Mental health training providers in Queensland
Access the courses, training and support you need to start or upskill your career.
Find the right mental health course for you
Queensland offers an abundance of mental health training choices. No matter if you’re new to the field or looking to add new skills, there are courses to fit your needs.
Training providers offer options for all learning styles and schedules, including online learning, part-time programs and regular classes. With so many options, you can find the right training to start or elevate your career in Queensland’s mental health sector.
Types of training
Mental health training is available through various avenues, catering to different levels of expertise and professional backgrounds.
These are just a few examples of the types of mental health training available.
The specific training options and requirements may vary depending on factors such as professional discipline, regulatory standards, and individual career goals.
Tertiary education programs
Universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in psychology, counselling, social work, psychiatric nursing and other related fields. These programs provide comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical training in mental health assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
Professional development workshops and courses
Many organisations, including government agencies, non-profits, and private training providers, offer workshops and short courses on specific topics within mental health, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, suicide prevention and mindfulness-based interventions.
Clinical supervision
Mental health professionals often engage in clinical supervision to enhance their clinical skills and receive guidance on complex cases. Supervision can be one-on-one or in group settings and is typically facilitated by experienced practitioners or qualified supervisors.
Online training programs
With the increasing popularity of online learning, there are numerous platforms offering mental health courses and certifications. These programs cover a wide range of topics and are accessible to individuals regardless of their location.
Peer support and consumer-led training
Peer support workers with lived experience of mental illness often provide training and support to others navigating similar challenges. These programs emphasise empowerment, recovery and self-management strategies.
Cultural competency training
Given Australia’s diverse population, there is a growing emphasis on cultural competency training for mental health professionals. These programs aim to enhance practitioners’ understanding of cultural differences, beliefs and practices to provide more culturally sensitive care.
Clinical internships and placements
Students and recent graduates in mental health-related disciplines may participate in clinical internships or placements to gain hands-on experience under the supervision of qualified practitioners. These placements often occur in hospitals, community mental health centres, or private practices.
Continuing professional development (CPD)
Mental health professionals are required to engage in ongoing CPD to maintain their registration and stay updated on the latest research, best practices and ethical guidelines in the field. CPD activities may include attending conferences, participating in webinars, or completing self-directed learning modules.
Other course providers in mental health in Queensland
In Queensland, several non-university course providers offer mental health training and education.
Before enrolling in any course, ensure that it meets your specific needs and requirements, and check for accreditation or recognition within the mental health field.
Here are a few options you might want to consider:
TAFE institutions often offer courses in community services and mental health.
TAFE Queensland offers a range of courses in mental health from certificate level to Diploma. They have some specific courses in the growing area of mental health peer work.
Currently, TAFE Queensland is offering two fee-free courses for eligible students in Mental Health:
1) Certificate IV in Mental Health and
2) Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work
AIPC offers a Diploma of Counselling and several other related courses that cover mental health topics. They have both online and in-person options.
Visit the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)
ACAP offers courses in counselling and psychology, including diplomas and bachelors degrees. They have campuses in Brisbane and online options.
Visit the Australian College of Applied Professionals (ACAP)
Open Colleges provide online courses in mental health, counselling and community services. They offer flexibility and self-paced learning options.
AIHW offers various short courses and workshops in mental health first aid and related topics. They often collaborate with community organisations to provide training.
While not a traditional course provider, Mental Health First Aid Australia offers training programs and certifications in mental health first aid. They have a network of accredited instructors who conduct training sessions across Queensland.
This is a Queensland Health-based training provider offering a range of core mental health, alcohol and other drugs education programs for mental health professionals. Non-Queensland Health staff can access their programs for a fee. The centre offers eLearning, face-to-face and hybrid training courses.
Insight is a specialist training provider of alcohol and other drug training, education, clinical resources and practice advice for workers and services. Based in Brisbane, this is a Queensland Health program that aims to provide training and professional development for specialist alcohol and drug and mental health practitioners across government, non-government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sectors, as well as private service providers. They offer face-to-face and virtual classroom training, eLearning modules, weekly webinars and other resources.
In collaboration with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) eMHPrac has compiled a directory of Australian evidence-based, free (or low cost) publicly funded digital mental health resources for health professions.
The institute offers evidence-based training and webinars for health professionals looking to expand their knowledge and skills in mental health.
This program aims to build the capacity of Australia’s mental health and related workforces. It has free resources such as an online learning portal, microlearning, communities of practice, research and more.
Visit the Mental Health Professional Online Development Program (MHPOD)
The foundation offers training and education programs for health professionals, support workers, and the broader workforce to increase their understanding of and awareness of childhood trauma. They offer workshops, webinars and resources.
The foundation offers training and education programs for health professionals, support workers, and the broader workforce to increase their understanding of and awareness of childhood trauma. They offer workshops, webinars and resources.
Provides online and bespoke evidence-informed training for individuals and organisations for and above Lived Experience workforces.
Upskilling training providers in Queensland
Did you know that beyond your initial training, there are a number of ways you can upskill your career in mental health? Discover upskilling opportunities today and elevate your skills while enriching your career experience.