Certificate IV in Mental Health
The Certificate IV in Mental Health aims to give students the knowledge, skills and values required to work as a professional in community mental health. Designed to ensure a balance between theory and practical learning, this course invites students to delve into topics such as mental health recovery and the promotion of ongoing wellbeing. The course is delivered via a blended delivery model, which includes live and interactive online tutorials, on-campus practicals and simulations, and industry placement. Swinburne, in response to current industry trends, is including the new Department of Education and Training Unit for Mental Health work in the NDIS (Psychosocial Disability).
This Free TAFE course is in high demand. Apply early for a better chance of securing your place in it. Otherwise, you may have to wait for the next intake.
Duration
6 months full time; approx. 9 months part-time. Wantirna and Hawthorn Campus: full-time Croydon Campus: part-time blended on-line and on-campus
Intakes
Croydon (March)
Hawthorn (February, March, July)
Wantirna (July) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time (day)
VTAC course code
- 3401010614 (fee type determined by provider)

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

VR, Mixed Reality and Simulated Scenarios – All In A Day’s Study
Ever imagined yourself holding up an augmented reality heart in class? Or using virtual reality to learn about the human skeleton? What about practising your skills on actors mimicking clients with mental health issues? It’s all in a day’s study when you choose a diploma or certificate in nursing, health or community services at Swinburne!

Study this course for free in 2023
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2023 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available if you are under 20 years old, or enrolling in a course at a higher level than you have completed before.
If you don't tick either of these boxes, you could still have a chance! There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
- Therapeutic communication and coaching skills to support and assist those in the mental health recovery/psychosocial disability process to achieve their goals
- Non-clinical mental health assessment and promotion of wellbeing
- Current trends, issues and recommendations post Mental Health Royal Commission
- Trauma informed care
- Support for alcohol and other drug users
- Crisis and risk management
- Implementing community-based activities focusing on mental health and group skills
- Mental Health Promotion
- Acknowledging and working with lived experience of mental health as best-practice
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Course structure
Units of study
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
Certificate IV Mental Health is a qualification for an industry where there is job growth, including within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The course prepares students for entry into the non-clinical mental health workforce with knowledge and skills in psychosocial disability, and, recovery and support work, which can be applied to many settings.
By completing three additional units, students can obtain a dual qualification with CHC43515 Mental Health Peer Work, which can support a career in the growing field of lived experience mental health peer work.
Both qualifications can also provide a pathway into further study and career development in alcohol and other drugs, youth work, community services, nursing, social science, psychology, counselling and health sciences.
Swinburne also offers complementary short courses to your Qualifications in:Aims and objectives
- Gain sufficient theoretical training and personal development in order to gain work readiness skills and employment
- Develop therapeutic communication and coaching skills
- Develop knowledge of current mental health and other legislation that affects the operations of services, including NDIS

Graduate skills
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Certificate IV in Mental HealthEstimated course fees for 2023* |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Course fee options | Full course fee | Skills First Government-subsidised place | Concession rate | Is this a Free TAFE course? |
Total Cost (GST Free) | $10,880 | $3,150 | $630 | Yes |
You could have your tuition fees covered thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Find out if you're eligible for a fee concession here.
If you are not granted a government subsidised place, the full course fee will apply. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 768.
Entry requirements
- Due to on-campus delivery requirements, students must provide evidence of COVID-19 vaccinations
- Applicants must have completed Year 12 or Certificate III
- Have a valid Working With Children Check (or be prepared to obtain this prior to placements)
- Have a valid National Police Check (or be prepared to obtain this prior to placements) *If a candidate believes there would be a disclosable issue on their National Police Check, a confidential conversation will be required prior to enrolment to determine suitability for work within the non-clinical mental health environment
- Particular placement organisations may require up-to-date evidence of immunisations, including COVID-19 vaccinations. If required, and you are not able to provide up-to-date evidence, you will not be able to attend that placement organisation. Additional immunisations may be required in response to any changes in Government policy, or the specific requirements of the organisation you attend for your placement. Further information will be provided at the commencement of the course
- Applicants must be 18 years of age at the time of placement
How to apply
Find out more
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059