Replaces 10881NAT Course in Observing and Documenting the Mental State Examination
This course is for practitioners working in mental health, alcohol and other drugs services. The training consists of a full-day face-to-face workshop followed by an online assessment (approximately 3–4 hours). Recommended self-study options are provided to support learning.
Learners will receive training in the essential knowledge and skills required to achieve competency in observing and documenting the Mental State Examination (MSE).
As a nationally accredited course, it is audited to ensure it meets current industry expectations and reflects evidence-based practice and industry best practice standards.
The course provides an introduction to the Mental State Examination, including contextual factors, general appearance and behaviour, speech, mood and affect, perception, thought content, thought form and flow, insight, judgement, and cognition.
| Delivery Mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face-to-face |
1 full-day workshop + 7 hours of self-study, including 3–4 hours to complete the assessment |
7–14 hours (14 hours applies only when a Statement of Attainment is issued) |
$250 per person Queensland Health / Queensland Ambulance Service – NIL (internally funded) Fee Schedule (PDF) |
More information about this course is available in the course handout: 11362NAT Course in Observing and Documenting the Mental State Examination – Course handout
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
From 1 January 2015, the Learning Centre cannot issue a nationally recognised VET qualification or Statement of Attainment unless you have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). Register at www.usi.gov.au.
It is imperative that you read the Essential course information , which outlines course details, scope of practice, rights, responsibilities, and expectations.
Replaces 10881NAT Course in Observing and Documenting the Mental State Examination
This course is for practitioners working in mental health, alcohol and other drugs services. It is delivered in two parts via online classroom, followed by an online assessment (approximately 3–4 hours). Recommended self-study options are provided to support learning.
Learners will receive training in the essential knowledge and skills required to achieve competency in observing and documenting the Mental State Examination (MSE).
As a nationally accredited course, it is audited to ensure it meets current industry expectations and reflects evidence-based practice and industry best practice standards.
Part one (4 hours) provides an introduction to the Mental State Examination, including contextual factors, general appearance and behaviour, speech, mood and affect, and perception.
Part two (4 hours) continues to cover thought content, thought form and flow, insight, judgement, and cognition.
| Delivery Mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online classroom |
2 × four-hour sessions (total 7 hours course time) + 7 hours of self-study, including 3–4 hours to complete the assessment |
7–14 hours (14 hours applies only when a Statement of Attainment is issued) |
$250 per person Queensland Health / Queensland Ambulance Service – NIL (internally funded) Fee Schedule (PDF) |
More information about this course is available in the course handout: 11362NAT Course in Observing and Documenting the Mental State Examination – Course handout
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
From 1 January 2015, the Learning Centre cannot issue a nationally recognised VET qualification or Statement of Attainment unless you have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). Register at www.usi.gov.au.
It is imperative that you read the Essential course information , which outlines course details, scope of practice, rights, responsibilities, and expectations.
“Supervision is a formal professional relationship between two or more people in designated roles, which facilitates reflective practice, explores ethical issues, and develops skills.” (Australian Clinical Supervision Association, 2015; cited in Supervision Guidelines for Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Services, 2023).
This two-day workshop prepares participants for the role of supervisor and is designed for staff from all disciplines, including non-clinical roles such as the peer workforce. During the workshop, participants will explore strategies and tools to enhance supervisory skills. High-quality skills demonstration videos are used to model the core elements of effective supervision practice, and participants will have opportunities to practise delivering supervision in a culturally sensitive manner.
To progress and enrol in this training, participants must pass a pre-enrolment screening process that requires them to:
- meet the minimum requirements to be a supervisor as outlined in the Supervision Guidelines for Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drug Services, 2023
- complete the QC60 Introduction to Supervision eLearning
Resources are provided to support completion of the pre-enrolment screening. This process ensures that all participants attending the QC4 Supervisor training have a shared understanding of key supervision concepts, regardless of previous experience or training.
| Delivery Mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face-to-face | 2 full days | 14 hours |
$500 per person Queensland Health / Queensland Ambulance Service – NIL (internally funded) Fee Schedule (PDF) |
Note: This course is a prerequisite for those wishing to complete QC12 Supervising Supervisors.
