Launch your career as a mental health worker

Mental health treatment is a vital aspect of healthcare

With almost half of Australians experiencing mental ill-health in their lifetime, mental health services are in higher demand than ever before placing greater pressure on the public and private mental health sector to meet demand.

A career in mental health provides opportunities in unique and interesting areas. Opportunities exist to work directly with clients and their families, manage community mental health programs, influence mental health and wellbeing policy and contribute to meaningful advocacy work. And the road to get there? Simpler than you might think.

UNSW’s Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice is a new online program that equips you with specialised training in mental health. In just one year, you’ll gain the knowledge and expertise to launch a rewarding career in mental health, advance your existing career or transition across from another health sector.

The multidisciplinary field of mental health

This dynamic field involves assessing, managing and treating a variety of mental health conditions. As a key part of Australia’s healthcare landscape, mental health professionals often work both independently and alongside other experts in psychiatry, psychology, social work and other allied health fields.

In addition to direct patient care roles, many mental health professionals design, develop and contribute to ongoing research. Mental health professionals are ideally placed to influence policy development and decision making, with a view to improving mental health outcomes in their community and beyond.

At UNSW, we emphasise collaboration and embed a multidisciplinary approach in our programs, provide graduates with advanced skills and knowledge to unlock diverse career opportunities in the field of mental health that they’re most passionate about.

What does a career in mental health involve?

A career in mental health can take many different shapes, but the three key areas are client-facing care, research and policy development.

Client-facing roles in mental health

Mental health workers on the front lines provide essential support to people facing mental health challenges. They work in various settings such as hospitals, community health centres and private practices. These roles involve direct patient treatment, conducting risk assessments and providing therapeutic intervention. As part of UNSW's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration we acknowledge that for holistic care there must be collaboration between mental health clinicians from multiple disciplines.

Mental health research

Mental health research is critical for advancing our understanding of mental health conditions and treatments. Organisations like the Black Dog Institute and Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) are at the forefront of mental health research, focusing on areas such as mood disorders, neuroscience and innovative mental health interventions. Mental health researchers participate in research initiatives, drive new discoveries and run or support clinical trials, helping to improve mental health outcomes in Australia and around the world.

Mental health policy development

A career in shaping mental health policy allows you to be a part of the future vision as to how mental health care is being delivered, accessed and funded and provides real opportunity to influence change. In a mental health policy role, you might contribute to nationwide government policies aimed at improving mental health services, support mental health initiatives in schools to foster early intervention or advocate for resources within local communities.

Policy professionals also work to address challenges such as mental health stigma, accessibility of services and the integration of mental health care into broader healthcare and education systems. Mental health policy development roles are key in ensuring the efficacious and safe delivery of mental health services to clients, improving mental health outcomes and enhancing recovery.

Mental health in the workforce

The impacts of mental health extend far beyond clinical settings. In recent years, we’ve seen more and more emphasis placed on promoting good mental health in the workplace. As part of UNSW’s #CareersUnlocked series, we spoke to three expert panellists about the role of mental health in the workplace and the opportunities and challenges we face in reshaping the future of workplace support.

Mental health jobs

Mental health is a diverse and constantly evolving field, and the job opportunities within it are no different. You’ll discover roles across the private and public sectors, from working on the front lines to helping develop government policy. Key jobs in mental health include:

Mental Health Clinician, providing assessment, diagnosis and treatment in an inpatient or outpatient clinical setting.

Counselling or delivering psychological therapies, often referred to as talk therapy and other techniques to support clients facing mental health challenges.

Case Manager, coordinating the care of people with complex mental health needs.

Crisis Intervention, working in emergency settings, delivering mental health treatment to those in acute crisis.

Policy Advisor, contributing to policy development and advocacy efforts to improve mental health systems and standards.

Mental Health Researcher, conducting research to develop new treatments for complex mental health conditions.

If you’re already working in the health sector and want to take the leap into mental health, there’s a clear path and strong demand for you – so don’t hesitate. With the right training, health professionals working in nursing, psychology, social work and other allied health groups are excellent candidates to shift across to mental health roles.

Salaries for mental health roles

Salaries in mental health professions vary depending on the role and experience level. Mental health nurses earn $110,000 per year, on average. Mental health support workers earn around $68,000 annually with a predicted job growth of 23%. Counsellors are also experiencing rapid job growth, with the typical salary coming in at $98,000 per year, and case managers typically earn an annual salary of $88,000.

Salary data from Seek. We aim to keep this information up to date, however, salary data may change at any time.

Why study mental health at UNSW?

If you want a career that drives meaningful change and improves the lives of individuals and communities, mental health could be your calling.

The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice is a new mental health program that’s empowering the next generation of mental health professionals. The program is designed by experts who bring extensive clinical, research and academic experience. The program is delivered by experts working in the field, bringing both theoretical knowledge and “on the job” experience together. This flexible, online mental health course can be studied part-time to fit around your existing work commitments.

You’ll benefit from UNSW’s strong network with leading mental health institutions, including the Black Dog Institute and Mindgardens Neuroscience Network. These partnerships provide invaluable insights into contemporary mental health challenges and solutions. Delivered by UNSW’s renowned Medicine & Health faculty, you’ll gain access to cutting-edge research and be part of a vibrant academic community committed to improving mental health outcomes.