Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice

The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice is an interdisciplinary award designed to equip health professionals to support people with mental health issues and their carers.

It is based on the Mental Health competencies in the National Standards for the Mental Health Workforce as part of the National Mental Health Strategy.

Students will be introduced to the mental health care system in Australia and the assessment skills and intervention strategies required to work effectively in the mental health field.

Course Aims

This course aims to equip students with knowledge about mental health assessment and interventions.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate an integrated understanding of the theoretical and clinical knowledge of mental health practice; critically understand evidence based principles of the common focused psychological strategies in mental health practice; critically understand and apply the principles of legal and ethical mental health practice and plan ways to work with consumers in complex situations, demonstrating respect for diversity and well-developed judgement; demonstrate an understanding of how to undertake an initial mental health and risk assessment session in a person-centred, competent, adaptable and professional manner in order to best meet the needs of the consumer; critically reflect on the importance of developing practice skills and the need for ongoing supervision and professional development; and demonstrate skills in the promotion of mental health and mental health practice to others.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Graduates of this course will have developed a broad body of knowledge of this topic including the underlying concepts and skills relevant to mental health clients. Graduates will have a global perspective of mental health practice that is culturally sensitive and they will have the capacity to understand the implications for clients. Communication Skills Graduates will use communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical concepts involved in building empathic relationships with clients based on the approaches studied in the course. Problem Solving Graduates will have an ability to review and consolidate knowledge and identify appropriate ways to support clients. Information Literacy Graduates will have the capacity to evaluate the sources and validity of information relevant to this topic and the ability to use information critically. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Graduates will understand and have the capacity to practice at the highest standards of ethical behaviour, including an understanding of ethical, social justice and equity responsibilities. Lifelong Learning Graduates will have the capacity to take responsibility and be accountable for learning and professional practice. Independence and Collaboration Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of effective, multi-disciplinary teamwork and knowledge of the skills necessary to operate effectively in a team.