Course overview
Get a basic understanding of mental health and learn practical recovery-centred skills you can use as a Mental Health Support Worker, with Open Colleges’ online Certificate IV in Mental Health.
- Ideal for those just entering the sector or those with some experience in community services, this course will provide you with an introduction to mental health work.
- You will gain a broad understanding of mental health, and learn the practical skills to advocate for people and help them on the road toward recovery.
- Designed to ensure you’re job-ready when you graduate, this course includes a 120-hour work placement to help you develop your practical skills in a real community setting.
- This online mental health course will set you on the path towards a personally rewarding career in a stable industry helping people to live their best lives.
Job outcomes
- Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker
- Community Support Worker
- Mental Health Intake Officer
- Mental Health Outreach Worker
- Mental Health Rehabilitation Support Worker
Recognition

Study method
- Online
- Blended
- In-class
Duration study load
Maximum 18 months
Entry requirements
Education
There are no formal education entry requirements for this course.
Minimum age
You will need to be at least 18 years old.
Work placement
The course contains a minimum of 120 hours of work placement
You will need to undertake your work placement in an organisation involved in the delivery of mental health to clients. The workplace will need to be able to provide you with access to specialist equipment and resources.
Assessment
Case studies, Demonstrations, Multiple choice questions, Portfolio of evidence, Presentations, Short-answer questions, Workplace assessments, Written reports
Subjects
- Communicate with clients and co-workers
- Address communication needs
- Facilitate meetings
- Identify and respond to legal requirements
- Identify and meet ethical responsibilities
- Contribute to workplace improvements
- Work from a trauma informed care perspective
- Utilise self-care strategies
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of trauma informed care in services
- Prepare for assessment
- Analyse the person’s needs using a collaborative approach
- Determine appropriate services
- Complete reporting
- Evaluate assessment and referral processes
- Assess capacity to provide support to a person with co-existing mental health and AOD issues
- Work collaboratively to provide support services to address co-existing issues
- Facilitate links to further care
- Collaborate with the person to minimise risk
- Review and report on support provided
About Open Colleges
Open Colleges puts you at the centre of everything. As an institution, it measures its success in the success of its students. With more than 100 years of experience in distance learning, Open Colleges has the expertise in delivering education and training to individuals seeking to launch, change or accelerate their careers.
Open Colleges Australia focuses on meeting the specific needs of adult learners by delivering highly flexible, accessible and affordable learning opportunities. Its unique learning model provides you with ultimate control – to study anywhere, anytime and at your own pace. Its online campus – OpenSpace – provides you with access to learning resources, expert trainers and assessors, collaboration with other learners and a comprehensive range of support services. Open Colleges is the perfect solution for time-poor students with busy schedules, as it makes getting your qualification possible from wherever you are.
Open Colleges is a Registered Training Organization (RTO 90796)