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.
When support is lacking, the impacts can be devastating, often resulting in homelessness, loss of work, fractured relationships, and physical health decline.
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.
Prepare for a career that matters with hands-on mental health training from Breakthru College.
Breakthru College—part of the Royal Rehab Group, a trusted not-for-profit providing health and disability services—offers training that’s informed by real-life practice.
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.
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.
At Breakthru College, we know that no two learners are the same.
With tailored materials, personal support, and help with digital tools, our flexible approach helps you succeed in both online and campus learning.
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.
It’s not only the qualifications that attract students to Breakthru College—it’s the welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
At Breakthru College, we support each student’s growth with care and encouragement—and many show their trust by coming back or referring friends.
For those with empathy and compassion, mental health support offers a rewarding way to improve lives and build community wellbeing.
Whether you’re beginning your career or building on your experience, Breakthru College’s nationally recognised courses equip you for success 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.
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.
Gain practical skills and insight to support trauma-affected individuals with this expert-developed short course.
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.
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 NSW may be eligible to have all or part of their course fees subsidised using the Smart & Skilled State Government funding scheme.
Start with a $200 deposit, then pay as little as $42.89 per week for 12 months.
Online courses for learners in Taree are now open for enrolment.
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.
Both courses offer pathways into mental health support roles, but they differ in intent. The Certificate IV in Mental Health provides a structured approach to client care, while the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work centres on using personal experience to connect with and assist clients and carers.
Through supervised placements in mental health or care services, you’ll gain hands-on experience that helps bridge the gap between study and employment.
Finishing a course with Breakthru College can open the door to continued study, including diploma or bachelor-level qualifications.
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, Breakthru College is a registered training organisation that delivers mental health courses online. This flexible format allows you to study from anywhere, at your own pace, without needing to attend a training centre.
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.
Breakthru College offers mental health training that can lead to meaningful roles in a thriving field. Reach out today to see how we can assist with your career goals.