may have access to subsidised training through programs such as Skills Assure Funding in Queensland and Smart and Skilled Funding in New South Wales. If subsidies don’t apply, flexible payment plans—weekly, fortnightly, or monthly—are available.

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.

Enquire now to advance your career in mental health.

Open the door to new career possibilities with a mental health qualification from Breakthru College. Get in touch to find out how we can help you move forward.

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