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    Home Courses Diploma of Mental Health
    CHC53315 Nationally Recognised Training Recovery-Oriented Practice SkillsSA FUNDED

    Diploma of Mental Health

    Build a meaningful career in mental health support with this nationally recognised Diploma. Learn recovery-oriented practice, trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, AOD co-occurring care, and how to work alongside people experiencing complex mental health challenges. Delivered over 52 weeks (48 weeks of teaching plus 4 placement weeks). The course includes a 160-hour supervised workplace placement and includes the mandatory CHCMHS010 (Implement…

    52 weeks
    Duration
    20 Units
    15 Core + 5 Elective
    160 hours
    Workplace Placement
    $8,250
    Full-Fee Total
    From $900
    SkillsSA — eligible
    Course Overview

    What You'll Learn

    Build practical skills and graduate job-ready.

    Build a meaningful career in mental health support with this nationally recognised Diploma. Learn recovery-oriented practice, trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, AOD co-occurring care, and how to work alongside people experiencing complex mental health challenges.

    Delivered over 52 weeks (48 weeks of teaching plus 4 placement weeks). The course includes a 160-hour supervised workplace placement and includes the mandatory CHCMHS010 (Implement recovery oriented approaches to complexity) workplace assessment unit. Eligible students may access SkillsSA subsidised training from $900.

    Recovery-Oriented Practice

    Designed with employers — graduate ready to work.

    160 hours

    Real-world experience with industry partners.

    Nationally Recognised

    RTO 45269 — ASQA-regulated qualification.

    Small Class Sizes

    Maximum 25 students per class — personal attention.

    Course Structure

    20 Units of Competency

    15 core units plus 5 electives.

    Core Units 15 Units
    0 / 15
    Unit CodeUnit Title
    CHCDIV001Work with diverse people
    CHCDIV002Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
    CHCMHS002Establish self-directed recovery relationships
    CHCMHS003Provide recovery oriented mental health services
    CHCMHS004Work collaboratively with the care network and other services
    CHCMHS005Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and AOD issues
    CHCMHS009Provide early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs
    CHCMHS010Implement recovery oriented approaches to complexity (mandatory workplace assessment)
    CHCMHS011Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
    CHCMHS012Provide support to develop wellness plans and advanced directives
    CHCMHS013Implement trauma informed care
    CHCADV005Provide systems advocacy services
    CHCPOL003Research and apply evidence to practice
    CHCPRP003Reflect on and improve own professional practice
    HLTWHS004Manage work health and safety
    Elective Units 5 Units
    0 / 5
    Unit CodeUnit Title
    CHCCSL001Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
    HLTHPS006Assist clients with medication
    HLTAAP001Recognise healthy body systems
    CHCCCS038Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support
    CHCMGT005Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
    Your Journey

    How It Works

    A clear, supported pathway from your first enquiry to graduation.

    1

    Apply

    Submit your enquiry, complete the LLN assessment, and attend a pre-training review. Our team guides you through every step.

    2

    Study

    Practical, hands-on learning with experienced industry trainers in small classes — face-to-face campus sessions plus online study.

    3

    Placement

    Complete 160 hours of supervised workplace placement, building real-world experience with our industry partners.

    4

    Graduate

    Receive your nationally recognised qualification and step into your career with the skills and industry connections to succeed.

    Career Outcomes

    Launch Your Care Career

    Graduates are in demand across aged care, disability support, NDIS-funded organisations, and the broader community services sector.

    Mental Health Support Worker

    Competitive industry rates

    Recovery Coach

    Competitive industry rates

    Peer Support Worker

    Competitive industry rates

    AOD Support Worker

    Competitive industry rates

    Community Mental Health Worker

    Competitive industry rates

    Lived Experience Worker

    Competitive industry rates

    Intake & Assessment Officer

    Competitive industry rates

    Mental Health Outreach Worker

    Competitive industry rates

    Indicative Salary Range

    Mental Health Support Worker, Recovery Coach, Peer Support Worker, AOD Support Worker, Community Mental Health Worker, Lived Experience Worker. Competitive industry rates apply. Actual earnings depend on role, employer, location and penalty rates.
    Career prospects and earnings depend on role, employer, location, and market conditions. AISC does not guarantee any specific employment or salary outcome.
    Investment

    Fees & Funding

    Transparent pricing with flexible payment options.

    Fee-for-Service

    $8,250
    Total course fee (GST-free)
    Tuition Fee$8,000
    Admin Fee$250
    Total Course Fee$8,250

    Payment Plan: 7 instalments — first $1,450 at enrolment, remainder spread across the course

    View Refund Policy

    SkillsSA Subsidised

    From $900
    Eligible students — subject to SkillsSA criteria
    Tuition (student contribution)$800
    Admin Fee$100
    Total (eligible students)$900

    Eligibility and subsidy amounts are determined by Skills SA. Visit skills.sa.gov.au or contact us to check your eligibility.

    Additional Costs (Pre-Placement Requirements)

    These clearances must be obtained before starting your workplace placement. Costs are not included in the course fee.

    National Police Check ($45–$65)

    NDIS Worker Screening (if required for placement)

    First Aid HLTAID011 ($120–$180)

    Working with Children Check (varies by state)

    Immunisations (placement-dependent)

    Eligibility

    Entry Requirements

    No prior qualifications in community services are required. Here's what you need to get started.

    Age Requirement

    Must be 18 years of age or older at course commencement.

    Education

    Completed Year 12 in an Australian secondary school system (or equivalent), OR demonstrated relevant work/life experience.

    Language, Literacy & Numeracy

    LLND at ACSF Level 4 or above. Assessment completed during the application process.

    Unique Student Identifier (USI)

    A valid USI is required for enrolment. Create one at www.usi.gov.au.

    Common Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Everything you need to know about this qualification.

    52 weeks total — 48 weeks of teaching delivered as blended learning (face-to-face + online via eSkilled LMS) plus 4 weeks of supervised workplace placement (160 hours).
    Full-fee is $8,250 ($8,000 tuition + $250 admin). Eligible students may access SkillsSA subsidised training from $900. Eligibility is determined by Skills SA — visit skills.sa.gov.au or contact AISC.
    Yes — 160 hours of supervised workplace placement, plus the mandatory CHCMHS010 workplace assessment unit. AISC arranges placements through our industry partners. Pre-placement clearances (Police Check, NDIS Worker Screening if applicable, First Aid, WWCC where required, immunisations) must be in place before placement begins.
    Graduates work as Mental Health Support Workers, Recovery Coaches, Peer Support Workers, AOD Support Workers, Community Mental Health Workers, Lived Experience Workers, Intake & Assessment Officers, and Mental Health Outreach Workers. Competitive industry rates apply depending on role, employer, and location.
    Yes — the Diploma provides credit toward Bachelor of Mental Health, Bachelor of Social Work, and related university programs.
    Lived experience (or peer) workers use their own personal experience of mental health recovery to support others on their journey. AISC's curriculum recognises and supports lived-experience pathways into the workforce.
    7 instalments. The first instalment ($1,450) is due at enrolment, with the balance spread across the course. Contact us to discuss specific dates and payment options.

    Ready to Start Your Career in Care?

    Take the first step today. Fill in your details and our admissions team will be in touch within 24 hours to guide you through the enrolment process.

    No obligation consultation
    Flexible payment plans available
    Supervised work placement
    Regular rolling intakes
    SkillsSA subsidies for eligible students

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