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Mental Health Practitioners are qualified health professionals such as registered nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and clinical psychologists who have specialist skills (and training) in mental health management and support services. They carry out mental health assessments, care for people with issues such as bipolar or bulimia, and support people who are at high risk of suicide or self-harm.
As a Mental Health Practitioner you could be assessing the status of a long-term patient with a personality disorder, organising a group therapy session for patients with addiction issues, conducting a one-on-one counselling session with a patient who is showing signs of distress, helping parents understand the treatment plan of a child with severe anxiety, managing a crisis intervention after an attempted suicide, or just taking a self-care day to ensure your own health and wellbeing.
There are 13 courses available for people who want to become a Mental Health Practitioner. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
The Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315) is for students wanting to work or volunteer providing support to people affected by mental illness or have a psychiatric disability. Students complete 15 units which focus heavily on foundation interpersonal skills such as building relationships, working collaboratively, and working with diverse cultural groups. Additionally, students graduate with practical skills and knowledge in trauma informed care, drug and alcohol issues affecting mental health and staying safe at work. To graduate and receive the qualification, each student must complete at least 80 hours of relevant work. The Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315) is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package..
Average duration: 12 months.
A Diploma of Mental Health CHC53315 is perfect for students seeking careers as community services workers supporting people with mental health issues. Students learn about working collaboratively, maintaining personal safety, helping people affected by drugs and alcohol, facilitating recovery, as well as managing grief and trauma. The Diploma of Mental Health CHC53315 is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package..
The Diploma of Counselling is suitable for students seeking careers as counsellors working with clients on personal and psychological issues using established counselling modalities. Students graduate ready to work in supported counselling roles in established agencies rather than in independent practice. Students will learn about communication, micro-counselling and interviewing skills and how to draw on varied counselling therapies to assist clients..
Average duration: 24 months.
The Bachelor of Science (Psychology) delves into the factors that influence human thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This course covers key areas such as neuroscience, human development, and emotion, offering insights into how both genetic and environmental factors shape individuals. Students will study topics like perception, cognition, and psychological health, gaining an understanding of how personality differences emerge. This course also addresses psychological disorders and their treatments..
Average duration: 3 years.
The Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) delves into the scientific exploration of the human mind, emphasizing its influence on behaviour. It seeks to comprehend human emotions, actions, and adaptations, aiming to enhance psychological health. This course equips students with foundational knowledge for a professional psychologist role, touching on areas like behavioural bases, cognition, developmental psychology, and applied practices. It integrates core aspects of psychological history, statistics, and assessment methods, allowing a comprehensive understanding of the subject. .
There are no current salary figures for Australian Mental Health Practitioners. Increase your earning capacity by obtaining post-graduate qualifications in mental health and joining a professional association.
There are no clear employment figures for Mental Health Practitioners working in Australia at this time. They are employed by large hospitals and community health organisations, not-for-profits, mental health treatment facilities, and government agencies.
Mental Health Practitioners in Australia are also known as Authorised Mental Health Practitioners (AMHPs). To be appointed to this role, you must already be a qualified health professional with at least three (3) years of experience in mental health support.
We’ve listed the accepted professions below, along with the minimum qualifications, though we recommend checking our specialist pages for each occupation for the full training requirements.
If you are already a qualified health professional, to become an Authorised Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP), you will need to complete a specialist qualification in mental health such as the Diploma of Mental Health, Graduate Certificate in Applied Mental Health, Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice, or Master of Mental Health.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
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Here are some potential career pathways within counselling, mental health and psychology. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Counselling
Support Worker
$960 weekly pay
Art Therapist
$1,250 weekly pay
Counsellor
$1,450 weekly pay
Crisis Support Worker
Family Counsellor
$1,150 weekly pay
Grief Counsellor
$1,652 weekly pay
Life Coach
Marriage Counsellor
Mental Health Clinician
Mental Health Counsellor
$1,635 weekly pay
Mental Health Practitioner
$1,500 weekly pay
Mental Health Social Worker
$1,736 weekly pay
Mental Health Support Worker
Mental Health Worker
$1,440 weekly pay
Music Therapist
Psychotherapist
Rehabilitation Counsellor
Relationship Counsellor
Social Worker
Student Counsellor
Substance Abuse Counsellor
Youth Counsellor
Career Counsellor
$2,115 weekly pay
Crisis Counsellor
Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
$1,920 weekly pay
Guidance Counsellor
$2,307 weekly pay
Mental Health
Intake Worker
$1,350 weekly pay
Mental Health Advocate
Mental Health Case Manager
Mental Health Nurse
$1,540 weekly pay
Mental Health Specialist
$1,760 weekly pay
Peer Support Worker
Wellbeing Coordinator
Psychology
Behaviour Therapist
Family Therapist
Psychological Researcher
Academic Psychologist
Behaviour Support Specialist
$1,730 weekly pay
Behavioural Psychologist
$2,066 weekly pay
Child Psychologist
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Clinical Psychologist
Community Psychologist
Counselling Psychologist
Developmental Psychologist
EAP Psychologist
Educational Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Health Psychologist
Neuropsychologist
Occupational Psychologist
Organisational Psychologist
Psychologist
Registered Psychologist
Research Psychologist
School Psychologist
Social Psychologist