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Western Australia's mental health sector is growing rapidly. There is a high demand for workers with a diverse range of skills. So, whether you’re looking at entry-level roles, or to make a career change that matters, there are many rewarding, stable opportunities to make a meaningful contribution in the mental health sector.
There are many opportunities to work in Western Australia’s mental health system. Roles exist within private, non-government and government service providers offering care to people across all life stages and in a range of settings. Some roles are focused on prevention and health promotion, such as running mental health and wellbeing education programs, events and campaigns, while others involve working directly with individuals and families affected providing services in the community, or as part of a team in a mental health care setting.
Every university will offer a different program of qualifications, at different levels and with different entry requirements. Take the time to read through the information on their websites to help decide which study pathway you want to pursue.
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TAFE and Registered Training Organisations provide accredited training that meets industry skill requirements. A skill set, short course, Certificate I or Certificate II can help you learn a new skill. A Certificate III or Certificate IV can give you an intermediate level skillset and are required for some roles in the mental health sector. These may then be a pathway to a Diploma. A Diploma can make you eligible for a more highly skilled job and may be a pathway to a university course. Some of these qualifications can be completed as part of a traineeship or apprenticeship.
Below are the potential pathways for studying courses related to mental health.
To find out which WA TAFE College or Registered Training Organisations are offering these qualifications near you please visit Jobs and Skills WA and search for the course that you are interested in.
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Whether you're looking for a job, thinking about a career change, or upskilling for your own development, now's the time to prepare. You can choose from a full qualification with course fees reduced by half or more, or a wide range of free short courses to get you job ready.
The Integrating Mental Health Practice skill set is currently free for eligible workers.
Visit Jobs and Skills WA to find out more.
The Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office have a range of scholarship for nursing and midwifery students studying in WA. These can help you become a nurse or midwife or progress your career.
Visit the Department of Health website to learn more about scholarships available.
The Westerman Jilya Institute provides scholarships to increase the number of Indigenous psychologists working in Australia. The scholarship includes:
Western Australian Department of Health
Australian College of Nursing
The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care provide a range of nursing and allied health undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships that are administered through the Australian College of Nursing (ACN). Visit the ACN website to learn more.
Job opportunities are advertised online, check out some of the places below to start your search.
Be direct. Most of the major mental health service providers operating in WA advertise job opportunities on their website or socials. Make a list of the organisations you're interested in and apply for jobs directly through their website.
Jobs and Skills Centres (JSC) are located across regional and metropolitan WA. An experienced careers specialist at your local JSC can offer advice and support on career planning, job-specific information, and decision making, helping you choose the best mental health career pathway. All services are free.
Call your local JSC on 13 64 64, or find your nearest JSC and drop in for a chat.
We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of our State and its waters. The Commission wishes to pay its respects to Elders both past and present and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples seeing this message.
We recognise the individual and collective expertise of those with a living or lived experience of mental health, alcohol and other drug issues. We recognise their vital contribution at all levels and value the courage of those who share this unique perspective for the purpose of learning and growing together to achieve better outcomes for all.
Offers a range of services including behavioural coaching, health education, exercise counselling and physical rehabilitation.
In the context of mental health, exercise physiologists work to help restore optimal physical function, health, and wellness.
Qualification needed
A university-level degree with three possible study pathways:
In Australia, exercise physiology is a self-regulated profession. The Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) is the professional representative body of accredited exercise physiologist in Australia.
Specialises in nutrition and diet. Dietitians assist in improving both mental and physical health by providing dietary support to address health factors influenced by symptoms of mental health conditions (like low motivation and low energy), medication side-effects (such as decreased/increased appetite), along with addressing social determinants of health that can lead to physical illnesses like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Dietitians provide holistic nutritional care, support lifestyle change, collaborate to develop realistic nutritional support and act as a resource to other health professionals to build knowledge about the interaction between nutrition and mental wellbeing.
