Introduction to Autism Awareness & Understanding
Understand autism and adapt your support to each person.
$97
$145
Save 33%
View course
Course overview
Mental health influences how people think, feel, connect with others and manage everyday life. Understanding mental health can help care and support workers recognise concerns, communicate with empathy and encourage access to appropriate help.
The Get My Course Introduction to Mental Health course builds foundational knowledge of mental health, mental illness and wellbeing. Explore common conditions, contributing factors, warning signs and the effects of stigma on people seeking support.
This online course in mental health also introduces treatment approaches, self-care, stress management and the importance of healthy routines and social connection. You will consider mental health across different life stages, cultural perspectives and the influence of technology and social media.
If you are comparing mental health courses online, this self-paced option offers introductory learning that fits around work and other commitments. It supports everyday practice within your role and does not qualify you to diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
Course objectives
- Mental health foundations: Understand mental health, mental illness and wellbeing, including how experiences and support needs can change over time.
- Mental health and everyday life: Explore connections with physical health, relationships, work, participation and life satisfaction.
- Common mental health conditions: Gain introductory awareness of anxiety, mood and psychotic disorders and their possible effects on daily functioning.
- Causes and risk factors: Consider biological, psychological, social and environmental influences, including stress, trauma, discrimination and life changes.
- Recognising concerns: Notice changes in emotions, behaviour, physical wellbeing and engagement that may warrant support.
- Stigma and misconceptions: Recognise harmful assumptions and use respectful language that encourages help-seeking.
- Treatment and support options: Explore psychological therapies, medication and other supports, including the roles of different professionals.
- Self-care and wellbeing: Build awareness of stress management, mindfulness, resilience and healthy daily routines.
- Initial support and crisis awareness: Recognise urgent concerns and understand how to connect someone with professional assistance.
- Life stages and cultural perspectives: Consider different experiences and support needs across ages, communities and cultural backgrounds.
- Technology and advocacy: Explore digital wellbeing, online support resources and ways to promote mental health awareness.
What does the Introduction to Mental Health Course Pack include?
Practical resources you can keep and use whenever needed.
Reference Guide
Revisit key information about mental health, warning signs, communication, wellbeing and support pathways.
Workbook
Reinforce your learning and test your understanding through practical, non-graded activities.
Workplace Checklist
Apply what you have learned and check that important communication, referral and follow-up steps are not overlooked.
Keep and use your resources
Download the resources, complete them at your own pace and refer to them whenever you need support in the workplace. Use them alongside current workplace procedures and individual support plans.
Who is this Introduction to Mental Health course for?
- Disability support workers and NDIS support teams
- Aged care and personal care workers
- Healthcare workers seeking foundational mental health awareness
- Community service and community support teams
- Team leaders, supervisors, casual and agency staff
- People preparing to enter care or support work
- Anyone seeking a better understanding of mental health and wellbeing
It offers introductory mental health training for professionals who encounter mental health concerns in everyday care and community settings, as well as learners new to the sector.
Course Outcomes
What will you be better prepared to do?
1
Explain mental health, mental illness and wellbeing in accessible language
2
Recognise how mental health can affect everyday life
3
Describe common mental health conditions at an introductory level
4
Notice changes that may indicate someone needs support
5
Consider social, cultural and environmental influences on wellbeing
6
Challenge myths and reduce stigma through respectful communication
7
Listen with empathy and encourage appropriate help-seeking
8
Understand the roles of different treatment and support options
9
Recognise when urgent assistance may be needed
10
Support healthy routines and reflect on your own wellbeing
11
Consider the benefits and challenges of digital technology
12
Promote mental health awareness within your workplace or community
On The Job
See how the learning connects with everyday work
Scenario 1
Noticing withdrawal
A person becomes withdrawn and stops joining activities they usually enjoy.
Notice the change, check in respectfully and follow the appropriate support pathway.
Scenario 2
Ongoing worry
Someone describes ongoing worry that is affecting daily tasks.
Listen without judgement and encourage access to appropriate professional support.
Scenario 3
Challenging stigma
A colleague uses dismissive language about mental illness.
Recognise stigma and model more respectful, informed communication.
Scenario 4
Exploring support options
A person asks what kinds of mental health support are available.
Explain broad options and help them find an appropriate service within your role.
Scenario 5
Cultural perspectives
Someone’s cultural beliefs affect how they view support.
Ask about their preferences and support access to culturally responsive care.
Scenario 6
Digital wellbeing
A person appears overwhelmed by online interactions or social media.
Discuss their experience respectfully and consider digital wellbeing as part of broader support.
Scenario 7
Urgent concerns
You are concerned that someone needs urgent help.
Recognise the need to seek assistance and follow workplace emergency or escalation procedures.
Scenario 8
Your own wellbeing
You notice that work stress is affecting your own wellbeing.
Reflect on your needs and use appropriate self-care, supervision and support options.
Six Simple Steps
How the Introduction to Mental Health course works
1
Enrol online
Register for the course and start anytime.
2
Work through the lessons
Explore mental health foundations, common conditions, wellbeing and support.
