Skip to content
Search icon

Certificate of Mental Health Skills Training: Core Module

Detect, assess and review patients with mental health issues, and screen under the Mental Health Better Access Initiative.

ENROL NOW
Certificate of Mental Health Skills Training: Core Module

CPD

6.5 hrs Education
6 hrs Performance
0 hrs Outcome

Delivery

Fully online
Learn from
anywhere

Duration

12.5 hours
Self-paced
Start anytime

Overview

This course introduces techniques to identify and treat mental health issues under the Mental Health Better Access Initiative. Work collaboratively with other professionals in the field, conduct mental health interviews, and develop Mental Health Plans.

Who it is for and what you will learn:

  • This course is the first of two modules recognised by GPMHSC in the Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTP) modular pathway, designed for GPs and GP registrars who assess, treat and manage complex mental health issues in their practice.

  • This course is recognised as ongoing professional development for practitioners who have completed their mental health training. 

  • Delivered by GPs with a special interest in mental health and reviewed by mental health professionals.

  • This course is for medical doctors and International Medical Graduates.

  • CPD-accredited and university-reviewed.

Your education pathway

Professional Certificate

Establish foundational clinical knowledge and essential skills.

Learn more

Advanced Certificate

Develop advanced techniques and diagnostic capabilities.

Learn more

Learning outcomes

  • Expertly identify and manage mental health issues to enhance patient outcomes. 

  • Conduct effective mental health interviews and create mental health treatment plans for patients' unique needs.

  • Assist your patients over time through comprehensive, efficient mental health care.

  • Use accurate MBS item numbers for mental health care reimbursement.

Course contents

Detection, assessment and review of Mental Health issues
The "Detection, Assessment, and Review of Mental Health Issues" course provides healthcare professionals with the essential tools to identify, assess, and manage mental health conditions within primary care. This evidence-based course includes insights into the Australian mental health system, comprehensive assessment strategies, treatment planning, and patient-centered care. Through role plays, interviews, and practical examples, participants will gain confidence in creating tailored care plans and supporting patients and carers. This course is ideal for those looking to enhance their understanding of mental health management in general practice.

Meet your instructors

Dr Alice Lam Dr Alice Lam MBChB FRACGP Dr Alice Lam

General practitioner

Dr Alice Lam is a general practitioner passionate about evidence-based medicine and education for medical professionals and their patients. She has over 23 years of medical experience in Australia and overseas. Dr Lam graduated from the University of Manchester, UK and practised both as a locum and partner. Since 2008, she has worked as a GP in Melbourne, Australia. Her other interests include digital health, health writing and education for health professionals and patients.

Other ways to study this topic

Workshop

Complete your certificate online, then build practical skills in the accompanying optional hands-on workshop.

View workshop dates

Short courses

Study selected topics from this certificate as focused, standalone short courses for targeted upskilling in under 10 hours. 

Browse short courses

HealthCert 365

Access selected content from this certificate, plus 4,000+ hours of other CPD across a wide range of clinical areas.

Start free trial

CPD accreditation and course details

CPD Accreditation and Activities

Accredited CPD activities in this certificate

Each module in this certificate is an RACGP and ACRRM approved CPD activity.

RACGP Activity Number ACRRM Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours
1432613 39480 Detection, assessment and review of Mental Health issues 6.5 6.0
Total hours 6.5 6.0

View the CPD Hours for all HealthCert Education activities.

Entry Requirements

This Mental Health Skills Training: Core Module is for medical practitioners who wish to manage mental health to improve patient outcomes, specifically to be able to identify and treat mental health issues and to work collaboratively with other professionals in the field, where appropriate.

This course is for physicians only. There are no prerequisites.

Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing English is assumed.

Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)

Professionally recognised qualifications and prior studies may be recognised for entry into this course if the learning outcomes match exactly. Please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the exam, course participants will receive a certificate in Mental Health Skills Training: Core Module and CPD hours.

This Core Module:

  • Is reviewed by Griffith University in compliance with RACGP/ACRRM standards.

  • Is accredited by the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC).

  • Qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

  • Qualifies for CPD hours from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).

  • Is recognised by Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP). Peer review and audit are compulsory.

  • Is a self-submitted activity in Dubai. The number of CPD hours must be stated on the certificate. Please contact PLD@dhcr.gov.ae for more information.

  • Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Hours are calculated differently.

  • Is a self-submitted activity in the UK. CPD events overseas, applicable to a doctor’s scope of practice, may be submitted for revalidation. Please confirm with your Responsible Officer.

  • Is a self-submitted activity in Canada through the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.

  • Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.

  • Has been independently developed with subject experts and does not receive education grants from any pharmaceutical company.

