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Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Study Method Online
Provider Victoria University Online
Start Date Jan, Mar, May, July, Aug, Oct
Victoria University Online

Save over 65% on course fees* with a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). Limited government-subsidised places are available for eligible students commencing in Study Period 6 (October 2026).

* Eligibility criteria apply. Subsidies apply to select units and vary by program.

Course overview

VU Online's Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health will give you a strong understanding of child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing. This graduate certificate features a contemporary curriculum designed by mental health experts.

This is the only university mental health qualification in Australia specifically designed to focus on engaging and working with children and adolescents. Upon completion, you can continue your studies to gain the Master of Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Who's It For?

This course is designed for professionals who want to gain mental health skills applicable in educational, community, therapeutic and clinical settings, particularly those seeking to engage with children, adolescents, families, carers and clinicians.

It is suitable for graduates from diverse backgrounds including education, psychology, social work, youth work and health sciences. Nursing registration is not required.

Job outcomes

  • Counsellors
  • Psychologists
  • Social workers
  • Youth workers
  • Child development specialists
  • Allied health professionals

Want to see more job outcomes and how your future could change?

What you'll learn

  • Key principles and approaches of mental health and recovery-oriented services for children and adolescents.
  • How to engage with and assess diverse children and adolescents experiencing mental ill-health.
  • Conducting responsible, safe and ethical risk assessments guided by relevant legislative frameworks.
  • Trauma-informed care principles and practice across diverse populations and age groups.
  • Understanding of common mental illnesses, contributing factors, and their impact on individuals, families and communities.
  • Legal and ethical frameworks guiding practice with people with mental illness.
  • Skills to build and maintain person-centred therapeutic relationships promoting recovery and resilience.
  • Culturally appropriate, family-focused, multidisciplinary and intersectoral mental health service delivery.

Study method

  • Online Online info icon
    Online delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
  • Blended Blended info icon
    Blended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
  • In-class In-class info icon
    In class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
  • Virtual Virtual info icon
    Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online

Duration study load

  • 8 months, part-time

  • 4 units (7 weeks each)

Delivery

This course is offered fully online through VU Online's award-winning postgraduate Block Model, winner of consecutive LearnX Live! Awards for 'Best Online Learning Model'. Instead of taking two or three units a semester, you study one unit at a time in six study periods per year.

You will be able to access your coursework, resources, assignment details and individual feedback from facilitators through the online learning environment, VU Collaborate. The platform supports chat with fellow students, research collaboration, and group tasks.

You will benefit from 1:1 academic support via phone, email or SMS, seven days a week and in the evenings, as well as a dedicated Student Success Advisor for non-academic matters throughout your course.

Entry requirements

  • Completed an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline such as Health Science, Social Work, Psychology, Medicine, Counselling, Criminal Justice, Youth Work or Education; OR
  • Completed an AQF Level 7 Bachelor in any discipline and at least 2 years of approved work experience.

Find out more about the entry requirements for this course

Course features

  • Award-winning VU Block Model® — winner of consecutive LearnX Live! Awards for 'Best Online Learning Model'.

  • Study one unit at a time for a focused, manageable learning experience.

  • 1:1 academic support via phone, email or SMS, seven days a week and in the evenings.

  • Dedicated Student Success Advisor for personalised non-academic support throughout your course.

  • The first university mental health qualification in Australia specifically designed to focus on engaging and working with children and adolescents.

Additional information

This graduate certificate will help you build a strong foundation in child and adolescent mental health so you can collaborate with children and adolescents, 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 across a range of educational, therapeutic, community and clinical settings.

The course is delivered by Victoria University (CRICOS Provider Code No. 00124K Melbourne; CRICOS Provider No. 02475D Sydney).

Subjects

The curriculum covers four units of seven weeks each, examining child and adolescent mental health principles, engagement and assessment strategies, trauma-informed care, and mental health foundations. The curriculum is contemporary and designed by leading mental health academics and practitioners.

Core Units
HNO6014Introduction to Child and Adolescent Mental Health
HNO6015Child and Adolescent Engagement and Assessment
HNO6012Effective Trauma-Informed Care
HNO6009Mental Health Foundations

Want more information about the subjects for this course?

Payment options

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying students with the cost of a university course. This Government loan scheme helps to pay for all or part of their tuition.

Find out more about the payment options for this course

About Victoria University Online

Internationally recognised as a leading university, Victoria University (VU) is ranked among the top two per cent of universities worldwide.

At VU Online, we make it easy to fit study around existing commitments including work, family and children. Our programs are delivered through VU Online’s postgraduate Block Model, winner of the LearnX Live! Award 2020 ‘Best Online Learning Model’.

Our postgraduate online Block Model is designed to be flexible, interactive and student-centred. Instead of taking two or three units a semester, you will study one unit at a time, offering you more flexibility than traditional on-campus degrees.

Our online learning platform is a virtual one-stop shop that helps you manage your study commitments 24/7. You will be able to access your coursework, resources, assignment details and individual feedback from facilitators, all in one place.

  • A genuine online learning community
  • Interactive, immersive learning – no exams or textbooks to purchase
  • Delivered by experienced academics and facilitators
  • 1:1 support via phone, email or SMS, seven days a week and in the evenings

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  • Start dates
  • Subjects
  • Study method
  • How to get help and contact information
  • Everything you need to know before enrolling!

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