Overview
1 in 5 Australians reported that they had a mental or behavioural condition during August 2020 to June 2021, and the National Health Priority Areas lists mental health as the fifth priority. General practice plays a central role in the provision of mental health care in Australia. Easily accessed without referral, people in distress frequently turn to a general practice team for help. 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. As they are usually the first point of contact for patients with mental health issues, it is critical for GPs to be adequately trained.
The online Certificate Courses in Mental Health equip practitioners with the skills to provide evidence-based, patient-centred care to people living with a mental illness. The courses introduce skills and techniques to detect, assess and review patients with mental health issues, enabling practitioners to improve patient outcomes, identify and treat mental health issues and to work collaboratively with other professionals in the field.
Learn how to identify and manage mental health issues in primary care.
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.
- 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.
Course Benefits
- 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.
Get unlimited access to all course content, additional learning materials, ongoing post-course support, and more.
Course Contents
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
his 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 generalized 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 recognized 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.
Study Modes
100% Online
Study at your own pace and to your own schedule.
- View and replay video lectures at your convenience.
- Participate in online case discussions with your peers.
- Participate in course webinars prior to the examinations and ask questions.
- Complete your assessment online and receive your CPD hours and certificate.
HealthCert 365
Easily meet your CPD requirements and gain valuable skills – all in one place for $83 per month.
- Customize your learning experience by accessing and focusing only on course modules that interest you the most.
- Gain access to 200+ additional CPD activities and 50-hour special focus CPD programs, sourced from all HealthCert university-assured programs.
Outcome Measurement
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.
Pre- and Post-Course Information
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.
Recognized 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 recognized qualifications and prior studies may be recognized 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 recognized by Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP). The RNZCGP recognizes 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 HealthCert's 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
Providers Terms
Course Transfers
Face to Face Courses
Course transfers for Face to Face practical workshops are available, subject to requests being received, in writing, a minimum of 10 business days prior to workshop commencement. Transfer requests received after 10 business days prior to workshop commencement will incur an Administration Fee of $250.
Transfers will be subject to availability in the future workshops. If the future workshop has a cost differential, that price will apply, and any additional charges will be payable at the time of the transfer request.
One workshop transfer, per course is allowed. Further transfers will be considered upon application and may be charged at 25% of a full new workshop booking rate.
Online Courses
Transfers for Online courses are available subject to requests being received, in writing, within 7 days of enrolment. Transfer requests received after the 7 days post enrolment will incur an Administration Fee of $200. One course transfer request, per course is allowed.
If the future course being transferred to, has a cost differential, that price will apply, and any additional charges will be payable at the time of the course transfer request.
Online Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellation and a full refund of the course fees will be provided if a request is received, in writing, a maximum of 7 days after course enrolment. Refund requests received later than 7 days after course enrolment will incur an Administration Fee of $250. Upon cancellation and full refund of the course enrolment, you will not receive a certificate or accreditation points.
Bundle Courses
Courses purchased as part of a bundle attract a discount. This discount is apportioned to the final course in the bundle in the cases of cancellations and refunds. Therefore, cancellation and refund requests of a course that have been purchased as part of a bundle are refunded based on the first and/or second course being charged at the full price rate. Any courses remaining in the bundle can be refunded provided the request is received, in writing, a maximum of 7 days after course enrolment. Refund requests received later than 7 days after course enrolment will incur an Administration Fee of $250.
Tickets:
Course Fee$1,308| Contact Hours: | 81.0 hrs |
| Format: | Online Lectures |
| Duration: | Multiple Days |
| Lecture Videos | |
| Compatability: | All Devices |
| Language: | English |
| Subtitles: | Not Available |
| Provider: | HealthCert Education |
| Contact: |
Speaker(s):
 | Dr. Christine AhernMBBS, 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. Sharon SykesMBBS, 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.
 | Dr. Anoop JalotaFRACGP, MBBS, General practitioner |
Dr Anoop Jalota is an experienced GP with international experience. He practices in Wollongong, since moving there from New Zealand, he is currently the Cluster Leader for the Central Illawarra area.
 | Dr. Joe KosterichMBBS, 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 LamMBChB, 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 practiced 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. Georgina HayworthCourse 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.
