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Professional Certificate of Mental Health

Learn how to identify and manage mental health issues in primary care.

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Professional Certificate of Mental Health

CPD

38.5 hrs Education
42.5 hrs Performance
8.5 hrs Outcome

Delivery

Fully online
Learn from
anywhere

Duration

81 hours
Self-paced
Start anytime

Overview

Gain the knowledge required to provide evidence-based, patient-centred care to people living with a mental illness, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, PTSD, domestic abuse, and depression in the elderly.

Who it is for and what you will learn:

  • Learn to diagnose and manage patients with mental health issues, identify and treat mental illnesses, and collaborate with other professionals to improve outcomes.

  • 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 and will enable you to meet the requirements for mental health MBS recognition.

  • CPD-accredited and university-reviewed.

Your education pathway

Professional Certificate

Establish foundational clinical knowledge and essential skills.

You are here

Advanced Certificate

Develop advanced techniques and diagnostic capabilities.

Learn more

Learning outcomes

  • Meet patient demand, as people talk to their GP about mental health more than any other issue and the majority of mental health services in Australia are delivered by GPs.

  • Evaluate and identify underlying mental health concerns with confidence. 

  • Provide advice and comprehensive care for your patients experiencing depression.

  • Effectively assist patients struggling with anxiety and bipolar disorders.

  • Provide comprehensive care to patients living with anorexia and bulimia.

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.
Depression (General)
The "Depression (General)" course provides healthcare professionals with comprehensive knowledge about the diagnosis, risk factors, and treatment of depression. This course covers the latest evidence-based strategies, including both psychological and pharmaceutical approaches, to manage depression in a clinical setting. Designed to enhance the understanding of the condition, the course highlights the role of general practitioners in identifying depression, managing at-risk groups, and providing personalized care. With case studies and practical applications, participants will gain skills to improve patient outcomes in depression management.
Anxiety
Delve into the complexities of anxiety disorders with the "Anxiety" course. Designed for healthcare professionals, this comprehensive program explores the diagnostic criteria, management strategies, and therapeutic interventions for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. With evidence-based insights, case studies, and practical approaches, this course equips practitioners to provide effective care for patients experiencing anxiety, fostering improved mental health outcomes.
Bipolar Disorder
The "Bipolar Disorder" course provides healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of diagnosing and managing bipolar disorder. Covering history, epidemiology, classification, clinical features, and evidence-based management approaches, this course equips participants with the tools to collaborate with specialists in treating this challenging mental health condition. Through detailed discussions on pharmacotherapy, including lithium and valproate, and non-pharmacological therapies, the course aims to enhance patient outcomes by promoting recovery and resilience.
Anorexia, Bulimia and other eating disorders
The "Anorexia, Bulimia, and Other Eating Disorders" course offers healthcare professionals a thorough understanding of diagnosing and managing eating disorders. It covers conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFED). Participants will learn about diagnostic criteria, screening tools, prevention strategies, and treatment approaches, including the role of multidisciplinary teams in patient care. The course emphasises early intervention and patient-centred care to improve outcomes for those affected by eating disorders.
PTSD: Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders
The "PTSD: Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders" course is designed for healthcare professionals looking to deepen their understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions. This course covers the history, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based treatment options for PTSD, offering a comprehensive approach to managing trauma in clinical practice. Through case studies, interviews with PTSD sufferers and their caregivers, and the latest therapeutic interventions, participants will learn to identify symptoms, implement treatment plans, and provide support for patients and their carers. This course is essential for practitioners seeking to improve patient outcomes in mental health.
Depression in the Elderly
The "Depression in the Elderly" course is designed for healthcare professionals to effectively recognize, diagnose, and manage depression in older adults. The course covers risk factors, diagnostic tools, and treatment strategies, including both psychological and pharmaceutical approaches. With a focus on the unique challenges faced by elderly patients, participants will explore best practices for managing comorbid conditions and addressing the increased risk of depression in this population. Through case studies and evidence-based practices, this course equips practitioners with the tools needed to improve mental health outcomes for elderly patients.
Domestic Abuse
This course on Domestic Abuse is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to identify, respond to, and support women experiencing domestic abuse. Through a detailed exploration of domestic abuse statistics, screening techniques, and intervention strategies, participants will learn how to provide sensitive, non-judgmental care. The course covers the physical and psychological signs of abuse, the mental health impact, and the role of general practitioners in offering ongoing support and connecting victims to available resources.

