Can You Study Mental Health Courses Online?

Mental health has always been important as we all try to navigate our way through a complicated world. In the past, it was often a taboo subject, but in recent years people have been encouraged to be more open about their mental health struggles.  

The subject of mental health is vast and complex as it covers various disorders. As a result, there are many mental health therapists, nurses and trained professionals that provide one-on-one support in specialised areas. Due to the complexities of mental health, individuals need to be professionally trained to legally provide therapy or counselling. 

If you are interested in human behaviour, have a nurturing nature, strong listening skills, and are a natural problem solver, then a career in counselling and mental health therapy could be for you. There are a wealth of mental health courses available, some of which specialise in certain disorders. Below, we have explained how you can gain a foundation knowledge of mental health through online learning. 

Common Types of Mental Disorders 

Mental health is defined as a condition related to a person’s psychological and emotional wellbeing. As mentioned, this covers a realm of disorders, and due to the complex nature of our brains, a person could be suffering with numerous issues that blend together. Before embarking on any mental health training courses, it is important for you to differentiate between the various types of disorders. 

The list is somewhat endless, but there are around 7 common mental health disorders, of which are listed below: 

During counselling courses and mental health courses, you will learn about the various disorders and conditions that people can experience over the course of their lives. Depression is a common mental health illness that makes a person feel prolonged bouts of sadness, usually for weeks, months, and sometimes years.  

The symptoms of depression range from continuous low moods and feeling tearful to having no motivation and struggling to make decisions. In severe cases, a person may feel suicidal. If you want to study mental health courses that give you an in-depth understanding of the condition, then you can use that knowledge to progress into a professional role. 

The above list of disorders and conditions all come with different symptoms and even if you treat multiple people with the same mental health illness, it can affect the individual in different ways.  

Mental Health Training Courses 

Stonebridge Ass/ociated Colleges provides a range of mental health training courses and counselling courses. If you would like to gain an all-round foundational knowledge in this area, consider studying towards a Mental Health and Counselling Level 3 Diploma (RQF). This is an online combination course that covers both mental health and counselling practices.  

It is recognised by Training Qualifications UK (TQUK), the National Awarding Organisation (NCFE) and the Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education (CACHE). 

If you successfully complete the Ofqual-approved course, you will receive a Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills (RQF), a TQUK Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health (RQF), and the NCFE CACHE Awareness of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 Level 3 Award (RQF).  

By studying this online mental health course, you will delve into the impact of mental health issues, the attitudes towards them and the importance of mental wellbeing. You will also learn about various counselling methods, giving you a base knowledge that could lead you to a fulfilling career.  

The combination course is comprised of two sections: Understanding Mental Health and Counselling Skills. You will cover a variety of different topics over the course of your study. In the Understanding Mental Health sector, some of the units you will cover include: 

• Promotion of Mental Health and Wellbeing – It is vital to understand the importance of mental health and mental wellbeing, and how they can change during different stages of a person’s life. Through this unit of your mental health course, you will understand how best to support mental health needs 
• Working in Mental Health – During this unit, you will understand the roles and responsibilities of various mental health professionals, including care and support workers. You will also learn how to develop a range of skills and techniques that are required to work competently in mental health services. 

During the Counselling Skills section, you will undergo a range of units, including the following: 

• Developing Counselling Skills – Included in these mental health training courses is a unit that covers a range of counselling skills. You will learn how to build and develop relationships using counselling skills, as well as how to end an interaction using specialist skills 
• Working Ethically with Counselling Skills – It is essential that anyone who gets into counselling adheres to an ethical framework. During this part of your study, you will understand how to apply these ethics to counselling skills. You will also be taught the concepts of ethical referral 

To pass the Mental Health and Counselling Level 3 Diploma (RQF), you will need to complete numerous assignments. You will be issued with an assignment at the end of each unit, and it is important to note that you can complete multiple tasks together. To achieve this combined qualification, you will need to demonstrate that you have an understanding of all the topics covered in your course. 

Child Mental Health Courses 

If you already work in a support role for children, or you are interested in working towards a career in youth counselling, then you can develop your skills through a Counselling Children and Adolescents course. You will cover a variety of topics, including dysfunctional families, child development, behavioural psychology, destructive relationships, and more.  

Achieving a Certificate in this mental health course will allow you to progress towards further study in therapy and counselling. In fact, if you wanted to go on to university to study in a degree in psychology, you could undertake an Access to Higher Education Diploma with Psychology and Sociology Pathway.  

These qualifications are widely regarded as equivalent to A Levels, with most universities accepting them as part of their entry requirements. However, it is important to check with your chosen university first before you apply. 

Why Choose Online Study? 

Stonebridge Associated Colleges provides an effective alternative to traditional learning. As one of the UK’s leading distance learning providers, with more than 650 courses and over 50,000 learners at any one time, it is a trusted platform for study. If you are looking for a way to study without having to commit to in-person learning, then online courses will suit your lifestyle perfectly. 

By opting for an online mental health course, then you can study at your own pace. If you have young children, work full-time, or have any other commitments, you can fit the study schedule around your lifestyle. 

Enrol on Your Chosen Course Now! 

If you are looking to enhance your skillset in therapy or counselling, or you are working towards a new career, our online mental health courses can put you on your way. To enrol on the course of your choice, speak to one of our Career Advisers by calling 0121 392 8288 or visit our support centre. Alternatively, click below to find out more information about our courses.