The World Health Organisation reports that, worldwide, 10 to 20 per cent of children and adolescents experience mental disorders. If left untreated, these conditions can severely influence development, educational achievement and the potential to lead productive and fulfilling lives. This course is ideal for youth workers, counsellors, teachers, coaches or anyone who works with children.
The Certificate of Child and Adolescent Mental Health is an online program that will explore the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions and treatment options available for young people.
In this professional development course, you will learn about childhood development, and the types of depression, anxiety disorders, tic disorders, brain disorders and other disorders in children and adolescents.
You will also learn about problems of adolescence, such as anorexia, bulimia, substance abuse and family conflict, and holistic and alternative approaches to treatment.
On completion of this course, you will have developed an understanding of child and adolescent mental health and the various treatment options available.
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Nature and scope of mental health
- Introduction
- Understanding normal childhood development
- Good mental health
- Understanding childhood mental illness
- Prevalence of mental health issues in children and adolescents
- Differences to adult mental health
- An introduction to the mental health industry
Unit 2 - Childhood depression
- Introduction
- Types of depression in childhood
- Diagnosis of depression in children
- Causes of childhood depression
- Assessing risk of suicide
Unit 3 - Anxiety disorders
- Introduction
- Scope and nature of anxiety disorders
- Different types of anxiety disorders
- Childhood anxiety disorders
- Adolescent anxiety disorders
- Other anxiety related problems
Unit 4 - Tic disorders
- Introduction to tic disorders
- Types of tics
- Gilles de la tourette syndrome (tourette’s disorder)
- Transient tic disorder
- Chronic tic disorder
- Tic disorder (nos)
Unit 5 - Brain disorders (injury and disease)
- Introduction
- Differences to adults
- Traumatic brain injury
- Congenital malformations
- Genetic disorders
- Tumours
- Infectious diseases
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Epilepsy
- Environmental toxins
Unit 6 - Other disorders - Motor Disorders, Elimination Disorders, Feeding & Eating Disorders; signs/symptoms/treatment
- Introduction
- Elimination disorders
- Encopresis
- Enuresis
- Feeding and eating disorders of childhood
- Reactive attachment disorder
- Selective mutism
- Stereotypic movement disorder
Unit 7 - Environmental problems
- Introduction
- Child abuse
- Definition of child abuse
- Factitious disorder by proxy
- The effects of abuse
- Attachment issues
- Lifestyle
Unit 8 - Problems of adolescence - Anorexia, Bulimia, Substance Use, Family Conflict signs/symptoms/treatment
- Introduction
- Significant disorders of adolescence
Unit 9 - Holistic and alternative approaches to treatment
- Drug treatments
- Food and mental health
- Alternative therapies – homeopathy, art therapy, music therapy, counselling/psychotherapy, craniosacral/biodynamic osteopathy, kinesiology, aromatherapy, sensory integration, behavioural optometry, hearing and mental health, movement therapies
Assessment
Assessment Information
When you study with Australian Online Courses, you will be assessed using a competency-based training method.
Competency-based training focuses on the achievement of skills and knowledge against set criteria to meet industry-standard and is not benchmarked against other students’ work.
In this course, the assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, which may include short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks.
If you do not achieve a competency result on your first attempt, you have two more attempts to pass your assessment. So, you have three attempts in total to obtain a competency result.
In this way, you can complete your course in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 100 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Youth Workers
- Child and Adolescent Counsellors
- School Counsellors
- Teachers
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