Meet your instructors

Dr Alice Lam Dr Alice Lam MBChB FRACGP
Dr Christine Ahern Dr Christine Ahern MBBS FRACGP
Dr Anoop Jalota Dr Anoop Jalota FRACGP MBBS
Dr Alice Lam Dr Alice Lam MBChB FRACGP
Dr Sharon Sykes Dr Sharon Sykes MBBS BAppSc FRACGP
Dr Christine Ahern Dr Christine Ahern MBBS FRACGP
Dr Joe Kosterich Course Chair Dr Joe Kosterich MBBS
Dr Sharon Sykes Dr Sharon Sykes MBBS BAppSc FRACGP

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. 

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HealthCert 365

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

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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. The certificate provides 50 hours of CPD for medical professionals in Australia.*

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
466266 38330 Depression (General) 5.5 6.0
466368 38331 Anxiety 5.0 6.0
466407 38332 Bipolar Disorder 6.0 6.0
466872 38394 Anorexia, Bulimia and other eating disorders 4.0 6.0
1433076 39574 PTSD: Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders 6.0 6.5
447518  38179 Depression in the Elderly 6.0 6.0
455769 38387 Domestic Abuse 3.5 6.0
Total hours 42.5 48.5

*When the optional outcome measurement activity (minimum 5 hours) is completed. See our FAQs for more information about annual CPD requirements.

View the CPD Hours for all HealthCert Education activities.

Outcome measurement

The purpose of outcome measurement activities is to improve your clinical confidence in managing an identified learning gap. Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of our Professional Certificate of Advanced Certificate courses; they are a requirement for Australian CPD purposes.

HealthCert Education provides a variety of outcome measurements activities to suit your needs:

  • Outcome Improvement Activities relating to specific topics within a course. They are designed to examine current clinical care, align clinical practice with best practice standards, and identify opportunities for improvement. These activities are accredited with RACGP and ACRRM.

  • Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) options on a specific topic or your identified area. A generic template and guides are provided. PDSAs are self-submitted activities.

  • Additional activities with guides include Test Measurement, Pathology Results, Practice Meetings, Peer Review, Practice Accreditation, Project Management, Student Supervision, and Pick your own topics (General Practice and Log Book methods). These are self-submitted activities.

Entry Requirements

The Professional Certificate of Mental Health is for medical practitioners who wish to learn how to identify and manage mental health issues in primary care.

This course is for physicians and degree-qualified medical professionals. 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)

The HealthCert Core Module and Clinical Enhancement Module in Mental Health are also part of this Professional Certificate, so practitioners who have completed either (or both) of these modules will receive RPL into this Professional Certificate course.

Further 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

This certificate course meets the minimum 50 hours CPD annual requirement across all three mandatory CPD activity types, provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of five hours is completed. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.

Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of Professional or Advanced Certificates.

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Professional Certificate of Mental Health and CPD hours.

This certificate course:

  • Is reviewed by Griffith University to comply with RACGP and 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).

  • Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.

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

  • 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 Dubai. The number of CPD hours must be stated on the certificate. Please contact PLD@dhcr.gov.ae for more information.

  • 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. Please contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.

  • 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

This course is the first stage of the professional diploma pathway. The full pathway is: Professional Certificate of Mental Health, Advanced Certificate of Mental Health, and Professional Diploma of Mental Health (coming soon).

Other courses in Mental Health

Learn to develop Mental Health Plans with the Mental Health Training: Core Module, or gain an introduction to PTSD with the Clinical Enhancement Module of Mental Health Skills Training: PTSD – Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders.

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.

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Richard Silsby

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Campbell Elton

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Loretta Blackborough

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Adam De Barros

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Jules Wynyard

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