Mental health represents a significant area of social work practice. Mental illness is ubiquitous and social workers need a solid skills and knowledge base in mental health no matter where they work. Over the last ten years there has been a growing expectation that all professionals in the mental health workforce will share a common body of knowledge, skills and attitudes, and that this common base for practice will be complemented by discipline-specific skills and knowledge. Social work practice in mental health agencies, or in general health and welfare settings, remains challenging and complex.

The Graduate Certificate in Social Work (Mental Health) draws together foundation knowledge and skills from psychiatry, together with knowledge and skills from social work. It provides an excellent introduction to mental health practice for social workers in either specialist or generic settings. It has a strong practice focus and will assist practitioners to move confidently into working with people with mental health problems.