Qualification needed
Either a Bachelor degree in nutrition and dietetics or relevant undergraduate degree with a Master in dietetics, or equivalent.
Dietetics is a self-regulated profession. Dietitians Australia is the professional representative body of dietitians in Australia.
Works with individuals, families or groups in a variety of areas; from social work and community support, through to youth support, family counselling or alcohol or other drug (AOD) counselling.
Counsellors may also work on phone services such as Here For You, Lifeline or the Kids Helpline.
Qualification needed
Generally, a minimum of Certificate IV or Diploma in counselling. Higher qualifications through the university pathway include a Bachelor degree, Graduate Certificate, Diploma and Masters of counselling.
Work as members of multi-disciplinary teams to help ensure that mental services are culturally safe, appropriate, and trustworthy for Aboriginal clients and their families and communities. They may participate in the development, planning, delivery and evaluation of care and management with special reference to the needs of Aboriginal people.
Qualification needed
Generally, a Certificate IV in Mental health or Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice, however, this can vary.
These courses are also available through Aboriginal-led registered training organisations:
Works with people to improve their health and wellbeing, with a focus on physical and mental health.
The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in everyday life. Occupational therapists provide strengths-based, behaviourally oriented and goal directed services to improve mental health and wellbeing.
Qualification needed
A Bachelor of occupational therapy, or a relevant undergraduate degree. Higher qualifications include a Master of occupational therapy, or equivalent.
Occupational therapists must be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.
Work as members of multi-disciplinary teams to help ensure that mental services are culturally safe, appropriate, and trustworthy for Aboriginal clients and their families and communities. They may participate in the development, planning, delivery and evaluation of care and management with special reference to the needs of Aboriginal people.
Qualification needed
Generally, a Certificate IV in Mental health or Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice, however, this can vary.
These courses are also available through Aboriginal-led registered training organisations:
Treats patients with a cognitive, psychological or emotional condition. Psychologists develop treatment plans focused on solutions for beneficial outcomes, but do not prescribe medication.
The following areas of practice endorsement are available for psychologists: neuropsychology, clinical, community, counselling, educational and developmental, forensic, health, organisational, and sport and exercise psychology.
Qualification needed
General registration requires a minimum of six-years of education and training. This typically includes four-years of study in psychology, followed by either:
Psychologists must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia.
Addresses the physical health needs of individuals with mental health concerns. Physical health concerns, such as pain, fatigue, and reduced mobility, are common among individuals with mental health issues and can negatively impact their mental health and quality of life.
Physiotherapists can help address these concerns and improve overall health and wellbeing.
Qualification needed
Either a Bachelor degree in physiotherapy, or relevant undergraduate degree with a Master of physiotherapy, or equivalent.
Physiotherapists must be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia and appear as registered on the Allied Health Professionals Board of Australia (AHPRA).
Builds mental health and wellbeing via prevention strategies aimed at reducing the incidence and severity of mental health issues and conditions.
Public health professionals can work on education programs, policy development, and delivering training to other social services and health professionals.
Qualification needed
Generally, public health professionals must have completed a Bachelor degree in public health, health promotion, or equivalent; or a Master of public health, health promotion or equivalent.
Specialises in caring for people experiencing a mental health issue or condition.
This care occurs in a variety of settings such as hospitals, residential care facilities, and in-home, in partnership with the patient, their family, and the community.
Qualification needed
A Bachelor of nursing.
Registered nurses must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Additional qualifications are not required to work in mental health, but relevant training, such as the Graduate Certificate in mental health, supports the development of specialist skills.
Provides key assessment information to assist with diagnosis and delivers interventions to overcome communication and swallowing (dysphagia) difficulties. People living with low mental health are much more likely to develop swallowing disorders than the general population.
Swallowing difficulties may also occur as part of a neurodivergent condition or mental health need itself (e.g., autism, schizophrenia, dementia) or as a side effect of medication used in mental health treatment.
