Victoria University
Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months
Understand young minds and strengthen mental health support through 100% online study that builds specialised knowledge of recovery-oriented practice, trauma-informed care and safe, age-appropriate engagement and assessment.
Course overview
Child and adolescent mental health practice spans complex family, social and educational environments. The 100% online Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health is designed for professionals seeking specialised knowledge to engage with young people, their families, carers, educators and communities across educational, therapeutic, community and clinical settings.
You will explore common mental health presentations, recovery-oriented services and the factors that influence mental health and wellbeing. The curriculum connects culturally appropriate, family-focused practice with ethical risk assessment, age-appropriate biopsychosocial assessment and trauma-informed care. You will also consider the legal and ethical frameworks that shape safe, person-centred and multidisciplinary practice.
Delivered through VU Online’s Block Model, the course lets you focus on one seven-week unit at a time, with no requirement to be online at set times. Academic support is available seven days a week and in the evenings. It is Australia’s only university mental health qualification specifically designed around engaging and working with children and adolescents and provides a pathway into the Master of Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
Key facts
What you will study
Students must complete the following four units:
- Introduction to Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Child and Adolescent Engagement and Assessment
- Effective Trauma-Informed Care
- Mental Health Foundations
Entry requirements
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Completed an AQF Level 7 Bachelor's degree in a cognate discipline such as Health Science, Social Work, Psychology, Medicine, Counselling, Criminal Justice, Youth Work or Education.
- Completed an AQF Level 7 Bachelor's in any discipline and at least two years of approved work experience.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
This graduate certificate will help you build a strong foundation in child and adolescent mental health so you can collaborate with them, their families, carers, educators and communities to deliver better mental health outcomes. You can apply your skills in evidence-based assessment and intervention approaches in child and adolescent mental health to a range of educational, therapeutic, community and clinical settings.
Upon completion, you can continue studying and gain your Master of Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Total cost for four units in 2026: $11,480 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of four units per year.
Student annual fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
Student Testimonials
Amanda Frape
I am receiving a lot of support from my facilitators and my Student Success Advisor, who boosts my confidence and self-esteem.
Emma Longuet
The flexibility, relevance and opportunity that VU Online brings to higher education are testaments to excellence in teaching and learning.
Maxwell Gratton
It was personally satisfying to connect and collaborate with a range of industry professionals. Many have become valuable work contacts, some even lifelong friends and career mentors.
