Certificate IV in Mental Health
Overview
This course equips learners with the skills, knowledge and professional judgement to support people experiencing mental illness or psychiatric disability across community, government and mental health settings.
Practitioners work within organisational guidelines to deliver recovery-oriented, person-centred programs and services that promote wellbeing, independence and social inclusion.
Please note that this course may be capped once the course reaches its maximum capacity.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Want to hear more about this course?
Join us at the Swinburne Study Expo to talk with your future teachers and tour the campus and facilities where you’ll be spending your time.
Your industry experience
Students must complete a 120-hour industry placement in mental health support settings, applying theoretical knowledge in practice while transitioning into the sector, building confidence and developing skills in areas such as recovery-oriented support, case coordination and client advocacy.
Swinburne provides guidance throughout the placement application process. Students must apply directly to host organisations, which will include interviews. Placement hours may include days, evenings, nights and weekends, and may involve travel depending on the placement location.
Topics you'll cover
- Mental health and mental illness
- Recovery-oriented practice and self-directed recovery
- Working with people with complex needs
- Social, emotional and physical wellbeing
- Communication skills for mental health support work
- Cultural safety and inclusive practice
- Self-advocacy and empowerment
- Workplace health and safety in mental health settings
Skills you’ll learn
- Building supportive recovery-focused relationships
- Promoting independence and wellbeing
- Working with people with alcohol and other drug issues
- Applying trauma-informed care principles
- Collaborating with care networks and services
- Working ethically, legally and safely in mental health settings
Your career opportunities
- Mental health outreach worker
- Recovery support worker
- Disability support worker
- Psychosocial support worker
- Residential support worker
- Community rehabilitation worker
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Professional accreditation
The Certificate IV in Mental Health is a nationally recognised and accredited qualification under the CHC Community Services Training Package.
Study Community Services at Swinburne
Have a passion to work in the community services industry? Put your learnings into practice with our Diploma of Community Services.
Admissions
Applicants for this course must be 18 years of age at the commencement of the course and meet the following entry criteria:
- satisfactory completion of Year 12 or equivalent
- ACSF Exit Level 3 (working at Level 2), in literacy and numeracy ACSF Exit Level 3 (working at Level 2), as determined by completion of literacy and numeracy testing via the Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) testing system as part of the application process.
Non school leavers without formal qualifications are welcome to apply.
Mandatory documentation
Students must have a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) prior to optional placement. We can accept a current Victorian volunteer or employee WWCC. Please apply now if you do not have one.
Students must have a valid National Police Check prior to placement. Please wait to apply for your Police Check. After you have commenced your course, Swinburne will supply you with a personalised link which offers a student discount.
If a candidate believes there would be a disclosable outcome on their Police Check, a confidential conversation will be required prior to enrolment to determine suitability for work within your selected qualification.
This will be assessed at the time of your application. To check your eligibility for this course, visit our entry requirements for international students page.
Other requirements
The following additional criteria for entry apply for this course:
- Students may be required to obtain a NDIS worker screening check prior to placement. Please wait to be advised if you require the NDIS worker screening check for your placement.
- Applicants will need to demonstrate literacy, numeracy and digital competencies.
- Students are required to have access to a computer with an internet connection, a microphone and a webcam.
Informed choices statement
View the Informed Choices statement, which provides information about the inherent requirements of community services, specifically the essential physical and behavioural abilities needed to perform assessment tasks, professional placements and progress to a career in this field. This information is intended to assist you to choose whether you can successfully participate in and complete a course.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the essential tasks that define a job and must be performed for successful execution. This course involves practical and physical demands, as well as behavioural abilities, required for assessments and placements in community services.
These skills are crucial for career progression in the field. The Inherent Requirements information helps applicants assess their ability to successfully participate in and complete the course.
You must be able to manage multiple demands with focus and composure, engage respectfully with clients and colleagues, and respond appropriately to feedback. Community services work often involves sensitive or confronting content, requiring resilience, objectivity and professional boundaries.
