Mental health affects every part of life — from our work and relationships to our overall wellbeing. Sadly, nearly half of Australian adults will face mental health challenges at some stage.
When support is lacking, the impacts can be devastating, often resulting in homelessness, loss of work, fractured relationships, and physical health decline.
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.
Gain the tools to support others and build a purposeful future with a mental health qualification from 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.
Learn from professionals with extensive sector experience who bring practical insight to every lesson. We support you not just in gaining a qualification, but in shaping a career that makes a real impact.
Breakthru College is proud to hold official recognition from the Department of Education as a High-Performing Provider.
Our status reflects our dedication to excellent training, strong student outcomes, and career readiness. With Breakthru College, you’re backed by a provider known for results.
At Breakthru College, we believe every learner is different.
We offer a flexible, learner-centred approach with customised resources and digital support—helping you build confidence and skills for online or on-campus study.
Our team of trainers draw on decades of real-world experience in aged care, disability, and healthcare.
Each session is enriched with real-world insight, hands-on examples, and a deep passion for the field. Our trainers go beyond theory, equipping you with practical skills and ongoing support.
Breakthru College is known for more than qualifications; students value our inclusive and encouraging environment.
Each student is valued as an individual, with a supportive space that encourages growth and confidence. Many go on to study with us again or recommend us to others.
Working in mental health support allows caring individuals to create lasting impact in people’s lives and contribute to healthier, more connected communities.
Breakthru College’s nationally recognised courses provide the knowledge and skills to start or advance a career in the mental health sector.
Designed for those entering the sector, this course supports mental health care work in residential, clinical, and employment program settings.
Designed for individuals with direct or indirect experience of mental health, this course prepares you to support others in a range of service environments.
Developed by industry experts, this short course equips you with the skills and knowledge to better support individuals affected by trauma.
This course teaches you how to assist those experiencing or at risk of poor mental health. Through Mental Health First Aid, you’ll learn to provide initial support to adults facing mental illness or crisis, much like physical first aid, until professional help is available.
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.
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.
Start with a $200 deposit, then pay as little as $42.89 per week for 12 months.
Gain access to diverse career paths with our mental health courses, spanning community non-government organisations, respite services, rehab programs, and outreach work.
The mental health sector provides a wide range of career options to match your personal goals and interests.
You may pursue roles such as:
Express your interest today in studying our online courses from Cairns.
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.
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.
Students with relevant experience may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning by enrolling in a course and submitting the RPL form from their Learner Handbook. A $250 fee applies per 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.
Subsidy schemes like Skills Assure (QLD) and Smart and Skilled (NSW) are available for eligible learners. If funding isn't available, students can choose from a range of payment plans, including weekly, fortnightly, or monthly instalments.
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.
Gain a recognised mental health qualification with Breakthru College and unlock new pathways in your career. Contact us to learn how we can support your next step.
