Fast Facts
Location
This course offers flexible study options upon enrolment; many subjects offer online or on-campus attendance options.
Commencing
- Townsville: February, May, September
- Cairns: February, May, September
Fees
From $6,132+
$14,052^
+
total estimated Commonwealth Supported Fee
^
total estimated tuition fee
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee. Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Currently displaying fees for 2026, which are subject to change in following years.
Duration
6 months part time to 12 months part time
Course duration varies according to intake.
Trimester 1 commencement is 6 months part time.
Trimester 2 commencement is 12 months part time.
Trimester 3 commencement is 9 months part time.
Entry Requirements
Completion of an AQF level 7 bachelor degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. social work, human services, allied health, nursing, psychology, public health, education, information technology, data or health informatics, or a closely related field); or Other qualifications and/or at least five (5) years of relevant professional experience deemed equivalent by the College.
QTAC Codes
- 120711TSV
- 120711CNS
Ancillary QTAC Message
Course detail
The Graduate Certificate of Mental Health and Trauma-informed Practice is designed for professionals working in human and community services and social workers who want to strengthen their practice in mental health and trauma-informed care. Available on campus in Cairns and Townsville with flexible delivery options, it can be studied alongside existing work commitments.
In North Queensland and across rural Australia, community workers are often the first point of contact for people in crisis. This credential prepares you to meet those moments with the knowledge, skills and professional confidence to act.
Core subjects span Advanced Mental Health Practice, Foundations of Counselling Practice, and Mental Health and Trauma-informed Practice. Unlike most similar credentials, the inclusion of Health Coaching and Behaviour Change equips you to support clients through more than a crisis.
Assessments are built around practical scenarios, so your learning connects to the work you're already doing. Where available, you may also have opportunities to engage with industry partners through talking with professionals and site observations.
The credential is part of JCU's broader Human Services suite and carries credit into the Master of Human Services.
Graduates go on to work in roles including Mental Health Support Worker, Case Manager, AOD Practitioner, Family and Youth Practitioner, Intake and Assessment Officer, and Service Coordinator.
With experience, graduates may progress into senior practice roles including Senior Practitioner, Team Leader, Program Coordinator and Practice Advisor.
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $6,132
Estimated annual tuition fee: $14,052
A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.
Learn more about fees and financial support
JCU offers multiple Pathways to University. If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course, consider exploring our available Pathways options.
Contact our friendly team today to discover which pathway is right for you.
Complete an online application through our Online Application Portal.
Real stories
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Lecturer
Dr Pascal Agbadi
Social Work and Human Services
At JCU, Human Services is about working at the intersection of people, communities and the systems that support them. We prepare students with the practical skills, critical insight and cultural responsiveness needed to make a meaningful difference across diverse service settings to improve community wellbeing.