Certificate IV in Mental Health
CHC43315
Length
1 Year (full time)
Study Mode
On Campus & Online
Certificate IV in Mental Health - CHC43315
Course Overview
Course start dates are indicative and are subject to change. Students will receive information from their teacher upon enrolment including a confirmed start date and timetable. If applicable, students will also receive information about a course induction and directions on where to go on the first day.
Empower Individuals on their mental health journey with the Certificate IV in Mental Health.
Embark on a rewarding career by acquiring the skills to provide self-directed, recovery-oriented support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges and psychiatric disabilities. This nationally recognised qualification equips you to deliver person-centred care across diverse settings, including:
- Community-based non-government organisations.
- Home-based outreach services.
- Centre-based programs.
- Respite care facilities.
- Residential and rehabilitation services.
- Clinical environments.
- Employment support programs.
You will learn to implement community-focused initiatives and activities that promote mental health and wellbeing. Training encompasses trauma-informed care, crisis response, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic support. Individuals are prepared to work autonomously under the broad guidance of other professionals, making meaningful contributions in various community contexts.
This course is currently available as part of the Free TAFE scheme but is subject to eligibility requirements and may change in the future.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
Roles graduates may be eligible for include:
- Community Worker
- Social Welfare Worker
- Drug and Alcohol Worker
- Mental Health Worker
- Welfare Worker
Further study
After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study in CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services.
Course details
Upcoming dates and times
Choose a location below to learn more about when this course is offered and on which days you’ll need to attend.
Shepparton - Fryers Street
(1 commencing soon)
Starts On: 10-Feb-2026 - Full time - Monday & Tuesday - 9.00am - 3.30pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 27-Jan-2026
Wangaratta - Docker Street
(1 commencing soon)
Starts On: 10-Feb-2026 - Full time - Tuesday & Wednesday - 9.00am - 3.30pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 27-Jan-2026
Study units
Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.
This course requires a total of 15 units: 11 core and 4 elective.
Core units
11 unit(s)
- CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
- CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
- CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
- CHCMHS002 Establish self-directed recovery relationships
- CHCMHS003 Provide recovery oriented mental health services
- CHCMHS004 Work collaboratively with the care network and other services
- CHCMHS005 Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
- CHCMHS007 Work effectively in trauma informed care
- CHCMHS008 Promote and facilitate self advocacy
- CHCMHS011 Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
- HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
Elective units
4 unit(s)
- CHCCCS003 Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide
- CHCCCS009 Facilitate responsible behaviour
- CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
- CHCSOH013 Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Attendance & commitment
General public blended delivery | 1-year course length | Full-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend on campus one day per week (6 hours).
- Attend one day per week for a virtual class (2x3 hours).
- Spend approximately 9 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision and completion of assessments.
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
- Complete 80 hours of mandated placement, as outlined in the placement details below.
Placement:
- 80 hours of mandated placement is organised by GOTAFE (100% attendance is required for placement).
- A practical placement agreement is entered into between GOTAFE, the student and the host provider and signed prior to the commencement of placement.
- Students may need to travel throughout Victoria (at their own cost).
- Placement will be offered to students once all required written tasks are satisfactorily completed and active demonstration of knowledge through class participation is seen.
- Placement is timetabled in a 2-week block in Term 3. Due to the limited number of Practical Placement providers placement can be tailored to suit individual requirements such as 1 day a week for 10 days, 2-week block in term holidays etc.
- For most placement opportunities, students are required on-site between 9am to 6pm. For some placement opportunities overnight stays may be required during the week or weekend.
- GOTAFE Polo Shirt to be worn during placement.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Written questions
- Workplace observations
- Case studies
- Simulated demonstrations
- Projects
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into this course applicants must:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
Placement requirements
Before being accepted into placement students must have:
- Working With Children Check (Volunteer).
- Recent National Police Check, with no disclosable outcomes.
- National Disability Insurance Scheme Credentials (NDIS Screening check).
Inherent requirements
- Emotional Resilience: Ability to manage personal stress and maintain well-being when dealing with challenging situations and clients.
- Empathy and Compassion: A genuine desire to support individuals experiencing mental health challenges, demonstrating understanding and patience.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respect for and ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Professional Boundaries: Capability to maintain appropriate professional relationships and confidentiality.
Student resources
Students must have:
- A laptop/computer with internet access.
- Access to digital camera or video camera for visual and audio assessment tasks.
- General stationery (Pens, pencils, rulers).
- GOTAFE Polo shirt to be purchased at Induction (required to be worn during placement).
Enrolment
How to Apply
- Explore – Review the course details to check the fit for your goals. Our team is here from 8:30 – 5pm Monday to Friday on 1300 468 233 if you’d like to talk it through.
- Prepare – Gather any documents you may need, like photo ID, concession or eligibility evidence, residency or visa details, prior study or credit evidence, or your USI (we can help you find or create this).
- Apply – Click Apply Now and complete your application – its quick and easy.
- Skills Check – Some courses include a language and numeracy evaluation so we can tailor the right support before you start.
- Offer – We’ll review your application, contact you if we require anything else, and send you an offer. To secure your place, accept your offer and make any required pre-commencement payment.
- Welcome to GOTAFE – We’ll finalise your enrolment and share everything you need to feel ready. You may be asked to attend an online or in person induction session where we’ll outline the support available to you from day one.
Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) does not apply to non-accredited short courses.
Fees and payments
This course is available as part of the Free TAFE scheme for eligible students.
Fees and costs
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:
- are correct at the time of publishing for those with enrolment commencing in 2026 and may change without notice.
- will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.
Course Fees consist of 3 different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - cover the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
- an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
- Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts, and booklets, e-Learning resources, and associated license access fees and excursions.
- Student Services Fee (SSF) - contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short-course participants.
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session or during the pre-training review Interview.
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options
Student support
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres
Contingent Study Arrangements
Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors
Koorie Unit
The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
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