Professional Certificate of Mental Health

CPD requirements

Fulfils 50 hrs for medical professionals in Australia*

Study modes

100% online

Course fee

$1995
Special rates available

Study duration

81 hrs
Self-paced

Detection, assessment and review of mental health issues

This module introduces skills and techniques to detect, assess and review patients with mental health issues including screening under the Mental Health Better Access Initiative. It includes guides and examples of conducting effective mental health interviews and developing General Practice Mental Health Treatment Plans. The first unit provides an overview of Australia’s mental health care system including the epidemiology and aetiology of mental health. The list of mental health illnesses/disorders eligible under the Better Access initiative are outlined. This unit includes strategies to detect and assess mental health illnesses including recognition of physical and differential factors, and management of associated complexities and comorbidities. The process of reassessment and regular review of patients is provided. The second unit introduces shared understanding of mental illness with patients and the development of a mental health care plan (MHTP). Using screening and treatment evaluation tools, this section then describes how to detect early warning signs and relapse prevention. Self-help including when to use pharmacotherapy, evidence based psychological therapies, and optimum patient care through shared care, multidisciplinary communication and teamwork are discussed. The final unit focuses on risk assessment, progress monitoring and coordination of care to patients. Available resources, frameworks, local services and referral pathways to assist patients are listed. Case studies are used throughout the module to reinforce learning.

Depression

This module begins with an overview of the current statistics of depression in Australia along with the definition and causes of depression. The risk factors of depression and ‘at risk’ groups include carers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, refugee, adolescents, elderly, perinatal depression and others are discussed in detail. The module then focuses on diagnosing depression through history taking, examination, investigations and using assessment tools such as Mental State Examination to confirm diagnosis. The final section outlines the different types of treatment of depression including lifestyle changes, psychological approaches, medication, other considerations and psychiatric referral. Several case studies conclude this module.

Anxiety

This module commences with the definition and epidemiology of anxiety disorders. Considerations for assessment, secondary causes, investigations, diagnosis and treatment using non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches to anxiety are discussed. The content then focuses on generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. The DSM-V and ICD-10 diagnostic criteria of these disorders include epidemiology, differential diagnosis, treatment, pharmacotherapy and psychological interventions. Other anxiety disorders are discussed including agoraphobia, specific phobia, separation anxiety, selective mutism, substance/medication induced anxiety, and anxiety disorder due to other medical conditions. Case studies are used throughout the module to reinforce learning.

Bipolar disorder

The module commences with the history, epidemiology and aetiology of bipolar disorder. Three main types of this disorder are outlined including further classification and severity of current and recent episodes. Clinical features of symptoms, mania and hypomania, depressive episode, mixed episode, cyclothymic disorders and psychotic symptoms are discussed in detail. The third section focuses on psychiatric history, mental state examination and findings, Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and the Bipolar Depression Rating Scale (BDRS). The content includes differential diagnoses and the challenges in diagnosing bipolar disorder in children and adolescents including how to catch a mixed episode. The principles of managing bipolar disorder and the management of hypo/mania, bipolar depression and mixed state are discussed. Course learning is reinforced with case studies. Pharmacotherapy including lithium and valproate dosage, drug interactions, adverse effects and risk are mentioned. The module concludes with information on diet, supplements and bipolar disorder patient support.

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa

This module focusses on eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and other specified feeding and eating disorders. The role of the medical practitioner is discussed including advocacy for changing societal norms and healthy lifestyle perspectives and targeting at risk individuals. High risk groups are noted. The module provides screening tools to be used in conjunction with behavioural, psychological and physical signs – a comprehensive list of signs for these categories are listed. Assessment information and guides are provided including when immediate referral is appropriate. Patient engagement may be challenging and the suggested approach by the clinician is included. Treatment goals and guidelines are given including suggested multidisciplinary team involvement, medical practitioner management, pharmacotherapy and eligibility criteria.

Trauma and stressor related disorders

The first section of this module outlines the history and origins of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The different DSM-V diagnostic criteria of PTSD are included. Unit two discusses the keys to diagnosis of PTSD and describes treatment options including psychological treatments, medications and lifestyle measures. Self-help and managing other co-morbidities are included. A case study is presented to reinforce learning. The module concludes with discussion of how medicinal cannabis and classical psychedelics have the potential to assist with the treatment of PTSD.

This module is recognised by the GPMHSC as a clinical enhancement module of the modular Mental Health Skills Training.

