Personalised for LOCAL students.
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.
Personalised for INTERNATIONAL students.
International student means; you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.

Certificate IV in Mental Health

Free TAFE Code: CHC43315

Sorry, this course is not available for international students.

If you are a local student you may be eligible.

Switch to local student

To find a course that's available to international students, please visit the search page:

Go to search page

Overview

Campus
Campus
Duration

11 months full time / 18 months part time

Next Intake

February, March

Next Intake

February

Use a Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315 to improve the wellbeing of others

Embark on a career where you can make a difference and improve the lives of others. Mental health in Melbourne is a growing industry where qualified professionals are more in demand than ever, with job opportunities expected to grow by more than 20% in the next five years. With the Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315 you can commence a rewarding career where your in-demand skills can change lives.

Gain an understanding of the mind

Taught by our industry-experienced teachers, our Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315 provides specific knowledge and skills related to mental health issues. With a focus on recovery-oriented models and community programs, you’ll learn essential skills for the community mental health and psychosocial disability sector. Melbourne Polytechnic students have the opportunity to learn on the job with mental health courses. You’ll undertake work placement in the mental health services industry, under the guidance and supervision of professional healthcare practitioners and graduate job-ready.

Graduate ready to make a difference

A Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315 may see you employed in a range of contexts including community based non-government organisations, home/centre-based programs, respite and residential services, clinical and rehabilitations settings/programs or employment support. As a graduate of the Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315, you will be qualified to work in community-based support as a recovery-oriented mental health practitioner.

The additional unit Identify and provide initial response to family violence risk VU22510 is included in the Melbourne Polytechnic program in acknowledgement that the community service workforce is key to reporting and responding appropriately to domestic violence.

Career Pathways

Where will the Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315 take me?

A Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315 may see you employed in a range of contexts across the mental health field.

  • Recovery-Oriented Mental Health Practitioner
  • Mental Health Support Worker
  • Outreach Worker
  • Community Support Worker
  • Psychosocial Disability Support Worker
  • Mental Health Rehabilitation Support Worker

Study Pathways

Once you successfully complete this training you may apply for entry into the Diploma of Community Services CHC52021, or pursue further study in Mental Health.

Portrait of Cheryl Holian
Melbourne Polytechnic teachers feed us all of this knowledge, they’re packing lots of knowledge into us and I think I'm going to be successful, they do a great job.
Cheryl Holian
Allied Health Assistance Graduate

Course Details

Delivery methods

Placement details: Students are required to complete 80 hours in the workplace which can be undertaken over varied lengths of time, depending on learner’s commitments, previous workplace skills and knowledge and overall readiness for the workplace. This is undertaken at the end of the course delivery.

To obtain the Certificate IV in Mental Health students must successfully complete 15 units of study. Delivery will be blended (consisting of virtual classrooms via Zoom, online and some practical classes on campus). Additionally, delivery will include:

  • Practical work placement
  • Skills development activities in simulated work environments

How you will study

Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.

On-campus / Virtual classroom

A blend of both face-to-face and virtual learning with scheduled classes taking place on-campus and in virtual classrooms. Visit the How You'll Study page for more information.

Class Schedule

Preston (February) Full Time - Term 1 Wednesday to Friday. Term 2, 3 and 4 Wednesday to Friday with some Tuesdays. Times will vary from full days 9am – 4pm to half days 9am-12pm OR 1pm – 4pm.

Preston (March) Part Time - Monday full day 9am – 4pm

Assessment Methods

Assessment Methods: Students are assessed through written tasks, simulations and their 80 hour placement.

Units of Study

The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.

Code Subject Elective Hours
CHCCCS003 INCREASE THE SAFETY OF INDIVIDUALS AT RISK OF SUICIDE Elective 110
CHCCOM002 Use communication to build relationships Elective 55
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people Core 40
CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety Core 25
CHCLEG001 WORK LEGALLY AND ETHICALLY Core 55
CHCMHS001 WORK WITH PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES Elective 80
CHCMHS002 ESTABLISH SELF-DIRECTED RECOVERY RELATIONSHIPS Core 60
CHCMHS003 PROVIDE RECOVERY ORIENTED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Core 60
CHCMHS004 WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE CARE NETWORK AND OTHER SERVICES Core 75
CHCMHS005 PROVIDE SERVICES TO PEOPLE WITH CO-EXISTING MENTAL HEALTH AND ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS ISSUES Core 90
CHCMHS007 Work effectively in trauma informed care Core 40
CHCMHS008 PROMOTE AND FACILITATE SELF-ADVOCACY Core 50
CHCMHS011 ASSESS AND PROMOTE SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL WELLBEING Core 80
CHCPRP001 Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships Elective 80
HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety Core 20

Attend an Information Session

Our information sessions will give you an in-depth look at your chosen area of study and answer your questions about your course.

