Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice will have specialised knowledge in the field of mental health including:

• contemporary mental health theories and models of mental health care
• current mental health policy and service models and the impact of these on the lives of people with mental illness
• consumer and carer lived experience of mental illness and implications for mental health practice.

Work more effectively with people with a mental illness, their carers and family members with the tools found in this graduate certificate. You will access highly relevant courses based on the latest evidence-based research and collaboration with consumers, carers and mental health professionals.

You'll gain a thorough historical understanding of mental illness, epidemiology and relevant theoretical frameworks, which is vital for informing quality mental health practice. Policies and programs have an impact on people living with mental illness, and a wider perspective can help ensure more effective outcomes.

As a graduate, you will have the knowledge and skills to undertake mental health assessments and write care plans, engage in reflective and ethical decision making in complex mental health policy and practice areas. You will also be introduced to some commonly used counselling theories and approaches to assist individuals from diverse backgrounds to find new ways to lead fulfilling and satisfying lives.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Consumer, Carer, and Community Engagement in Mental Health
• Contemporary Mental Health Practice
• Understanding Mental Health : Theories and Practice 
• Applied Counselling 

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

To be eligible for the award of Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice (GCertMentHPrac), a student must acquire 40 credit points as prescribed below:

• gain 40 credit points for the prescribed core subjects.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $8,000

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

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21

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice, a student must have completed:

• a Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline; OR

• a relevant Certificate IV or Diploma VET/TAFE qualification and a minimum of one year full-time professional experience in the mental health, health, disability, rehabilitation or related human services fields; OR

• a minimum of three years full-time professional experience in the disability, rehabilitation, mental health, or related human services fields and can demonstrate ability to undertake graduate study through the provision of curriculum vitae and an employer's reference.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFLOR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) pathway is not accepted for this program.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University policy for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Postgraduate Programs Admission Policy

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.