Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) - Mental Health and Addiction Support
Help individuals in mental health and addiction settings to recover and build resilience.
This programme is designed to equip you to work effectively as an addiction and mental health support worker in the health and wellbeing sector.
You'll acquire the skills required to support individuals to recover and build resilience, and learn how to engage and communicate with people in a way that respects their socio-cultural identity. During the programme you’ll also develop your capabilities in the areas of self-awareness, reflective practice and personal leadership.
As part of your studies, you’ll undertake 200 hours of workplace practice, giving you hands-on experience in addiction and mental health settings that will prepare you well for employment.
Check out the Health and Wellbeing FAQ's on the right
Part-time up to 4 years.
Fees for 2025
10 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits and 10 NCEA Level 1 numeracy credits
Or New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation(Level 3) Ara Support Work and Social Work Pathway or equivalent).
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
In addition you need to provide:
- Consent to Disclosure of Information Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form depending on their placement.
- Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
- Referee Reports Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee reports.
- Signed Disclosure Form Successful applicants will be required to complete a disclosure form.
- Interview Applicants who meet entry criteria may be required to attend an interview to ensure they are a fit and proper person to provide support in the workplace.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic
- 5.0 Listening
- 5.0 Reading
- 5.0 Writing
- 5.0 Speaking
Funding assistance
If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.
Find out moreNZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social & Community Services) (Mental Health & Addiction)
Help individuals in mental health and addiction settings to recover and build resilience.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Certificate |
| Code | NZ2992 |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| Credits | 120 |
| Level | 4 |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| May be eligible for Fees Free? | Yes |
| Reference | NZ2992-MHAS |
Fees for 2025
You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid-19 vaccination status to apply for this programme. However, most placement providers will require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated before allowing you to complete a placement at their organisation. Placements are an integral part of this programme and you’ll need to complete these to be able to successfully achieve your qualification.
With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…
MoreAdditional Entry Requirements
In addition you need to provide:
- Consent to Disclosure of Information Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form depending on their placement.
- Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
- Referee Reports Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee reports.
- Signed Disclosure Form Successful applicants will be required to complete a disclosure form.
- Interview Applicants who meet entry criteria may be required to attend an interview to ensure they are a fit and proper person to provide support in the workplace.
Credit Recognition
If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.
Find out moreDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 427 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 358 KB
- Health & Wellbeing FAQ PDF, 72 KB
- Health and Wellbeing Additional Requirements Form PDF, 212 KB
- Referee Report 1 PDF, 239 KB
- Referee Report 2 PDF, 239 KB
Area of Interest
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