More information about this course is available in the course handout: QC4 Supervisor – Course handout
This four-hour workshop is Part 2 of the foundational level supervisee training and builds on the topics introduced in Part 1 – QC60 Introduction to Supervision (eLearning).
Underpinned by the Supervision Guidelines for Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drug Services, 2023, this course supports staff to engage in supervision in a way that maximises value and establishes a strong working alliance with their supervisor. It may also assist those who have had unhelpful supervision experiences to bring greater structure to their supervision practice.
This course is suitable for staff across all disciplines and work roles and is an essential pre-training requirement for those wishing to become supervisors and enrol in QC4 Supervisor.
QC8 Supervisee (workshop) is delivered in both face-to-face and online classroom formats. Please refer to session listings for available delivery modes.
Note: Completion of QC60 Introduction to Supervision (eLearning) is required before enrolling in this course.
| Delivery Mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Face-to-face or online classroom (delivery mode specified in session listing) |
4 hours | 4 hours |
$125 per person Queensland Health / Queensland Ambulance Service – NIL (internally funded) Fee Schedule (PDF) |
More information about this course is available in the course handout: QC8 Supervisee – Course handout
This one-day workshop promotes evidence-based clinical risk assessment and management practices to improve consistency in assessing and managing consumer risk. Participants will develop skills to identify and analyse relevant risk factors and weigh these against protective and mitigating factors.
Designed for mental health practitioners at all experience levels, this workshop may also be relevant for professionals from other services who work with people experiencing mental health problems.
| Delivery Mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face-to-face | 1 full day | 7 hours |
$250 per person Queensland Health / Queensland Ambulance Service – NIL (internally funded) Fee Schedule (PDF) |
More information about this course is available in the course handout: QC9 Critical Components of Risk Assessment and Management – Course handout
Violence Risk Assessment and Management Framework – Induction Video
View the Violence Risk Assessment and Management Framework induction video
This video introduces the Queensland Health Violence Risk Assessment and Management Framework for mental health services. It outlines the three-tiered approach to violence risk assessment and response, the purpose and principles of the Framework, implementation guidance, and relevant clinical roles and responsibilities.
The video duration is approximately 20 minutes.
A transcript of the video is available to download here .
This two-day workshop builds on learning from QC4 Supervisor and provides a safe environment for participants to develop advanced skills in supervising those who are supervisors. The course explores the components and stages of supervisory processes, supporting participants to establish, negotiate, maintain, and conclude supervisory relationships. This approach reduces ambiguity and provides clarity around roles and outcomes, with a strong focus on supporting consumer-centred mental health services.
In addition to prerequisite training requirements, active and recent experience in providing supervision over an extended period (more than one year) is strongly recommended for this advanced course.
| Delivery Mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face-to-face | 2 full days | 14 hours |
$500 per person Queensland Health / Queensland Ambulance Service – NIL (internally funded) Fee Schedule (PDF) |
Note: Completion of QC4 Supervisor is a prerequisite for enrolment in this course.
More information about this course is available in the course handout: QC12 Supervising Supervisors – Course handout
This one-day course provides clinicians with the core knowledge and skills required to undertake a comprehensive assessment with people accessing mental health and related specialist services. Using a case-based approach, participants are guided through the process of identifying and gathering relevant information for each component of the assessment.
Based on their clinical assessment of a case study, participants will then develop and document a clinical formulation and management plan. This course focuses on the foundations of comprehensive assessment, formulation, and planning for mental health, alcohol and other drug service clinicians. It is most suitable for clinicians in the early years of practice or those wishing to refresh their skills.
Note: This course includes a formal online assessment completed after attendance at the workshop. Participants have two weeks to complete the assessment.
