Best Mental Health Courses in Australia for 2026

Are you planning to start a career in mental health or psychology?

Australia offers a great selection of courses, ranging from vocational certificates to Professional postgraduate degrees that set you up for fulfilling positions with the opportunity to support individuals and communities. 

In this blog, we will share the list of the Top rated Mental Courses in Australia that help you to get a promising career in the Field of Mental Health.

Entry-Level Vocational Courses (Certificate & Diploma)

If you’re just starting out and want to help people while building a promising career, CMI’s vocational (VET) courses are ideal for you. These practical programs give you hands-on skills and allow you to enter the workforce quickly.

Diploma of Counselling

• 1 year, ~$6,990
• Practical training for entry-level counselling and community support roles.
• Perfect if you want to start working sooner and then continue your studies later.

Certificate IV in Career Development

• 6 months part-time, ~$4,000*
• Trains you to be a career advisor or HR support worker.

Cert III in Entrepreneurship & New Business

• 1 year part-time, ~$2,000*
• Helps you start or manage your own small health or counselling practice.

Cert IV / Diploma in Leadership & Management

• 1 year part-time, $2,500–8,500*
• Builds leadership skills for managing teams or practices.

These courses are flexible and practical — ideal if you want to gain skills fast and build experience in the mental health sector.

Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Psychology & Counselling

If you’re ready for university-level study, the Bachelor of Psychology & Counselling (3 years, ~$40,020*) is the best starting point.

• Gives you a strong foundation in psychology + counselling.
• APAC & ACA Accredited.
• Includes practical placements.
• Also available online.

Pathways:

• Continue into Honours → Master of Professional Psychology/ Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)→ become a Registered Psychologist.
• Or move into the Master of Counselling & Psychotherapy → become a Counsellor/Psychotherapist.

This degree is your gateway to both psychology and counselling careers.

Postgraduate Opportunities: Specialised & Advanced Qualifications

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, CMI offers many postgraduate options depending on your goal:

Psychology (for Registration)

• Graduate Certificate of Psychological Science (6 months, ~$11.8k*) → optional starter to help boost your WAM.
• Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science (1 year, ~$23.7k*) → required for Honours if your Bachelor’s degree wasn’t in psychology.
• Master of Professional Psychology (1 year, ~$33k*) → +1-year internship → Registered General Psychologist.
• Master of Clinical Psychology (2 years, ~$83k*) → +2-year registrar program → Clinical Psychologist (specialist).
• Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) (4 years, ~$150k*) → +1-year registrar program → Clinical Psychologist (advanced + research).

Counselling & Psychotherapy

• Graduate Certificate of Counselling & Psychotherapy (6 months) → intro course.
• Graduate Diploma of Counselling & Psychotherapy (1 year) → stepping stone (ACA accredited)
• Master of Counselling & Psychotherapy (1–2 years, ~$54.6k) → ACA & PACFA accredited → Counsellor/Psychotherapist.

Pathway Snapshot

Powerful Reasons to Pursue a Career with CMI

1. High Demand & Career Security

Mental health professionals (psychologists, counsellors, therapists) are in very high demand across Australia. Graduates from CMI have strong career prospects in hospitals, schools, private practice, and community services.

2. Flexible Learning Options

CMI offers part-time, full-time, and online/blended learning options. This flexibility helps you fit study around your lifestyle while preparing for a career you love.

3. Government Loan Support

Eligible students can access FEE-HELP, or VET Student Loans, making it easier to manage tuition costs while you focus on your career journey.

Final Word

Whether you want to become a Registered Psychologist, Counsellor, or start with vocational training, the Cairnmillar Institute (CMI) has a pathway for you. From short VET certificates to doctoral psychology programs, you can build your career step by step — starting right after Year 12.

Common Questions

Q: What is the minimum qualification needed to work in mental health in Australia?

For most entry-level roles, a Certificate IV in Mental Health is sufficient. However, more specialised positions often require a bachelor’s or postgraduate qualification.

Q: Can I study mental health online in Australia?

Yes. Many TAFEs and universities offer fully online or blended learning options, making it easier to balance study with work or personal commitments.

Q: Are these courses accredited?

Most recognised providers ensure courses meet national training package requirements or are accredited by relevant professional bodies.

Q: How much do mental health courses cost?

Costs vary widely: a Certificate IV may start from around AUD $3,000–$6,000, while a master’s degree can range from AUD $20,000–$40,000+. Eligible students may apply for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.

Q: What career paths can I take after studying mental health?

Graduates can work as mental health support workers, counsellors, case managers, community workers, program coordinators, or pursue specialist roles such as mental health nurses or psychologists.

Q: Are there government incentives to study mental health?

Yes. The Australian Government often funds priority courses through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) or subsidised TAFE programs in some states.

 

*The information contained in this material was correct at the time of publication. The Cairnmillar Institute reserves the right to alter or amend the information in this material. Please visit our website for the latest updates. All fees are subject to change. Additional discounts are available for full-time students, health care card holders, pensioners, and people receiving benefits.