The federal government is opening a pathway to encourage more people into a mental health career after a challenging year of bushfires and a pandemic.
Australians who want to pursue a career in mental health will now pay less for their degree under a new scheme.
The federal government has accepted recommendations of a working group established to implement 'Professional Pathway Psychology' and 'Professional Pathway Social Work' disciplines.
These include degrees for psychology and social work, including for students in youth work, counselling and community work.
Students on these courses will now pay $7,950 for a full year of study, a saving of $6,550 against other compatible degrees.
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Education Minister Dan Tehan said these new professional pathways would direct more Australians to become job-ready graduates in the field of mental health.
"The challenges of the bushfires and COVID-19 have demonstrated that Australia needs more Australians qualified to provide professional mental health support to their fellow Australians that need help," Mr Tehan said in a statement on Sunday.
"The changes made today will ensure students obtain qualifications that make them job-ready to provide that essential mental health support to their communities."
Readers seeking support with mental health can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. More information is available at Beyond Blue.org.au. Embrace Multicultural Mental Health supports people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
LGBTIQ+ Australians seeking support with mental health can contact QLife on 1800 184 527 or visitqlife.org.au. ReachOut.com also has a list of support services.
