Be a positive force in the delivery 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.

Mental health struggles can have far-reaching effects — from family breakdowns and unemployment to self-harm and chronic health problems.

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.

Receive high-quality mental health training delivered by experts at Breakthru College.

As a member of the Royal Rehab Group, Breakthru College benefits from the organisation’s long-standing expertise in health and disability services, delivering practical, experience-based training.

Our trainers bring real-world experience to the classroom, ensuring your learning is practical, relevant, and career-focused. We go beyond delivering a qualification to help you build a meaningful career in mental health.

Awarded for excellence

Breakthru College is proud to be one of the few training providers 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 understand that each learner is unique.

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.

Led by industry experts

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

With real-world knowledge, practical guidance, and a passion for teaching, our trainers ensure you’re supported and workplace-ready from the very beginning.

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

Mental health support provides a purposeful career for those who want to help others and strengthen the fabric of their communities.

Breakthru College offers nationally recognised training designed to support both new and experienced professionals in the mental health field.

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 Penrith

Mental Health Course Penrith

CHC43515

Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work

If you have personal or carer experience with mental health, this course offers a pathway to roles in various support settings including government and community services.

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

Developed by industry experts, this short course equips you with the skills and knowledge to better support individuals affected by 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 Penrith

Mental Health Course near Penrith

Mental Health First Aid

Understand how to support people facing mental health difficulties. Mental Health First Aid training prepares you to offer immediate help to adults dealing with mental illness or crisis situations, bridging the gap until professional services take over.

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.

Mental health courses supported by government funding options.

Australian residents living in NSW may be eligible to have all or part of their course fees subsidised using the Smart & Skilled 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.

NSW Government

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.

FAQs about mental health courses

Depending on the qualification, course duration can vary. Accredited programs like a Certificate IV generally take 12–24 months to complete, depending on your study mode.

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.

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

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.

Breakthru College, a registered training organisation, offers online mental health qualifications, providing a flexible study option for those who prefer to learn remotely rather than on campus.

Students who meet eligibility requirements can receive subsidised training through Queensland’s Skills Assure or New South Wales’ Smart and Skilled programs. For those not covered, payment options are offered on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis.

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.

Contact us to move forward in your career.

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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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.
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