Qualification needed
Either a Bachelor degree in speech pathology or relevant undergraduate degree with a Master’s degree in speech pathology, or equivalent.
In Australia, speech pathology is a self-regulated profession. Speech pathology Australia is the professional representative body of speech pathologists in Australia.
Specialises in helping individuals with issues that affect their everyday lives, including mental health. Social workers don’t diagnose or administer treatment, but instead provide information and support to clients. Social workers work with individuals, families, groups and communities and may undertake roles in casework, counselling, advocacy, community engagement and development and social action.
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs) are recognised providers with Medicare Australia and other programs, delivering clinical social work services in mental health settings and utilising a range of evidence-based strategies.
Qualification needed
Either a Bachelor degree in social work or relevant undergraduate degree with a Master’s degree in social work, or equivalent.
In Australia, social work is a self-regulated profession. The Australian Association of Social Workers is the professional body of social workers and is responsible for assessing Accredited Mental Health Social Workers.
Provides culturally safe, clinical care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
Qualified Aboriginal health practitioners may choose to specialise in mental health via additional training on the job or through further study.
Qualification needed
Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care practice is required.
Registration with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia is required to practise.
Works as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to help ensure mental services are culturally safe, appropriate, and trustworthy for Aboriginal clients and their families and communities.
They may participate in the development, planning, delivery and evaluation of care and management with special reference to the needs of Aboriginal people.
Qualification needed
Generally, a Certificate IV in mental health or Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care practice, however, this can vary.
These courses are also available through Aboriginal-led registered training organisations:
Represents people with mental health conditions who need assistance to protect their legal and individual rights and help them to express their own wishes.
These services are coordinated through the Mental Health Advocacy Service.
Qualification needed
Generally, a qualification such as the Certificate IV or Diploma in mental health, and/or experience working in mental health.
Works under the supervision and delegation of allied health professionals (AHP) such as exercise physiologists, physiotherapists or social workers. AHAs undertake a range of tasks that are assigned by the AHP.
Qualification needed
Certificate III or IV in allied health assistance, or an Australian Diploma, Undergraduate Certificate or Associate Diploma in allied health assistance is required.
The Allied Health Assistants’ National Association Ltd. (AHANA) is the peak body.
Works with individuals, families and groups in the community, facilitating support and services to assist clients to meet their individual goals toward wellbeing and/or recovery.
Qualification needed
Generally, a Certificate III in community services, Certificate IV in mental health, Certificate IV in community services, or Diploma in mental health or Diploma of community services is required.
Works with individuals, families or groups in a variety of areas; including social work, community support, youth support, family counselling or alcohol or other drug (AOD) counselling.
Counsellors may also work on phone services such as Here For You or Lifeline.
Qualification needed
Generally, a minimum of a Certificate IV or Diploma in counselling is required.
Specialises in caring for people experiencing a mental health condition.
This care occurs in a variety of settings such as hospitals, residential care facilities, and in-home, in partnership with the patient, their family, and the community.
Qualification needed
A Diploma of enrolled nursing qualification is required.
Some universities may also offer this diploma. See also university pathway (registered nurse).
A person who:
and utilises their experience, combined with training, professional development and links to the knowledge and skills of broader social and rights movements, in their practice to help others.
As well as frontline workers, Lived Experience (Peer) workers are also employed as researchers, consultants, advocates, at management/Board level and more.
Learn more in the Western Australian Lived Experience (Peer) Workforces Framework.
Qualification needed
A qualification of or working towards completion of a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work is a requirement for most Lived Experience (Peer) Workforces roles.
Due to the nature of the discipline, considerations may be needed for other prior experiences/learnings such as specific Peer-led training e.g. SHARC's Intentional Peer Support, Mind's Peer work Program, ALt2Su, COMWA's ASPIRE and LELAN's LEDGE Pathway.