Clear communication is critical for supporting clients and coordinating services. Without it, client needs cannot be accurately identified, and interventions may fail. Community service workers interact with diverse individuals, families and professionals, requiring adaptable and respectful communication.
You must be able to:
- speak clearly and provide information promptly
- interpret and use non-verbal cues to enhance understanding
- build trust and rapport through effective communication
- adjust your style for different clients and contexts
- demonstrate empathy and respect in all interactions.
- Write clear case notes, court reports and budget reports.
- Accurately record and interpret numerical data for budgets and service planning.
- Perform basic maths (addition, subtraction, percentages, ratios) for funding and resource management.
- Read and understand client histories, legal documents and professional reports.
- Contribute to online client records and prepare professional documentation.
- Microsoft Word – create professional reports, case notes and documentation.
- Microsoft Excel – manage budgets, track data and analyse service outcomes.
- Microsoft Outlook – communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders.
- Online systems – update client records and collaborate across teams.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Certificate IV in Youth Work
-
Certificate IV in Community Services
Course structure
To be awarded the Certificate IV in Mental Health, students complete 15 units of competency, comprising 11 core units and 4 elective units, as well as a 120‑hour industry placement.
Swinburne provides guidance and support to assist students in identifying and securing a suitable placement opportunity.
The course is delivered using a blended learning approach, which includes face‑to‑face classes, online learning activities, and project‑based work to support different learning styles.
Assessment methods are varied and industry‑relevant and may include group work, simulated activities with actors, role plays, and written assessments.
From time to time, students may be required to attend other campuses to participate in events or course‑related activities.
While Swinburne makes every effort to support students with placement opportunities, placement availability is dependent on industry capacity and host organisation availability.
Delivery
Standard full-time and part-time delivery includes a combination of on-campus classes and supported work placement.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Work with diverse people
Core unit |
CHCDIV001 |
|
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
Core unit |
CHCDIV002 |
|
Work legally and ethically
Core unit |
CHCLEG001 |
|
Establish self-directed recovery relationships
Core unit |
CHCMHS002 |
|
Provide recovery oriented mental health services
Core unit |
CHCMHS003 |
|
Work collaboratively with the care network and other services
Core unit |
CHCMHS004 |
|
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
Core unit |
CHCMHS005 |
|
Work effectively in trauma informed care
Core unit |
CHCMHS007 |
|
Promote and facilitate self advocacy
Core unit |
CHCMHS008 |
|
Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
Core unit |
CHCMHS011 |
|
Participate in workplace health and safety
Core unit |
HLTWHS001 |
| Elective units | |
|
Recognise and respond to crisis situations
Elective unit |
CHCCCS019 |
|
Facilitate and review case management
Elective unit |
CHCCSM017 |
|
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
Elective unit |
CHCDFV001 |
|
Plan and conduct group activities
Elective unit |
CHCGRP002 |
Study requirements
Timetable
- Classes run Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 3:30pm, with approximately 20 hours over three days of on-campus attendance per week.
- Scheduled days depend on group allocation, and may vary according to the stage, with semester and terms breaks included in the timetable.
- Students must access online resources and attend on-campus classes to consolidate learning.
- Practical skills are taught and assessed in a simulated environment and on placement, where applicable.
- Students are expected to engage in approximately 10 hours per week of self-managed study outside of scheduled classes.
- Students may be required to attend other campuses from time to time for events and other course engagements.
- Students will be required to complete 120 hours of practical placement in stage 2 of the course.
Assessment
- Assessments occur throughout the course and include various methods such as quizzes, case studies, practical observations, group work, actor simulations, role plays and written assessments.
- Students must demonstrate required skills and knowledge by satisfactorily completing assessments at different points in the course.
2026 fees
Free TAFE eligible students
Full fee* ($AUD)
$12,260
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$3,560
2026 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2026 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Finances
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Concessions rates for vocational students
If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.
-
Study this course for free in 2026
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2026 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE initiative.
Free TAFE is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2026 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.