Mental Health
Flexible Delivery
Fully online delivery with opportunity to meet with teachers and fellow students.
Study at your own pace
Full-time and part-time study options available to all students.
FEE-HELP & Scholarships
Master of Mental Health
Graduate Diploma
in Mental Health
Graduate Certificate
in Mental Health
Our Mental Health program is one of only a handful in Australia that has been formally accredited by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN). NTI’s Mental Health courses encompass a contemplative and reflective learning model that encourages students to expand personally, professionally, ethically, compassionately, and academically. We offer mental health postgraduate study for professionals interested in making a difference to the lives of people experiencing mental illness, while taking care of their own wellbeing.
Using a unique combination of scientific evidence, Buddhist philosophy of mind, contemplative practices, and leading-edge learning design, our Mental Health courses provide students with a learning experience that is responsive to student need, while maintaining academic excellence and integrity.
NTI’s mental health educators include professionals from mental health nursing, psychology, Buddhist psychiatry and psychotherapy, art therapy, social sciences, coaching and counselling, and mindfulness. Our program is evidence-based and grounded in the latest research, and students will engage with subjects that are anything but commonplace, such as mindful nature connection, art therapy, psychotherapy and Buddhism, compassion at work and more.
NTI’s mental health program has been designed with the student in mind. While examining academic concepts, scientific research, and modern mental health theories, students will explore personal wellbeing, resilience, self-compassion, self-reflection and mindfulness. Our Mental Health courses provide students with a truly holistic learning experience that will benefit current and future clinical and professional practice, and develop skills that are transferrable to people experiencing mental health challenges.
Explore Mental Health Subjects
Below is a list of all the subjects available for Mental Health (MH) enrolments. Access to specific subject requirements will vary depending on the course chosen (i.e. Masters, Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate). Please refer to information about specific courses for details on core and elective subject schedules.
MH801
Mind-Body Wellness
‘Mind-Body Wellness’ explores and analyses psychological, emotional, physical, social, and environmental factors that can contribute to, or work against, the mental health and wellbeing of individuals and societies. The subject examines mind-body wellness research from a range of perspectives, as well as exploring practical tools and interventions to assist others in improving mind-body wellness in the context of challenges to mental health.
MH902
Nutrition and Mental Health
Increasing evidence has emerged suggesting a link between dietary habits and mental and behavioural manifestation. Strong links between mental health treatment and nutrition have been identified. Dietary intervention is essential for people taking psychotropic medications. Students will discuss the many factors that impact healthy food choices for people experiencing mental health conditions and how foods can be utilised within interventions to enhance mental health and wellbeing.
MH903
Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is central to contemporary health research and practice. In this subject, students will learn how to approach research in mental health by effectively searching the literature, critically appraising evidence, and assessing its significance. Students will also critically analyse mental health research from an ethical perspective and will understand the importance of lived experience perspectives in research.
MH904
Ethics, Mental Health and Buddhism
This subject which critically investigates a range of responses in relation to contemporary moral dilemmas, highlighting possible contributions from—or gaps in—traditional Buddhist paradigms and perspectives. Explore a range of issues of contemporary concern, including the natural world, death and dying, health, gender and sexuality, business and social responsibility, through the lens of different frameworks and traditions, such as medical ethics and the core concepts of Buddhism.
MH912
Coaching and Counselling for Health and Wellbeing
Promoting, motivating, and supporting health, wellbeing, and positive behaviour change is a highly valued and necessary competency for many professional roles, particularly in the areas of health/mental health, psychology/counselling/coaching, disability and rehabilitation, complementary medicine, welfare, community outreach, human resources, and management. Examine a range of evidence-based and best-practice develop practical skills via peer and client practice under supervision, and how to work with people in recovery, those experiencing mental distress and severe challenges to their mental health.
MH913
Older Person’s Mental Health
This subject considers the healthcare needs of older people, the representation of older people through the media, health and social policies and legislation, and the way that these representations impact on the mental health and wellbeing of older people. Students will explore case studies, current research, and health theories to evaluate the importance a sense of purpose, a sense of belonging, and achieving balance through social networks, service to others, nutrition, and physical activity. Students will critically analyse challenges to mental wellbeing, explore the role of compassion within healthcare provision for older people, and the Buddhist perspective on death and dying.
MH914
Mental Health and Wellness
A state of wellbeing is defined as every individual having the opportunity to realise their own potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully and make a contribution to their community. Rapidly evolving evidence and the emergence of new research technologies are forcing revision of historical truths, beliefs, traditions and approaches to mental health and wellness. This subject explores recent developments in our understanding of mental health and wellbeing, including severe challenges to mental health and the associated impact on the lives of people having these experiences and their families and communities
MH915
Therapy Through Art
The emerging correlations between health, art and culture are being recognised as important determinants of health and wellbeing. Healthy individuals create healthy societies. This subject explores Mental Health, Art and Culture in a broader context and how they relate to individual and societal wellbeing. Art is a valuable therapeutic approach to a wide range of psychological, social and physical conditions. This subject examines the models and methods of art therapy and explores use within a range of mental health conditions.
MH916
Healing Traditions: Buddhism and Psychotherapy
This subject explores the therapeutic actions of Buddha’s core teachings and practice of mindfulness, the theoretical and neurobiological basis of meditation training, and the art and science of meditation useful in psychotherapy practice. The subject also covers the Buddhist and psychological concepts and foundations of suffering pertaining to psychological distress, psychic pain, difficult relationship issues, stress induced diseases, addictions, ageing, sickness and death. Students will participate in exercises to cultivate various clinically beneficial meditative practices, and explore the social, cultural and ethical issues involved in the Integration of Buddhism and Psychotherapy for health professionals.
MH921
Mindful Nature Connection
A transformative subject designed for postgraduate, caring and healing professionals, with some basic Buddhist understanding, who are interested in personal development and self-care in the context of mindful nature connection. Students will explore the theory, principles, and practice of mindfulness, including its health, wellbeing, resilience, and neuroplasticity benefits, and its application to conditions of stress, physical wellbeing and mental wellbeing, and nature connectedness.
NTI800
Critical Inquiry
This subject is designed to prepare students to be successful in their postgraduate studies by strengthening existing academic abilities and literacies gained through undergraduate study. It introduces contemporary topics to help students develop critical thinking, research and communication skills and includes an introduction to contemplative inquiry and reflective practices which underpin NTI’s postgraduate curriculum.
HSW905
Compassion at Work
Compassion is identified as a priority area for improvement in health care. This subject examines the implications of compassion in health care for individuals, organisations and society. Students will examine evidence that proposes a positive correlation between compassionate health care, enhanced by contemplative practice and staff and clients’ quality of life. This subject is grounded in a strength based, resilience building approach, while offering both applied and theoretical experience of compassion for personal and professional development in health care.