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CHC53315 | CRICOS: 096796J

Diploma of Mental Health

Upgrade your career in the community services or health industry with this advanced-level course that will qualify you to work in mental health in a broad range of settings.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Gold Coast
WAYS TO STUDY On campus International
LAST CHANCE TO APPLY Start date: 15 Jul 2025 Duration: 1 year View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$12,920
International

This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

$16,000
Eligibility calculator
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Course overview

Specialise in mental health with this advanced-level qualification. This course will give you the specialised skills and knowledge needed to work with people with complex needs in both community services and healthcare settings.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as welfare support workers is expected to grow strongly in the coming years. There's likely to be around 30,000 job openings in this occupational area over the next five years. 

This course will equip you to work with a diverse range of clients, run early intervention and health promotion programs, and research and apply evidence to your practice. You will also develop the skills required to advocate on behalf of people with complex coexisting mental health, drug, and alcohol issues. Our highly-experienced team of industry professionals will give you the one-on-one guidance needed to succeed in the industry.

Successful completion of this course will give you the essential skills you need to work as a mental health or alcohol and other drugs worker.

What can I do?

  • Mental Health Worker
  • Alcohol and Other Drugs Worker

Course outcome:

CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 5 elective units from the list below. You will also be required to undertake a minimum 160 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting. 

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCADV005
    Provide systems advocacy services
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCADV005
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to advocate and ensure that government, community and organisational systems broadly support and uphold human rights.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide systems advocacy services

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCDIV001
    Work with diverse people
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCDIV001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Work with diverse people

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCDIV002
    Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCDIV002
    Unit description :

    The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the workplace, model cultural safety in own work practice, and develop strategies to enhance cultural safety.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS002
    Establish self-directed recovery relationships
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS002
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote the principles of recovery oriented practice, and to establish and confirm self-directed recovery relationships with people with mental illness.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Establish self-directed recovery relationships

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS003
    Provide recovery oriented mental health services
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS003
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively in providing services to implement a range of strategies as part of recovery oriented service provision for people with mental illness.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide recovery oriented mental health services

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS004
    Work collaboratively with the care network and other services
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS004
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills knowledge required to work collaboratively with the care network and other potential services for a person with mental illness. This work provides a recovery oriented practice approach, involving a variety of health and community service professionals working collaboratively with the person and their care network.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Work collaboratively with the care network and other services

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS005
    Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS005
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess capacity to support people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues and to work collaboratively to provide support and facilitate links to other services.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS009
    Provide early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS009
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and conduct early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs focussing on mental health and wellbeing.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS010
    Implement recovery oriented approaches to complexity
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS010
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and respond to issues of complexity when supporting people living with mental illness and their care networks. The unit is based on a strengths-based approach and acknowledges that complexity is not a characteristic of an individual. Complexity may be impacted by a range of interactions between the worker, the organisation and the environmental context.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Implement recovery oriented approaches to complexity

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS011
    Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS011
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with individuals to assess, promote and review all aspects of wellbeing.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS012
    Provide support to develop wellness plans and advanced directives
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS012
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to support a person living with mental illness to develop recovery wellness plans and advanced directives. These plans outline the person's preferences and plans to maintain wellness and to direct actions and support strategies should they become unwell.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide support to develop wellness plans and advanced directives

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS013
    Implement trauma informed care
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS013
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote trauma informed care, and to develop strategies to address people's specific trauma needs. Trauma informed care involves providing services that are informed by the knowledge and understanding of the impact of trauma, in particular interpersonal violence and varying service practice to reduce the likelihood of re-traumatisation.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Implement trauma informed care

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCPOL003
    Research and apply evidence to practice
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCPOL003
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish the information need, gather information and critically analyse the information for relevance to own work.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Research and apply evidence to practice

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCPRP003
    Reflect on and improve own professional practice
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCPRP003
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Reflect on and improve own professional practice

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTWHS004
    Manage work health and safety
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTWHS004
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish, maintain and evaluate work health and safety (WHS) policies, procedures and programs in the relevant work area, according to WHS legislative requirements.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Manage work health and safety

Ways to study
Choose your study location

  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart

  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank
On campus with some online
27 Jan 2026
1 year
Full time 3 days per week
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

More Apply
demo

South Bank

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

27 Jan 2026
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 3 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Southport
On campus with some online
15 Jul 2025
1 year
Full time 2 days per week plus 2 x on campus practical blocks
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

More Apply
demo

Southport

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

15 Jul 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 2 days per week plus 2 x on campus practical blocks
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Choose your study location

  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Southport
On campus with some online
27 Jan 2026
1 year
Full time 3 days per week
  • International: $16,000

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

More Apply
demo

Southport

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

27 Jan 2026
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 3 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $16,000

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more


Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

As an international student at TAFE Queensland you will gain practical, hands-on experience in our purpose-built classrooms, laboratories and workshops with the same tools and equipment used in industry.