It is highly recommended that participants also complete the optional complementary eLearning course QC55 , which focuses on clinical formulation and planning.
| Delivery Mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face-to-face | 1 full day | 7 hours |
$250 per person Queensland Health / Queensland Ambulance Service – NIL (internally funded) Fee Schedule (PDF) |
More information about this course is available in the course handout: QC14 Fundamentals of Assessment, Formulation and Planning – Course handout
Replaces QC2/QC32 EARS and QC28/QC35 YEARS
This training supports participants to build the skills and confidence required to compassionately respond to people experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Suitable for both new and experienced health workers, the course introduces models applicable to supporting people across the lifespan.
Workshop A explores the use of compassion and the application of the Chronological Assessment of Suicidal Events (CASE) through simulation. Workshop B focuses on safety planning, lethal means counselling, prevention-oriented risk formulation, and a brief intervention for substance use.
Workshops may be attended either online or face-to-face, delivered as two separate half-day sessions or as one full-day session.
You may also wish to complete the QC56 eLearning before or after attending the workshop to supplement your learning. This eLearning is not a prerequisite for enrolment.
| Delivery Mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Face-to-face or online classroom (delivery mode specified in session listing) |
1 full day or 2 × 4-hour sessions + 1.5 hours pre-enrolment activity |
8.5 hours (full day) 9 hours (two sessions) |
$250 per person Queensland Health / Queensland Ambulance Service – NIL (internally funded) Fee Schedule (PDF) |
More information about this course is available in the course handout: QC18 SPS – Course handout
Follow these simple steps to enrol:
Step 1: Complete the pre-course evaluation
Step 2: Watch each of the five instructional videos below
Step 3: Complete the short quiz
Step 4: Enrol in a workshop (face-to-face or online classroom)
Refresher for QC9 Critical Components of Risk Assessment and Management
This 4-hour refresher course provides clinicians with an opportunity to update their risk assessment and management skills. It includes practical skill application using a case scenario and is delivered via an online classroom (Zoom), making it accessible for people across Queensland. Learners can join via a computer, laptop, or other device — no travel required.
In addition to refreshing the identification of risk factors, the course reinforces the importance of using informed professional judgement to develop risk summaries that clearly communicate the weighing of risk and protective factors. The course uses comparative language and prevention-oriented approaches to formulation. There is an emphasis on the development of treatment plans guided by individual consumer needs, using a recovery-oriented approach.
Note: This course is not a substitute for attending the full-day QC9 Critical Components of Risk Assessment and Management. Participants are expected to have previously completed the QC9 workshop or QC54 Foundations of Risk Assessment and Management (eLearning), and have applied the learning in clinical practice.
| Delivery Mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online classroom | Half-day training | 4 hours |
$125 per person Queensland Health / Queensland Ambulance Service – NIL (internally funded) Fee Schedule (PDF) |
More information about this course is available in the course handout: QC19 Risk Refresher – Course handout
This course code is reserved for private and tailored training events delivered in a half-day format. Please enrol only where you have received marketing inviting you to attend a specific event. Marketing will specify the course content relevant to your session, the location, and any other special instructions.
| Delivery mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
| Face-to-face | Half-day training | 3:45 | Fee Schedule (PDF) |
This course code selection is reserved for private and tailored training events delivered in a full-day format. Please enrol only if you have received marketing inviting you to attend a specific event. These deliveries are usually not available for general enrolment.
