Supporting child and adolescent mental health requires a collaborative approach involving families, schools, healthcare providers and communities. If you work or aspire to work in education, health care or community services, this course is ideal for you.
The Certificate of Child and Adolescent Mental Health is a professional development course that explores mental health, developmental theories and factors influencing well-being.
In this child and youth mental health course, you will learn about cognitive, emotional, and social development, mental health disorders, eating disorders and approaches to assessment, referral and multidisciplinary support.
You will explore communication and counselling skills, ethical and legal responsibilities, early intervention and prevention strategies and resilience-building frameworks. You will also learn about culturally safe practice, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and working with diverse communities.
On completion of this course, you will have the skills to support young people’s mental health, recognise early signs of concern and apply culturally safe support strategies.
Course Structure
Unit - Certificate of Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Unit 1: Foundations and Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Mental health and mental illness in children and adolescents
- Historical and social perspectives
- Key psychological and developmental theories
- Australian youth wellbeing
Unit 2: Developmental Psychology and Life Stages
- Cognitive development
- Emotional development
- Social development
- Attachment
- Identity formation
- Autonomy
- The influence of environment
- The impact of trauma
- Family contexts
- Understanding the developing brain
Unit 3: Understanding Mental Health Disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- ADHD
- Eating disorders
- Complex needs
- Assessment, diagnosis and referral
- Multidisciplinary teams
Unit 4: Communication and Counselling With Children and Adolescents
- Child-centred and youth-focused communication
- Active listening
- Building trust
- Psychoeducation
- Motivational interviewing
- Working with parents, carers and families
Unit 5: Early Intervention and Prevention Strategies
- Protective factors
- Risk assessment
- Resilience frameworks
- School and community programs
- Trauma-informed practice
- Wellbeing programs
Unit 6: Cultural Competence and Diversity in Mental Health
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander frameworks
- SEWB
- Working with CALD and refugee families
- Culturally safe and inclusive practice
- Addressing stigma
Unit 7: Ethical and Legal Considerations in Mental Health
- Mandatory reporting and child protection
- Confidentiality, informed consent, and privacy
- Ethical considerations
- Mental health policy and service frameworks
Unit 8: Promoting Resilience, Recovery and Wellbeing
- Strengths-based and positive psychology approaches
- School and community wellbeing
- Family engagement
- Recovery-oriented practices
- Reflective practice and self-care
Study Hours
Estimated duration 40 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
Click to See What Our Students Say
Quick responses to questions and easy to follow instructions.
P. Browne, NSW | Certificate of Child and Adolescent Mental Health
It had enough work to be engaging, but not overwhelming.
S. Hook, Newport, NSW | Certificate of Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Easy to access tutors and thorough course resources.
L. Hyland Marsfield NSW |Certificate of Child and Adolescent Mental Health
It was great! Help was easily accessible and feedback was very encouraging.
Thank you
E. Tonello, Wonthaggi. VIC | Certificate of Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Studying with Australian Online Courses has been a flexible and rewarding experience. The course materials were well-structured, easy to access online, and designed to support independent learning. I appreciated the self-paced format, which allowed me to balance my studies with other commitments. The content was practical and relevant, helping me gain valuable knowledge and skills in my chosen area. The support team was also responsive whenever I had questions or needed assistance.
Kritika | Point Cook , VIC | Certificate of Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Credit Card, Afterpay, BPAY, Bank Transfer and Payment Plans. View Payment Options
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Afterpay: Within 1-2 working days
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Youth Workers
- Child and Adolescent Counsellors
- School Counsellors
- Teachers
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