Upskill your career
Training and upskilling opportunities for people at every stage of their careers.
Want to upskill in mental health?
Are you interested in upskilling in mental health qualifications or training? If you wish to undertake further training in this field or are looking to enter this sector, there are many opportunities to be part of the mental health workforce.
The Australian Government’s 10-year National Mental Health Workforce Strategy (2022-2032) sets out a plan to attract, train, support and retain a diverse workforce that can meet the demands of mental health services. This brings about many opportunities and pathways to upskill in mental health.
Ways to upskill your career
In Queensland and throughout Australia, there are various avenues to upskill in mental health that cater to different levels of expertise and interest.
Below are some specific examples of pathways to upskill. Combining these avenues can help you develop a comprehensive skill set and stay current in the rapidly evolving field of mental health in Australia.
Australian universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in psychology, counseling, social work and mental health nursing to name just a few tertiary course options. In recent years there are more and more courses and options emerging at universities such as specialities in rehabilitation counseling, mental health and neuroscience and mental health and wellbeing. These programs provide comprehensive training in mental health assessment, intervention, and support.
Many organisations and training institutes across Australia conduct workshops and short courses on topics such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, mindfulness-based interventions and more.
Pursuing certifications in areas like Mental Health First Aid, suicide prevention, and addiction counselling can enhance your skills and knowledge in specific domains of mental health care.
If you’re studying or working in a mental health-related field, seeking clinical placements or internships in hospitals, community health centres, or private practices can provide valuable hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced professionals.
Joining professional associations such as the Australian Psychological Society (APS), the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), or the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) can offer access to resources, training opportunities and networking events.
Utilise online learning platforms like Open Colleges, TAFE (Technical and Further Education) or online courses offered by Australian universities to access flexible and self-paced learning options in mental health.
Keep an eye on government-funded initiatives and programs aimed at mental health professionals, such as scholarships, grants and training subsidies, which may provide opportunities for upskilling.
Seek out opportunities for supervision and mentorship from experienced mental health professionals. This can be formal arrangements through workplaces or informal connections through networking.
Engage with peer support groups or networks of mental health professionals to share knowledge, experiences and best practices, fostering ongoing learning and development.
Stay updated with the latest research, guidelines and evidence-based practices in mental health through attending conferences, seminars, and webinars offered by reputable organisations and institutions.
Upskilling opportunities
There are many different ways to upskill in the field of mental health. We have provided a snapshot of some of the more established and well-known training providers and options, but this list is not exhaustive.
- General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC) – Mental Health Skills Training for GPs
- Headspace – accredited training modules for GPs
- Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) – View ACRRM courses
- Australian Society for Psychological Medicine (ASPM) – GP Psychological Medicine Training: For GPs by GPs
- APSM – GP Professional Peer Reflection Groups
- Black Dog Institute offers a number of courses in mental health for the GP and primary care workforce. Please search their training calendar to search for courses for GPs in Queensland and other states.
There are many avenues for new graduates to upskill in mental health or undertake further training. Graduate programs are available at hospitals and community health centres, which offer entry-level positions and supervised clinical experience.
There is also the option to undertake professional development workshops relevant to your area of interest and short courses and certificates.
Current upskilling opportunities:
- Queensland Government Postgraduate Training in Psychiatry
- West Moreton Hospital and Health Service (Queensland Health) Allied Health Graduate Program in Mental Health
- Headspace graduate program
Please consult our training providers page for further information.
- Mental Health Academy – MHA’s diverse CPD catalogue includes 500+ courses developed by 200+ global experts. Courses are self-paced, on-demand, and accrue CPD hours/points for psychologists, counsellors, social workers, community workers, OTs, and more. Short courses are accessed through membership, however their Micro-Credentials can be purchased individually, without membership.
- Black Dog Institute – training and webinars for health professionals looking to expand their knowledge and skills in mental health
- Emerging Minds Learning – free online training courses for health professionals and community and social services to grow skills in supporting children, parents and families
Training providers
Explore training providers in Queensland specialising in mental health.