Domestic abuse

This module on domestic abuse reviews the definition and support mechanisms when patients present who are in a domestic abuse relationship. Statistics related to its prevalence and impact both worldwide and in Australia are listed. It discusses the role of general practitioners in responding, supporting and treating women who disclose experiences of domestic violence in a supportive, non-judgemental manner. Signs and symptoms to identify domestic violence including psychological and behavioural symptoms are outlined. Screening information and understanding the reasons why a woman does not find it easy to leave an abusive relationship are included. Techniques to provide a safe environment and how to respond to disclosures including follow up care and responsibilities are addressed. The module includes advice about the most effective response to patient disclosure both immediately and as part of a long-term plan for follow up, and continuing care, including information about available resources and support services.

Depression in the elderly

This module begins with an overview of depression and the increasing higher levels of psychological distress for older people. The content includes information on understanding depression, depression categories and how the medical profession defines depression. It then moves to the causes of depression, risk factors for the elderly, and other causal factors including at-risk groups. The effects of depression and how they may be displayed are mentioned, then considers diagnostic information, screening and assessment tools. Assessing suicide risk, differential considerations and investigations are outlined. The GP Mental health Care Plan and treatment approach includes education, lifestyle changes, psychological and medication considerations. The module concludes with two clinical case studies.

Dr Georgina Hayworth
Course Chair
Consultant Child Psychiatrist

Dr Georgina Hayworth has worked extensively as a Consultant Child Psychiatrist, as well as a Senior Emergency Physician and in General Practice, with a special interest in Mental Health. Dr Hayworth has worked in mental health in multiple modalities, from being referral level only as a psychiatrist to being the first contact for people suffering with mental health, both in general practice and in the emergency department. She has worked with every age range, from cradle to grave.

Dr Hayworth has worked internationally, in the United Kingdom and also Australia, with experience in rural and urban areas in both countries, and across all demographics.

Dr Christine Ahern
MBBS, FRACGP

Senior lecturer, Sydney University

Dr Christine Ahern has worked as a general practitioner in rural NSW since 1983, often with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Her special interests include women’s health and education.

Dr Ahern is a senior lecturer at Sydney University and has previously been the Director of Training for North Coast GP Training. In 2011 she was named the General Practice Education and Training Medical Educator of the Year, a prestigious national award. Dr Ahern holds a MBBS and FRACGP.

Dr Joe Kosterich
MBBS

Lecturer, Curtin Medical School

Dr Joe Kosterich is a general practitioner, speaker, author, media presenter and health industry consultant. He writes for numerous medical and mainstream publications and is a regular on radio and television. He is often called to give opinions in medico legal cases, is clinical editor of a medical magazine, adjunct professor (teaching) at UWA and a lecturer at Curtin Medical School.

Dr Kosterich has a special interest in medicinal cannabis, men’s health, chronic disease and mental health. He has self-published two books and maintains a website and blog with health information and commentary. Through all this, Dr Kosterich continues to see patients as a GP each week.

Dr Alice Lam
MBChB, FRACGP

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.

Dr Sharon Sykes
MBBS, BAppSc, FRACGP

General practitioner

Dr Sharon Sykes works in private general practice in Port Macquarie, Australia where she is also a supervisor of GP registrars and of medical students. Dr Sykes served 18 years in the Royal Australian Air Force before becoming a general practitioner. She has a special interest in medical education and has previously worked as a medical educator for North Coast GP Training.

She holds a MBBS, Bachelor of Applied Science (Med Lab Sci) and a Fellowship of the RACGP.

Professional Certificate of Mental Health

$1495*

*Enrol by 30 Sep & save $500 with code PCMHE500

Meets the 50hr annual CPD requirement*
100% online
Flexible start and completion time

ENROL NOW

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

RACGP Activity Number	Activity Title	Education Hours	Performance Hours	Total Hours
447518	Depression in the Elderly	447518	6	6	12
455769	Domestic Abuse	455769	3.5	6	9.5
454899	Detection, assessment and review of Mental Health issues	454899	6.5	6	12.5
466266	Depression (General)	466266	5.5	6	11.5
466368	Anxiety	466368	5	6	11
466407	Bipolar Disorder	466407	6	6	12
466361	Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome	466361	6	6.5	12.5
			Grand Total	81

Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of our professional and advanced certificates. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.

HealthCert provides several options to meet your outcome measurement hours requirement. These options are self-submitted activities and hours may vary depending on your focus area.

Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) options on a specific topic.
Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) on your identified area. A generic template is provided.
Outcome Improvement Activity relating to specific topics within the course.

The purpose of outcome measurement activities is to improve your clinical confidence in managing an identified learning gap. The outcome improvement activities are designed to examine current clinical care, align clinical practice with best practice standards and identify opportunities for improvement.

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 certificate.

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 Council of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
Is recognised by Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP). The RNZCGP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. 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 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 (coming soon), 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

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.