Each year, one in five Australians experiences mental illness – that’s around four million people. Behind the scenes, a dedicated workforce works tirelessly to support those facing mental health challenges.
Lyn Brennan-Jesson, Mental Health and Counselling Teacher at Chisholm Institute, says supporting people with mental health challenges isn’t just vital – it can also lead to a stable and meaningful career.
“With the advent of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) across Victoria, more opportunities for support workers are emerging throughout the sector,” she says.
Like any profession, mental health work is best suited to people with particular qualities. Lyn describes it as an ideal career for those with compassion, empathy, and a strong desire to support others who may be less fortunate.
Here’s what you need to know about a career in mental health:
What’s it like working in mental health?
Working in mental health is about making a real, tangible difference in people’s lives. Whether you’re offering emotional support, helping build confidence, or fostering independence, your efforts leave a lasting impact on individuals and communities alike.
This diverse field offers opportunities to work with young people, the elderly, or those in need of specialised care. You might find yourself in a care facility or visiting clients in their homes. Wherever your career takes you, mental health work is people-focused, extremely varied and deeply rewarding.
While the rewards are significant, it’s important to understand the realities of the role.
The challenges of working in mental health
Working in mental health requires emotional strength and commitment.
“It can be challenging working with clients with complex needs, including co-morbidities of substance abuse and acquired brain injury,” says Lyn.
Emotional burnout and compassion fatigue are also common in the field. This means it's important to prioritise your own mental health and wellbeing. Building resilience, setting boundaries, and accessing professional support when needed are all key to maintaining career longevity.
Skills needed for jobs in mental health
Alongside hands-on training and the right qualifications, strong people skills are essential to success in the field:
- Empathy: Being able to genuinely understand and share another person’s feelings is essential.
- Patience: Progress can take time. Patience helps you support others without rushing the process.
- Communication: Clear, respectful communication and active listening help build trust and understanding.
- Cultural awareness: Respecting and valuing different backgrounds is vital for inclusive, sensitive care.
- Teamwork: You’ll often work alongside other professionals, so being a team player is key.
- Resilience: The work can be emotionally tough. You’ll need resilience to stay grounded and keep supporting others through tough times.
- Problem-solving: You’ll need to think on your feet to find practical ways to support clients.
Job opportunities and careers in mental health
The Healthcare and Social Assistance sector is Australia’s largest and fastest-growing industry. That means it offers career stability and long-term job security. And as demand for skilled workers rises, more opportunities are emerging across mental health services.
As mentioned earlier, the NDIS rollout has significantly increased support roles. Especially in one-on-one client assistance within home settings.
“Most opportunities with the Certificate IV in Mental Health are in support work, with companies acting as intermediaries between the NDIS and clients – matching workers to those in need,” says Lyn.
With ongoing advancements in mental health support, new care methods are constantly evolving. As understanding deepens, opportunities for specialisation within mental health professions continue to grow.
Mental health courses at Chisholm
At Chisholm, you’ll find a range of courses designed to prepare you for real roles in the mental health sector. With strong industry connections, expert teachers and first-class facilities, you’ll be set up for success from day one.
Some of our courses are free* as part of the Free TAFE initiative, making it easy to get started. And with personalised student support available throughout your studies, we’re with you every step of the way.
*For information on eligibility, please visit the Free TAFE courses FAQs.
Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315)
Start your career in mental health with entry-level roles in community rehabilitation or mental health, supporting clients in homes or organisational settings. This course also leads to a diploma, opening opportunities for leadership roles.
Career opportunities:
- Outreach officer.
- Mental health outreach worker.
- Community rehabilitation and support worker.
Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs (CHC43215)
Gain the skills to support individuals facing alcohol and drug challenges. This qualification prepares you for entry-level roles in community services, rehabilitation, withdrawal support, and outreach work.
Career opportunities:
- Support worker (community services).
- Drug and alcohol community support worker.
- Community rehabilitation and support worker.
- Mental health outreach worker.
Diploma of Mental Health (CHC53315)
Learn advanced skills to support individuals with mental health challenges. This course prepares you for roles providing counselling, advocacy, referrals, and health education, with expertise in mental health laws and services.
- Community rehabilitation and support worker.
- Mental health support worker.
- Welfare support worker.
Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015)
Develop practical counselling skills through a mix of theory and hands-on experience. Prepare for varied counselling roles in established organisations where you’ll work under guidance and support.
Career opportunities:
- Counsellor.
- School counsellor.
- Youth worker.
- Family support worker.
Bachelor of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD)
Build expertise in case management and the mental health and AOD service model while developing a critical, reflective approach to supporting vulnerable communities. Accredited by Community Work Australia.
Career opportunities:
- Welfare coordinator.
- Psychosocial rehabilitation worker.
- Dual diagnosis practitioner.
- Mental health worker.
Fast-track your psychology career with this degree accredited by Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Gain skills in social, community, and research psychology. With entry from a relevant diploma, you can complete your studies in two years instead of three.
Career opportunities:
- Psychiatric technician.
- Rehabilitation specialist.
- Social services specialist.
- Case manager.
Study pathways for mental health careers
Starting your career with a certificate or diploma in mental health is a great way to get your foot in the door. These qualifications prepare you for a variety of mental health careers across different sectors, allowing you to work either autonomously or under supervision.
If you’re looking to expand your opportunities and build your expertise, you can progress to a Bachelor’s degree or even postgraduate studies. The path is yours to shape.
One of the biggest advantages of this study pathway is the ability to enter the workforce sooner, gaining valuable real-world experience while continuing to build on your qualifications.
After completing his nursing diploma, Manish embarked on a Bachelor of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs. Just a year into the program, he secured a job as a psychiatric enrolled nurse at a public hospital.
"I have so many good stories, so many tragic stories. I enjoy my work and having the opportunity to learn a lot from the patients while providing them care.""
- Manish
Psychiatric enrolled nurse
Are you ready to turn your compassion into a career? With growing demand for skilled, empathetic professionals, jobs in mental health offer both job security and the chance to create real, lasting change.
Take the first step towards a career that truly makes a difference. Explore mental health courses at Chisholm today.