To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas, please visit our FAQs.

Pathways

Professional Diploma Pathway

HealthCert offers a Professional Diploma pathway in Mental Health. The pathway is: Professional Certificate of Mental Health, Advanced Certificate of Mental Health, and Professional Diploma of Mental Health (coming soon).

This Core Module provides RPL into the HealthCert Professional Certificate of Mental Health, thereby reducing the time and cost to complete the next qualification.

Other courses in Mental Health

This course is recognised by GPMHSC as a Core Module of the modular Mental Health Skills Training. Once this Core Module and a GPMHST-approved Clinical Enhancement module are completed, Australian physicians will be eligible for Medicare billing rebates for mental health skills training. For practitioners who are working towards qualifying for the MBS rebates for mental health, HealthCert offers the Clinical Enhancement Module: PTSD – Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders to qualify for Medicare rebates. Completing this Core Module + the Clinical Enhancement module qualifies doctors for MBS items 2715 and 2717 (or equivalent item numbers for non-VR GPs).

Postgraduate pathway for Mental Health

Graduates of the HealthCert Professional Diploma of Mental Health (coming soon) qualify for a scholarship into the Masters of Applied Clinical Psychiatry. These are online course from the UK designed for medical practitioners. Please contact our UK partner directly regarding this scholarship: https://www.diploma-msc.com/s/healthcert 

University quality-assured and CPD-accredited education provider

This organisation is an RACGP-accredited CPD provider under the RACGP CPD Program.

RACGP logo
ACRRM logo
AMA
Bond-Sep-09-2026-05-46-43-7981-AM
Griffith
IDS-1
Graz
Vienna
University of South Wales
Torrens
NSCC-2
Rila
UQ logo

Frequently asked questions

What are the costs and payment options of the course?

Fees will vary based on the program and study option selected (fully online vs online + optional practical workshop). Payments can be made upfront or in monthly instalments. Special rates and various payment options are available. GP registrars and doctors in training enjoy a scholarship of up to $500. Talk to us to learn more.

What is the Alumni Support Program?

Completion of any HealthCert course or attendance at an event will enable you to access the HealthCert Alumni Program which includes:

  • Access to special alumni rates for new courses when they are released.

  • Special alumni price for HealthCert Conferences.

  • Exclusive advanced access to HealthCert events.

  • Regular Alumni Webinars pertaining to the course(s) you have attended. These will provide content review of the course and an opportunity to discuss case studies.

  • Access to the video lectures as seen during the course(s) that you have attended.

How will I receive my certificate?

HealthCert Education is pleased to issue digital credentials for alumni. Digital credentials are a permanent online record of your successful completion of a HealthCert course and are issued to all course participants in addition to PDF certificates. If you are based in Australia, you also have the option to order a hard copy of your digital certificate for a small additional fee.

How long will the course take to complete?

The recommended study duration of this certificate course is listed at the top of this page. The estimated duration includes study of the pre-course activities and readings, online lectures, live tutorials, and online assessment. This self-paced course offers the flexibility of 100% online study in your own time, at your own pace, in your own home or office, with no mandatory face-to-face requirements. You are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience.

Is this course recognised in my country?

All HealthCert courses meet World Federation of Medical Education standards. This certificate course qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in Australia. It is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) in New Zealand. It is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) in China. It is a self-submitted activity in Dubai and the United Kingdom. It is a self-submitted activity through the College of Family Physicians in Canada. If you live or work outside one of the above-mentioned countries, please contact us on admin@healthcert.com to discuss whether this course can be recognised in your country.

Cancellation policy: What happens if I can't attend a practical workshop?

Course/workshop cancellations and transfers policy

Should you be unable to attend a course or practical workshop you have registered for, please inform us asap at admin@healthcert.com so we can make your place available to waitlisted doctors.

Charges may apply for course/workshop cancellations and/or transfers. Click here for details.

What our alumni say

Join thousands of doctors who have advanced their clinical practice with our certificate courses.

"HealthCert courses have become the standard by which you gauge all others."

Dr K. Abolarinwa

"Good, courses with excellent speakers. I particularly enjoyed the case study scenarios which helped to integrate the knowledge gained."

- Dr A. Tucker

"This is the pathway to improve your confidence and evolve into the GP you aspire to be"

- Dr S. Shinwari

Get in touch with us

Our Education Advisors can assist you with any queries and tailor your education pathway to suit your current expertise, interests and career goals.

Richard - 1

Richard Silsby

Campbel Elton

Campbell Elton

Loretta Blackborough-1

Loretta Blackborough

Adam De Barros__1

Adam De Barros

Jules Wynyard edit circle (1)

Jules Wynyard

Call 1300 856 695
Schedule a call