Marketing information will specify the course content relevant to your session, the location, and any other special instructions.
| Delivery mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face-to-face | 1 full day | 7:00 |
This one-day course provides practical training for clinicians and professionals across all disciplines and experience levels by strengthening interpersonal skills used to build a collaborative relationship with clients. The course explores a person-centred approach to developing the therapeutic alliance and provides opportunities to learn and practise skills based on contemporary, empirically supported evidence. This course is ideal for anyone seeking to enhance communication practices and strengthen clinical practice.
| Delivery Mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face-to-face | 1 full day | 6 hours |
$250 per person Queensland Health / Queensland Ambulance Service – NIL (internally funded) Fee Schedule (PDF) |
More information about this course is available in the course handout: QC23 Forming the Therapeutic Alliance – Course handout
This one-day workshop helps you build the skills and knowledge required to deliver safe, group-based therapeutic interventions. The course equips learners with a range of techniques and approaches to establish and maintain group safety and cohesion across the developmental lifespan of a therapeutic group. Through activities and experiential exploration, learners will have opportunities to practise strategies that support interpersonal relationships among group members and respond to challenges that emerge through the group process.
Note: While not a compulsory component of the QC27 workshop, QC44 An Introduction to Group Facilitation (eLearning) may be completed before or after attending the workshop if you wish to further enhance your knowledge.
| Delivery Mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face-to-face | 1 full day | 7 hours |
$250 per person Queensland Health / Queensland Ambulance Service – NIL (internally funded) Fee Schedule (PDF) |
More information about this course is available in the course handout: QC27 Group Facilitation in Therapeutic Contexts – Course handout
This three-day train-the-trainer workshop is designed to support clinicians to develop an understanding of the methodology required to deliver the Reasoning and Rehabilitation (R and R2) course to consumers and clients within their service.
The R and R2 course is a structured, manualised cognitive-behavioural therapy program that aims to support behavioural change and reduce recidivism. It is relevant to continuing care teams, community care teams, forensic mental health teams, prison mental health teams, and other youth and adult services working with clients who may experience antisocial behaviours as a result of long-term institutional or correctional care.
Participants who successfully complete this course will be accredited to deliver the Reasoning and Rehabilitation (R and R2) program to consumers.
| Delivery Mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face-to-face | 3 full days | 21 hours |
Nil – applicable to Queensland Health only Fee Schedule (PDF) |
More information about this course is available in the course handout: QC29 Reasoning and Rehabilitation 2 for Youths and Adults with Mental Health Problems (R and R2) Train-the-trainer – Course handout
This workshop supports clinicians to apply the Tier 2 component of the Assessing and Responding to Violence (ARV) Framework. The three-tiered approach to violence risk assessment and management within the Framework is underpinned by a formal governance structure that supports consistent clinical assessment and management of violence risk.
QC30 has been designed to provide learners with the content and process knowledge required to complete Tier 2 violence risk assessment and management planning within the Assessing and Responding to Violence (ARV) Framework.
This course is intended for clinicians identified by their service as senior clinicians with responsibility for violence risk. Typically, this includes clinicians with several years’ experience working in mental health and a strong understanding of local policy and service systems.
Update (June 2024)
In April 2024, the Chief Psychiatrist advised that the name of the
Framework changed from the Violence Risk Assessment and Management (VRAM)
Framework to the Assessing and Responding to Violence (ARV) Framework.
Training materials and documents may continue to reference the previous
name until course materials are fully reviewed and updated. The tool used
at the Tier 2 level continues to be called the Violence Risk Assessment
and Management (VRAM) tool.
Completion of QC57 An Introduction to Violence Risk Assessment and Management (eLearning) is required before enrolling in this course.
| Delivery mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face-to-face or online classroom (delivery mode specified in session listing) |
5.5-hour workshop | 5.5 hours |
$250 per person Queensland Health / Queensland Ambulance Service – Nil (internally funded) |
More information about this course is available in the course handout: QC30 Violence Risk Assessment and Management – Course handout
(Adapted from the non-clinical intervention training QC31 Supporting a Suicidal Young Person)
Delivered via online classroom, this interactive course takes place over two four-hour sessions (Part 1 and Part 2).
Bridging the gap between clinical mental health training and generalist crisis support training, this course builds confidence, tools, and skills to support a suicidal young person.
