Duration 
Study Intakes 
Units 
Fees 
Why study mental health with ECU Online?
Graduate sooner, 100% online
Earn your graduate certificate in as little as six months, studying part-time. Enjoy the freedom of studying 100% online, whether from the comfort of your home, on your commute, or during your lunch break. Stay connected and supported throughout your studies with guidance from expert academics, dedicated Student Success Advisors, and a supportive community of fellow students.-
Gain foundational skills
Develop foundational knowledge in mental health, counselling for improved mental health, and Indigenous insights into better mental wellbeing. -
Pathway to a Master of Mental Health
Continue your journey in shaping the future of mental health. By completing the Graduate Certificate of Mental Wellbeing, you have the option to study ECU’s Master of Mental Health with credit.
What you will learn
With ECU’s online Graduate Certificate of Mental Wellbeing, you’ll become a catalyst for change, shaping a future where mental wellbeing is prioritised.
- Effectively communicate specialised mental health knowledge, concepts, and skills across diverse contexts and to various audiences.
- Support your own mental wellbeing in professional practice.
- Apply critical thinking and independent judgement to analyse complex mental health situations.
- Demonstrate self-management and creativity by designing, planning, and evaluating initiatives that promote positive mental health outcomes.
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Mental Wellbeing, you must complete three of the following units:
This unit provides a comprehensive understanding of mental health across different populations and life stages, emphasising biopsychosocial and cultural dimensions to equip students with the knowledge to support diverse client needs in evolving mental health care contexts.
This unit explores mental health care beyond tertiary services, encouraging students to critically examine accessibility social determinate issues across diverse socio-economic backgrounds
This unit immerses students in the profound realms of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander models of wellbeing.
This unit explores the impact of mental health issues on individuals, families, and communities, covering common problems and support strategies. It introduces interventions and assessment tools, emphasising legal and ethical boundaries, and equips students to identify mental health issues, apply evidence-based interventions, and make appropriate referrals for recovery support.
Entry criteria
To gain entry to the Graduate Certificate of Mental Wellbeing, you will need:
- a bachelor’s degree in any discipline; or
- equivalent prior learning including at least five years of relevant professional experience.
If you would like more information, contact one of our Student Enrolment Advisors on 1300 707 760 or request a call-back.
Professor Janine Joyce
Associate Dean
Professor Janine Joyce is the Associate Dean of Social Sciences, Social Work, and Youth Work in the School of Arts and Humanities, Edith Cowan University. A seasoned mental health counsellor and social worker, she specialises in strengths-based and mindfulness approaches to collaboratively fostering resilience and psychosocial well-being. As an academic leader, she is passionate about nurturing the next generation of changemakers—equipping students with both the skills and the heart to drive meaningful community transformation.
Aarthi Ganapathy
Course Coordinator
Dr. Aarthi Ganapathy, Coordinator of the Master of Mental Health (Online) program and Senior Lecturer at Edith Cowan University, is an educator and mental health advocate with a strong foundation in mental health and digital mental health. With extensive experience in teaching, curriculum design, and student- centred learning, she has reimagined postgraduate courses to meet contemporary industry needs while fostering engaging and supportive environments that prepare students for real-world challenges. Beyond academia, Aarthi has worked as a psychologist and mental health advocate, supporting clients with severe neurodevelopmental disorders, substance abuse, schizophrenia, and social anxiety, often in underserved communities with minimal resources. Her fieldwork has shaped her understanding of the complexities of mental health care, which she brings to her teaching and research. Aarthi has also contributed to large-scale mental health projects, collaborating with policymakers, practitioners, and organisations to improve service delivery and bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring her students gain both theoretical expertise and practical skills to excel in the field.
How to apply
Ready to apply? Our support staff are available to guide you through our three-step process.
Fees and FEE-HELP
The cost of our Graduate Certificate of Mental Wellbeing is $12,600* for all three units.
To assist with some or all of your tuition fees, FEE-HELP is available for eligible students. This government-supported loan scheme is designed to help eligible full-fee paying students pay their postgraduate tuition fees.
To find out if you are eligible for FEE-HELP, you can contact one of our Student Enrolment Advisors on 1300 707 760.
*2025 student fees are shown and are subject to change.
Studying mental health and wellbeing equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to make a real difference in people's lives. Whether you're driven to support your community, advocate for better mental health resources, or expand your career opportunities, an online Graduate Certificate of Mental Wellbeing from ECU provides the expertise you need to stand out and create meaningful impact in the mental health sector.
Yes, on completion of the Graduate Certificate of Mental Wellbeing, you can continue your studies and enter the master’s degree with full credit for the units completed in the graduate certificate. This allows you to build on your existing knowledge and skills. Plus, with the flexibility of online learning, you can continue working while studying towards your master's degree.
At ECU Online we understand that everyone has different work arrangements, family responsibilities, locations and learning styles. This is why our postgraduate courses are offered 100% online, so you can balance your study with other commitments. As an ECU Online student, you will have access to academic and non-academic support.
Academic study support
Our accelerated online courses are developed by industry experts and engaged academics. You can easily connect with learning facilitators and course coordinators through our easy-to-use online learning environment to gain feedback and ask academic questions. You can also reach out to a Learning Advisor who can help with things like assessment writing, study skills and more.
Non-academic study support
You will have a dedicated Student Success Advisor available to you from when you start studying through to graduation. They will be available to provide non-academic support, such as assistance with scheduling time to study and more.
Additional support options
As an ECU online student, you also have access to all the support offered by ECU, both on-campus and online:
- Access and inclusion services
- Student health services
- Psychological counselling support
- Careers and employability services
- Student Guild, clubs and associations
No, the Graduate Certificate of Mental Wellbeing is 100% online and does not include any on-campus components. We have designed this course to be flexible so you can tailor your studies to fit your lifestyle.