3
Download your Course Pack
Keep the Reference Guide, Workbook and Workplace Checklist for ongoing use.
4
Connect learning with everyday situations
Reflect on realistic examples from care, community and workplace settings.
5
Complete the course requirements
Finish the required learning and any confirmed assessment activities.
6
Receive your certificate
Receive your Certificate of Completion after successfully meeting the course requirements.
How will your learning be checked?
- Mental health, mental illness and wellbeing
- Common conditions and contributing factors
- Warning signs and appropriate help-seeking
- Respectful communication and stigma reduction
- Treatment options and professional boundaries
- Self-care and wellbeing practices
- Cultural considerations and support across life stages
- Initial responses to concerns and appropriate referral pathways
Knowledge checks and workplace scenarios help check your understanding of the topics above. The Workbook provides additional non-graded practice. This course does not assess clinical competence or replace role-specific workplace training.
What will you receive?
After successfully meeting the course requirements, learners will receive a Certificate of Completion for the Get My Course Introduction to Mental Health short course. You will also have your downloadable Course Pack for continued learning and workplace reference.
Certificate of Completion
Awarded once you meet all course requirements.
This is non-accredited training. The Certificate of Completion is not a nationally recognised qualification or Statement of Attainment. It records completion of introductory professional development; it does not qualify you as a mental health clinician, counsellor or accredited Mental Health First Aider.
Why mental health awareness matters in care work
Care and support workers regularly interact with people whose mental health may affect their communication, relationships, routines and participation. Foundational knowledge helps workers respond with greater understanding and recognise when additional support may be needed.
Mental health training courses can help teams develop a shared understanding of respectful communication, professional boundaries and help-seeking. This learning can also reduce stigma and make it easier for people to express concerns.
Understanding your role, knowing where to refer concerns and looking after your own wellbeing all contribute to more thoughtful, consistent support.
Frequently asked questions
What will I learn in this course?
You will explore mental health foundations, common conditions, warning signs, stigma, treatment options, self-care, crisis awareness, cultural perspectives and mental health across different life stages.
Who is this course suitable for?
The course is suitable for disability support workers and aged care, healthcare and community service teams. It also provides an introduction for people considering care or support work.
Do I need previous mental health training?
The content is introductory and intended to build foundational understanding.
How long does the course take?
The course will take up to 20 hours and is delivered online and is self-paced.
When can I start?
You can start anytime. Enrol online and begin learning when it suits you.
Is this course nationally accredited?
No. This is a non-accredited Professional Development Short Course. Successful learners receive a Certificate of Completion, rather than a nationally recognised qualification or Statement of Attainment.
How does this compare with other mental health short courses?
This course offers broad introductory awareness across mental health, wellbeing and everyday support. When comparing mental health short courses, consider the topics, learning level, assessment requirements and certificate outcome that suit your goals.
Is this suitable if I searched for “short course mental health”?
Yes. This course is designed for learners seeking an introduction to mental health through flexible online study. It focuses on awareness, respectful communication and recognising when further support is needed.
What should I check when searching for mental health courses in Australia?
Check the intended audience, delivery format, course content, duration, fees and whether the outcome is accredited. This course focuses on introductory professional development for care and support settings.
Can I earn mental health certificates online?
Online mental health courses can offer different certificate outcomes. This course awards a Certificate of Completion after you meet its requirements. If you are searching for mental health certificates online, check whether you need professional development or a nationally recognised qualification.
Will this course qualify me to diagnose or treat mental health conditions?
No. The course builds awareness and everyday support knowledge. Diagnosis and treatment require appropriately qualified health professionals.
Is this a Mental Health First Aid certification course?
No. The course introduces initial support and crisis awareness. It does not award Mental Health First Aid accreditation or replace dedicated intervention training.
Does the course cover treatment and medication?
Yes. It introduces broad treatment options, including psychological therapies and medication. It does not teach learners to prescribe, recommend doses or change someone’s treatment.
Does the course include self-care?
Yes. It explores stress management, mindfulness, resilience and the role of sleep, nutrition, physical activity and supportive relationships.
Does it cover mental health across different ages and cultures?
Yes. The course considers adolescence, adulthood and older age, alongside cultural beliefs, communication preferences and barriers to accessing support.
Does it cover social media and technology?
Yes. It considers how technology can affect wellbeing and explores the role of digital resources in accessing information and support.
Can I keep the course resources?
Yes. Download the Reference Guide, Workbook and Workplace Checklist and keep them for future reference alongside current workplace procedures.
We’d love to be a part of your story too
Hear from our students!
I recently finished my Certificate 1V in Training and Assessment with Getmycourse. They have been amazing; tutors and administrators were helpful .
Lawrence Taona
The training and assessment improved how I deliver training, organise sessions, and conduct assessments. This qualification has given me more confidence and strengthened my professional skills.
Mhel Boyd
Their approachable teaching style, clear communication, and constructive feedback were instrumental in helping me successfully complete the course.
Anwaar Alkhamisi
Build More Informed, Compassionate Everyday Support
Strengthen your understanding of mental health, reduce stigma and support wellbeing through respectful communication and informed action.
Enrol Now
