Graduate Certificate in Mental Health

What you will study

To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate in Mental Health, students must complete a total of 60 credit points across one year. Each subject is valued at 15 credit points otherwise indicated.

Core subjects

• Academic Integrity Module (0 credit points)
• Comprehensive Mental Health Assessment
• Experiences And Perceptions Of Mental Illness
• Mental Health Diagnosis
• Therapeutic Skills

Entry requirements

• Applicants must be registered as practitioners with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• Be a member of a profession where mental health skills can be utilised and membership of a professional association is current.
• Working as a professional with demonstrated evidence of applying mental health skills is incorporated into their role via CV and supporting letter.
• Successfully complete an Australian bachelor's degree in a health-related field (or equivalent).

As you know, meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee a place offer. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and limited places may be available.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Credit for prior study recognises previous educational experiences that can count toward a qualification. This may reduce the subjects you must complete to finish your course. The amount of credit granted depends on the relevance and level of your past study and the number of subjects you have completed. For more details, please get in touch with the university.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

This graduate certificate will prepare you for clinical practice working with individuals with concomitant mental health concerns, as well as mental health roles in government, major private and public hospitals, research centres and health clinics, including:

• Mental Health Clinician
• Mental Health Nurse

Learning outcomes

• Apply advanced knowledge and skills to contribute to informed clinical judgements in mental health practice.
• Utilise problem-solving, planning and evaluation skills to inform clinical practice.
• Communicate sensitively about mental health issues with colleagues, people accessing mental health services and the public in professional and social contexts by professional ethical standards.
• Perform independently and as a team member in various situations within mental health settings per professional ethical standards.
• Recognise ongoing learning needs and use effective learning strategies for professional practice.
• Undertake effective reflective practice independently and as a team member in multidisciplinary work environments.

Fees and CSP

Estimated fees in 2025: $2,314 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

Estimated fees in 2025: $13,500 (domestic full-fee paying place)

The estimated fees are based on a standard full-time study load of 60 credit points.

A student’s annual fee may vary by:

• The number of subjects studied.
• Choice of courses.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Could you contact the university directly to confirm?

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you only need to pay some of your tuition fees. The student contribution amount is the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

• Calculated per the courses you're enrolled in.
• Depending on the study areas they relate to.
• Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.