5 Tips for Taking a Mental Health Course Online

October 13, 2025

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5 min read

If you dream of working in the mental health services industry, then you have to take the right mental health courses.

While there are several mental health courses that can be taken in person, for those that would prefer an online format, luckily, there are many great mental health courses available online as well.

Online courses have revolutionised how we learn mental health skills—giving you flexibility, access, and the chance to build a career from anywhere. But studying online comes with its own set of challenges. Here are five practical tips to help you succeed in a mental health course delivered online.

5 Tips for Taking a Mental Health Course Online

When studying to be a mental health worker, there are a few things that can help you study better when taking a mental health course online:

1. Establish a Dedicated Study Environment

Creating a consistent, distraction-free space helps mimic the structure of a classroom. Use these strategies:

Choose a quiet corner, ideally with natural light and comfortable seating
Keep your study materials (notepad, pens, textbooks) close by
Set a regular study schedule, treat classes like work or appointments
Use tools like noise-cancelling headphones or website blockers (e.g. Freedom, Cold Turkey)

Research indicates that having a study space and routine enhances self-regulated learning and course completion rates. (See studies on distance education and learner success.)

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) highlights that consistent routines and structured environments improve focus and memory retention.

2. Stay Actively Engaged with Course Content

Passive reading or watching isn’t enough—online learners do best when they engage with material in multiple ways:

Take detailed notes (e.g. Cornell method, bullet summaries)
Ask questions in forums, chat rooms, or live tutorials
Use discussion boards to reflect and refine ideas
Pause videos occasionally to reflect or make your own examples

According to e-learning best practice guidelines by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, interactivity and reflection significantly improve retention and understanding.

3. Build Accountability & Connection

One risk of online study is isolation. You can mitigate this by:

Forming peer study groups or “study buddies”
Scheduling regular check-ins with tutors or mentors
Participating in webinars, live Q&A sessions, or virtual workshops
Using apps like Trello or Notion to track your progress and milestones

Studies show that learner persistence increases when there’s active community and mentor support in online courses (e.g., “social presence” in MOOCs research).

The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) notes that collaboration and reflective supervision are essential skills in community and mental health education.

4. Use Diverse Learning Tools & Reinforcement

To deepen your understanding of mental health, mix and match learning methods:

Flashcards & spaced repetition (e.g. Anki) for key concepts, diagnostic terms, models
Mind maps to show relationships between theories or disorders
Case studies / vignettes to apply theory to real-world scenarios
Short quizzes / self-assessments after modules to test recall
Supplemental reading from trusted sources like peer-reviewed journals, government health sites, or the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)

Varied learning strategies cater to different cognitive styles and increase retention, as well as bridging theory to practice.

For example, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) offers valuable mental health data and context for students.

5. Prioritise Self-Care & Mental Resilience

When studying mental health, you’ll read about difficult topics. You also need to protect your own wellbeing.

Establish boundaries: define study hours and rest hours
Build in regular breaks, physical movement, hydration, and sleep
Practice mindfulness or reflection (journaling, guided meditation)
Use supervision or peer debriefing if you discuss emotionally intense content
Seek help if topics trigger you—remember, you’re not alone

Evidence from online counselling training programs emphasises that resilience and self-reflection reduce burnout and promote long-term success.

The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care encourages students and professionals to adopt self-care frameworks to prevent compassion fatigue and burnout.

Extra Tips for Course Success

Check technical requirements early (internet speed, compatible browser, required software)
Keep all communication channels active (email, LMS alerts, SMS)
Ask for feedback early on assessments, drafts, and participation
Use course structure maps / schedules to stay ahead of deadlines
Revisit past material periodically to reinforce retention

🎓 At Hader Institute of Education, our Diploma of Mental Health and Certificate IV in Mental Health include practical components that prepare you for real-world support roles in mental health, counselling, and community work.

Online Mental Health Courses - Hader Institute

Getting Started with Hader Institute

At Hader Institute of Education, our mental health courses are designed with online learners in mind—they combine flexibility, live mentorship, peer support, and regular check-ins.

Check out programs like our Diploma of Mental Health or Certificate IV in Mental Health to begin your learning journey.

After taking a mental health course, you can work in a number of positions such as;

1) Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker

This involves providing emotional and practical support to mental health clients, such as aiding them to manage their mental health issues and connecting them to supportive services.

2) Community Support Worker

This involves providing mental health clients with practical assistance such as helping them manage their finances, participate in recreational activities, or transition into the workforce.

3) Mental Health Intake Officer

This involves assessing mental health clients and connecting them to appropriate mental health services.

4) Mental Health Outreach Worker

This involves visiting mental health clients in their homes and providing them with mental health support.

5) Mental Health Counsellor

This involves providing mental health clients with counselling to assess and manage their mental health issues.

5) Mental Health Rehabilitation Support Worker

This involves providing mental health rehabilitation services, such as helping mental health clients develop skills and strategies to manage their mental health issues.

Summary

However, to get the best results, you need to make sure that working in the mental health sector is right for you as a person as well as taking the right mental health course to help you meet your mental health career goals. Taking an online mental health course is a great way to gain qualifications without having to attend classes in person.

At Hader Institute, our mental health courses offer a comprehensive study program with accredited qualifications. Our mental health courses are designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to work effectively with mental health clients.

Can I do a mental health course online?

Yes, mental health courses can be done online. With Hader Institute, you have the flexibility to study at your own pace, from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.

What qualifications do you need for mental health?

You will need either a Certificate IV or Diploma of mental health to work in mental health services. Both courses cover the fundamentals of mental health and provide practical skills for mental health professionals.