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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.

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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.

Universities in Queensland

Several universities in Queensland, offer courses in mental health across various disciplines. Here are some notable ones:

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The University of Queensland (UQ)

UQ offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in psychology, counselling, social work, nursing and public health, all of which include components related to mental health.
The School of Psychology at UQ is particularly renowned for its excellence in research and teaching in areas such as clinical psychology, neuropsychology, and organisational psychology.

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Griffith University

Griffith University provides undergraduate and postgraduate courses in psychology, counselling, social work, nursing and public health, with a focus on mental health.

The School of Applied Psychology at Griffith University offers specialised programs in clinical psychology, forensic psychology, and organisational psychology, which include clinical placements and practical training.

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Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

QUT offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in psychology, counselling, social work, nursing and public health, with a strong emphasis on mental health education and research.

The School of Psychology and Counseling at QUT provides programs accredited by the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC), preparing students for professional practice in psychology and counselling.

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James Cook University (JCU)

JCU offers programs in psychology, counselling, nursing and public health, with a focus on mental health promotion and intervention in rural and remote communities.

The College of Healthcare Sciences at JCU offers specialised courses in clinical psychology, tropical mental health, and Indigenous mental health, addressing the unique challenges and needs of diverse populations.

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University of Southern Queensland (USQ)

USQ provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs in psychology, counselling, social work, nursing and human services, with an emphasis on mental health assessment and intervention.

The School of Psychology and Counseling at USQ offers flexible online learning options, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments.

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Southern Cross University (SCU)

SCU provides courses within mental health and the wider wellbeing sector at Bachelor levels, such as Bachelor degrees in Counselling, Social work, and Community Welfare, as well as postgraduate courses at Certificate, Diploma and Master levels in mental health specific programs such as Mental Health Nursing, Masters of Mental Health. 

Health and Human Sciences offers flexible online learning options, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments.

Face-to-face learning is run from either their Gold Coast or Lismore campuses.

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Central Queensland University (CQU)

CQU provides courses within mental health and the wider wellbeing sector, from short courses to micro-credentials to undergraduate and postgraduate levels. 

CQU offers over 27 courses in mental health with a mixture of online, hybrid and face-to-face learning options.

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University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC)

UniSC provides courses within mental health and the wider well-being sector at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

UniSC has a number of courses combining mental health with neuroscience in partnership with UniSc’s Thompson Institute.

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

Visit TAFE Queensland

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.

Visit Open Colleges

AIHW offers various short courses and workshops in mental health first aid and related topics. They often collaborate with community organisations to provide training.

Visit the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)

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.

Visit Mental Health First Aid Australia

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.

Visit Queensland Centre for Mental Health Learning (QCMHL)

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.

Visit Insight

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.

Visit the E-Mental Health in Practice (eMHprac)

The institute offers evidence-based training and webinars for health professionals looking to expand their knowledge and skills in mental health.

Visit the Black Dog Institute

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.

Visit the Blue Knot Foundation

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.

Visit Emerging Minds

Provides online and bespoke evidence-informed training for individuals and organisations for and above Lived Experience workforces.

Visit the Lived Experience Training

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.