Fees & Costs

Tuition Fees
Free TAFE Concession Government subsidised fee Non-subsidised fee
Tuition fee $0 $900 $4500 $14400
Maximum annual amenities $250 $175 $250 $250
Total payable $250 $1075 $4750 $14650
Per year $0
Per semester $0

The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.

Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.

Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.

Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1st of November. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.

After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.

For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.

Fees explained

The State Government’s Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative covers the cost of tuition (excluding Amenities Fees and Materials Fees) for students who are eligible for government subsidised training and enrol into one of the Priority listed course.

Free TAFE is available to eligible students for one course enrolment in a lifetime.

Free TAFE places are limited. Please call 1300 635 276 and we can advise you whether Free TAFE places are still available.

Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative covers the cost of tuition fees for students who are eligible. Materials and amenities may still apply.

The Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative will pay your tuition fees for only one course. Once you have commenced in a tuition-free priority course, you are not eligible for further tuition-free places again, even if you do not finish your first tuition-free priority course.

Check your eligibility

The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment. 

Check your eligibility here.

The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.

Check your eligibility here.

Concession fees are charged at 20 per cent of the standard fees for enrolments in Certificate I to IV courses. To be eligible students must meet Skills First eligibility criteria and present a valid:

  • Commonwealth Health Care card, or
  • Pensioner Concession card, or
  • Any dependent spouse or dependent child of one of the above cardholders, or
  • Veterans Gold card.

The following groups are eligible for concession fees from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma level:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
  • Asylum Seekers and victims of human trafficking

Additional expenses

The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at forty cents (40 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:

  • $250 for full fee-paying students; and
  • $175 for concession-paying students studying Certificate I, II, III, or IV.

Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.

Work books and class materials are supplied.

Courses in health services at Melbourne Polytechnic

Certificate III in Pathology Collection HLT37215
Human Services - Full Time - Preston
Human Services - Full Time - Preston
Become an important player in the health sector. Our Certificate III in Pathology Collection HLT37215 will prepare you for a career as a Pathology Collector. Learn current practice for pathology collection, while building the communication skills you need to work effectively with the public.
Certificate IV in Disability - Traineeship CHC43115
Human Services - Full Time, Part Time, Traineeship - Online, Workplace and Industry, Greensborough
Free Tafe Human Services - Full Time, Part Time, Traineeship - Online, Workplace and Industry, Greensborough
This course has been superseded and is in transition. Trainees will be provided with details of the transition to the current qualification during the traineeship.
Course in Identifying, Reporting and Preventing Abuse and/or Grooming of People With Disabilities 22530VIC
Human Services - Part Time - Online, Workplace and Industry
Human Services - Part Time - Online, Workplace and Industry
Short course targeted to those who work with people with disabilities, including people with psychosocial disability.
Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance HLT43021
Human Services - Part Time - Preston
Free Tafe Human Services - Part Time - Preston
Considering working in health and community? Our Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance HLT43021 covers treatment plans, therapeutic interventions and how to conduct programs under the supervision of a specialised allied health professional. Note: Some practical classes may be delivered at Greensborough campus.
Certificate III in Individual Support - Ageing and Disability (Traineeship) CHC33021
Human Services - Full Time, Part Time, Traineeship - Workplace and Industry
Free Tafe Human Services - Full Time, Part Time, Traineeship - Workplace and Industry
Trainees will be provided with details of the transition to the current qualification during the traineeship.

Requirements

  • You must have already received three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (or have an exemption) to be able to work and undertake placement in a healthcare setting. See coronavirus.vic.gov.au for recommended vaccination doses.
  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • Attend a course information session
  • Attend a course interview session
  • Undertake the required language, literacy and numeracy assessment
  • A Working With Children’s Check
  • A clear Police Check

Prior to attending an interview for the CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health, please access and read the following document from the Australian Government:

Next Steps

It is recommended you attend an information session.

Following attending an information session or receiving course information you must attend a group interview session.

After the selection interview, successful applicants will be provided with a Letter of Offer for their course. The letter will include information for completing the enrolment process.

It is a mandatory government requirement for all prospective students to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment. Once you are ready to enrol, you will be invited to attend our Skills and Job Centre, or come to campus to complete your enrolment in person.

For Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, you may be eligible for a VET Student Loan. Read more about them here.

If you need assistance with your application and the next steps, you can contact one of our Education and Course Advisors on 1300 635 276 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.

A teacher wearing a Melbourne Polytechnic lanyard, teaching students outdoors. An overlay text reads "Victorian Training Awards - Winner, Large Training Provider of the Year 2024"

We're Victoria's Large Training Provider of the Year

Study with Melbourne Polytechnic, proud winner of Victoria’s 2024 Large Training Provider of the Year! Recognised for our innovative programs, industry partnerships and commitment to student success, we’re here to help you build the skills for a thriving future.

Recognising Organisations

Nationally Recognised Training

Nationally Recognised Training This course is government accredited and has national recognition.

You are currently looking at information for local students

Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.