This course covers the following key topics:
- identifying and engaging young people who are suicidal
- asking young people directly about suicide
- creating a safety plan with the young person
- referring young people to key professionals and supports
- self-care for the worker
This is non-clinical training. Child and youth mental health practitioners should refer to the QC18 SPS:C course.
| Delivery Mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online classroom | 2 × four-hour sessions | 7:30 |
$250 per person Queensland Health / Queensland Ambulance Service – Nil (internally funded) |
(Adapted from QC9 Critical Components of Risk Assessment and Management)
Delivered via online classroom, this two-session course aims to promote evidence-based clinical risk assessment and management practices that improve consistency in the assessment and management of risks in mental health.
Session 1 (4 hours) provides participants with skills to gather and identify risk factors relevant to an individual, by working through a case example.
Session 2 (4 hours) develops skills in weighing up risk factors, documenting these clearly in a risk summary, and developing individualised plans and interventions to address the risks.
Designed for mental health practitioners of all experience levels, professionals from other services may also find this workshop highly relevant when working with people experiencing mental health problems.
| Delivery mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online classroom | 2 x four-hour sessions | 7.5 hours |
$250 per person Queensland Health / Queensland Ambulance Service – Nil (internally funded) |
More information about the course content, including anticipated learning outcomes, can be found in the QC9 course handout: QC9 Critical Components of Risk Assessment and Management – Course handout
(Adapted from QC14 Fundamentals of Assessment, Formulation and Planning)
Delivered via online classroom, this interactive course takes place over two four-hour sessions (Session 1 and Session 2), making it accessible for clinicians across Queensland. Learners can connect via a computer or other device to join the workshop – no travel required.
This course provides clinicians with the core knowledge and skills required to undertake a comprehensive assessment with a person accessing mental health and related specialised services. Focusing on the foundations of assessment, formulation, and planning, the course is most suitable for clinicians in the early years of practice or those wishing to refresh their skills.
Session 1 (four hours) uses a case-based approach to guide participants through identifying and gathering relevant information for each component of the assessment.
Session 2 (four hours) builds on the case introduced in Session 1 and guides learners through the development and documentation of a clinical formulation and management plan.
| Delivery Mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online classroom | 2 × four-hour sessions | 7:30 |
$250 per person Queensland Health / Queensland Ambulance Service – Nil (internally funded) |
More information about the course content, including anticipated learning outcomes, is available in the QC14 Fundamentals of Assessment, Formulation and Planning – Course handout .
Note: To receive a credit equivalent to the full QC14 course, both online classroom sessions and the associated assessment must be completed in full and in the order indicated.
This three-hour course draws together elements from the former QC13 Capacity Assessment face-to-face workshop and QC40 Capacity Assessment Training and Advance Health Directives.
Incorporating recent updates, this short and interactive skills-based workshop focuses on assessing capacity in adults in mental health settings. The course supports participants to:
- understand capacity and consent, and the factors that influence decision-making
- document capacity and apply the least restrictive approach to consent, including the use of Advance Health Directives
- apply relevant legislative frameworks that support capacity decisions and uphold human rights, including the Mental Health Act 2016 and the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000
Video-based scenarios are used throughout the session to support the practical application of skills and concepts.
| Delivery Mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online classroom | 3-hour session | 2:45 |
$125 per person Queensland Health / Queensland Ambulance Service – Nil (internally funded) |
(Adapted from the non-clinical intervention training QC31 Supporting a Suicidal Young Person)
Delivered via online classroom, this interactive course takes place over two, four-hour sessions (part one and part two).
Bridging the gap between clinical (mental health) training and more generalist crisis support training, this course will provide staff with increased confidence, tools and skills to support a suicidal young person.
This is non-clinical training; Child and youth mental health practitioners please refer to QC18: SPS:C course.
| Delivery Mode | Duration | Hours of active learning | Cost |
| Online Classroom | 2 four-hour sessions | 7:30 |
$250 per person Queensland Health/Queensland Ambulance Service - Nil (internally funded) |