Acts as liaison between patients, their families and other mental health professionals. They provide support and advocacy for patients.
Qualification needed
Generally, a Certificate IV in mental health or a Certificate IV in mental health peer support qualification is required.
Provides support for clients in a range of contexts including community-based organisations, outreach programs, centre-based or residential rehabilitation programs, respite care, in-home services, clinical or hospital settings or workplace programs.
Qualification needed
Generally, a Certificate IV in mental health, a Certificate III in community services with prescribed mental health electives, or similar qualification is required.
Provides support to people with psychosocial disability.
Their services are available through NDIS funding and help individuals take more control of their life and better manage some challenges of day-to-day living. Recovery coaches work with the individual and their family, carers and supports to create and implement a recovery plan.
Qualification needed
Generally, a Certificate IV in mental health or a Certificate IV in mental health peer work qualification or equivalent training; and/or a minimum two years of experience in mental health-related work. Lived and/or learnt experience is required.
AE439 – Integrating Mental Health Practice
AE116 – Entry into Care Roles
Foundation level course.
52890WA – Certificate II in Community Health and Wellbeing
CHC22015 – Certificate II in Community Services
Course length 6 months to 1 year
(based on full time study).
CHC32015 – Certificate III in Community Services
Provides theoretical knowledge and development of higher-level skills for problem solving.
CHC43315 – Certificate IV in Mental Health
CHC43515 – Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work
CHC42021 – Certificate IV in Community Services
CHC40421 – Certificate IV in Youth Work
Preparation for work in areas that may require complex skills.
CHC53315 – Diploma of Mental Health
CHC52021 – Diploma of Community Services.
Provides theoretical knowledge and technical skills. Students can develop a high level of expertise in a particular area.
Course length 6 months to 2 years
(based on full time study).
Work as members of multi-disciplinary teams to help ensure that mental services are culturally safe, appropriate, and trustworthy for Aboriginal clients and their families and communities. They may participate in the development, planning, delivery and evaluation of care and management with special reference to the needs of Aboriginal people.
Qualification needed
Generally, a Certificate IV in Mental health or Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice, however, this can vary.
These courses are also available through Aboriginal-led registered training organisations:
A medical doctor with additional training to specialise in mental health care. Psychiatrists provide comprehensive assessments and treatments to address the physical, mental, social and behavioural needs of people with acute and complex mental health presentations.
Psychiatry is a broad field comprised of subspecialties to address the specific needs of patients throughout different stages of life and issues, including adult, addiction psychiatry, child and adolescent, consultation-liaison, old age, forensic, perinatal and infant psychiatry.
Qualification needed
A Doctor of medicine, on-the-job training in a hospital for at least 12 months, plus training in the medical specialty of psychiatry with RANZCP.
Consultant psychiatrists must be registered with the Medical Board of Australia.
An advanced practice nurse who is legally authorised to undertake diagnostic assessment, treat, prescribe and refer patients within their scope of practice.
Nurse practitioners are key members of interdisciplinary health teams. In a mental health setting they provide care for people with mental health issues in a variety of geographical and clinical settings such as hospitals, community health settings, aged care, general medical practice and private practice.
Qualification needed
A Bachelor of nursing followed by a master’s level course that is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
In Western Australia, Edith Cowan University is the only education provider currently offering an NMBA approved Master of Nursing.
A healthcare worker that works under the direction of a nurse or midwife to help deliver patient care in acute clinical care settings.
Assistants in nursing may perform duties such as keeping restless or confused patients safe by observing and reporting changes in behaviour, helping with hygiene needs, helping patients with meals and providing companionship to patients. All activities are performed under direction of a nursing or midwifery staff member.
Qualification needed
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (assisting in nursing work in acute care).
In the Western Australian Country Health Service (WACHS), an Assistant in nursing who works only in a WACHS aged care setting a Certificate III in Individual Support-Ageing or a Certificate III Aged Care is acceptable only for working in the aged care setting.