Studying with TAFE Queensland, an internationally recognised education provider, will give you the skills and knowledge to launch your career.

No matter where you are in your study journey, our team of international student support advisors can help you settle into life in Australia and provide support and assistance to help you throughout your studies.


As an international student you’ll study face-to-face in a classroom with other international and Australian students at one of our campus locations across Queensland, while enjoying the unique Australian landscape, culture, and lifestyle

You will be expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements. The number of hours of personal study required is dependent on your existing knowledge, skills and language needs.

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Diploma of Mental Health (CHC53315)

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Diploma of Mental Health

COURSE CODE: CHC53315
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more
VET Student Loan - $18,838 cap

The VET Student Loans program assists eligible students enrolled in approved courses to pay their tuition fees.  The Australian Government charges full fee-paying (non-subsidised) students a 20 per cent loan fee in addition to their tuition fees.  A VET Student Loan is a debt that must be repaid.

Learn more
International student payment

Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Convera Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Convera and Flywire both allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays.
Learn more

Entry requirements

Skills check

Domestic students
You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology. 

The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 4 in English, 4 in Maths and 4 in Digital Technology.

If you are applying for a VET Student Loan the required levels to meet academic eligibility, as outlined by Commonwealth guidelines, is Level 4 English and Maths.

Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.

Read the Skills Check FAQs.


Selection criteria

Domestic students
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to domestic students:

Due to the sensitive and complex nature of the course content (mental health, addictions, crisis help etc), it is highly recommended that students are aged 18 or over by the course commencement date. Students will also need to be self-motivated and have sound English skills.

International students
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to International students:

  • English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0) or equivalent – For a list of all English Language test accepted by TAFE Queensland International..
  • Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12.

Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland. International students who are under 18 years of age and are applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to have adequate welfare arrangements in place.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

Placement

If you are not currently employed or volunteering in industry, during your course you will be required to complete vocational placement so you can start practising your new skills in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland may be able to assist in arranging suitable placements.

Completing placement is compulsory, and you will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. You are required to complete 160 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
This course requires you to obtain a NDIS Worker Screening Check to be eligible to attend the vocational placement assessment component of your studies.

Prior to Placement, you will need to receive and provide evidence of the following checks:

  • You must complete your online NDIS Worker Screening Clearance application at this link - NDIS Worker Screening Unit (WSU), and nominate TAFE Queensland as your employer. There is no cost to students. TAFE Queensland will verify each student.
  • Students must also complete the NDIS Worker Orientation Online Modules (4 modules/approximately 90 minutes in total). Upon completion, students will need to provide their Certificate of Completion to both TAFE Queensland and their placement provider.
  • If you work with children on Placement, you will also need a Blue Card Working with Children Check. This is called Blue Card in Queensland or you will need the equivalent if you are completing your Placement outside of Queensland.
  • Please note: you can apply for both the NDIS Worker Screening Clearance and Blue Card by completing a combined application via the NDIS Worker Screening portal NDIS Worker Screening Unit (WSU).

If your check identifies that you have a criminal history, you may be disqualified from being eligible to undertake placement and assessment, which would affect your course outcomes. If you think this might impact you, please speak to the relevant Placement Coordinator for further information.

Please note: TAFE Queensland wishes to warn you, as a Blue Card applicant, that it is an offence for a disqualified person to sign a Blue Card application.  For further information regarding 'disqualified' persons, please contact Blue Card Services.

Vaccination requirements 
Vaccinations may be required by the owner or operator of the facility providing your placement.
These requirements will be provided to the student, prior to arrangements being made for the completion of vocational placement.

Important information

Those students who have a medical contraindication may be unable to complete the vocational placement component of their course. This means you may not be able to meet all of the requirements of your course and may not be able to graduate or receive your qualification.

Please note this program is comprised of units which include topics covering sensitive material and discussion (eg. mental health, substance misuse, trauma including family violence, suicide and self-harm).

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Apply through QTAC

You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland. Visit the QTAC website for campus locations.

For International students

International students can either apply directly through our TAFE Queensland International Application portal, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more

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