Courses · Mental Health & Positive Outcomes
Introducing Mental Health and Psychosocial Disability
Understand mental health, mental illness and psychosocial disability, work in a recovery-oriented and trauma-informed way, and respond safely when someone is in distress or at risk.
About this certificate
This is a non-accredited professional development module and the Certificate of Completion is not a Statement of Attainment. It is not accredited Mental Health First Aid training and does not qualify you to diagnose, counsel or provide therapy. It is designed to help you support people well and respond safely within the scope of a support worker role. If you or someone you support needs help now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency.
About this module
Around one in five Australians experience a mental illness in any year, and psychosocial disability is one of the largest disability groups in the NDIS. This module covers the continuum of mental health, what psychosocial disability means under the NDIS, recovery-oriented practice, trauma-informed support, stigma and language, looking after the physical health of people with mental illness, recognising deterioration, and how to respond when someone talks about suicide.
Who it is for
All support workers, and particularly those supporting participants with psychosocial disability or co-occurring mental illness and intellectual disability.
What you will be able to do
- Describe the mental health continuum and the meaning of psychosocial disability
- Apply the principles of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed practice
- Use respectful, non-stigmatising language
- Recognise signs that a person's mental health is deteriorating
- Respond safely and appropriately when a person talks about suicide
Aligned to
- NDIS Practice Standards — Rights and Responsibilities; Provision of Supports
- National Framework for Recovery-Oriented Mental Health Services
- NDIS Code of Conduct
- National Mental Health Commission — language and stigma guidance
Lesson plan
What the module covers
| # | Lesson | What it covers | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Mental health, mental illness and psychosocial disability | The continuum, the numbers, and what the NDIS means by psychosocial disability. | 12m |
| 02 | Recovery-oriented and trauma-informed practice | What recovery means, what trauma does, and what good support looks like. | 12m |
| 03 | Recognising deterioration and responding to suicide risk | Warning signs, asking directly, and knowing where to go. | 11m |
| ✓ | Final assessment | 10 scenario-based questions · pass mark 80% · unlimited attempts | ~15m |
Also in Mental Health & Positive Outcomes
Schizophrenia
Understand schizophrenia beyond the myths, support someone experiencing psychosis calmly and respectfully, and watch for medication effects and early signs of relapse.
Bipolar Disorder
Understand mania, hypomania and bipolar depression, support stability through routine, and recognise lithium toxicity and early warning signs before a crisis.
Personality Disorder
Understand personality disorders — especially borderline personality disorder — without stigma, respond well to self-harm and crisis, and hold consistent, compassionate boundaries.