Gain cutting-edge, evidence-based knowledge in mental health science, behaviour therapy and lifestyle-led prevention.
Designed for health professionals or those looking to deepen their personal knowledge, this advanced learning equips you with the science, tools and confidence to understand and support mild to moderate mental health challenges using preventative, lifestyle and behavioural approaches.
Delivered online and self-directed, you’ll study at your own pace while deepening your understanding of brain biology, neuroscience, psychological injury, trauma, addictions and third-wave behaviour therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) tools.
Who it’s for
- Health professionals – health coaches, health improvement practitioners, support workers, allied health professionals and nurses working with people experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges.
- Individuals from any background committed to understanding mental health at a deeper, science-based level, with a focus on prevention, lifestyle strategies and behaviour change.
Why this programme matters
Mental health needs are becoming increasingly complex, and there is growing recognition of the role that prevention, lifestyle and behaviour change can play alongside traditional approaches.
But without a strong scientific foundation of knowledge:
- Practitioners may feel less confident supporting people outside of clinical or diagnostic frameworks
- Early opportunities for prevention and lifestyle-based intervention can be missed
- Mental health support can remain treatment-focused rather than upstream and preventative
This Advanced Certificate provides clarity and depth. Grounded in the latest mental health science, neuroscience and behaviour therapy research, you’ll explore how lifestyle medicine, micro-nutrition, positive psychology and evidence-based behaviour therapies contribute to improved mental wellbeing and long-term outcomes.
Programme Overview
Across six self-directed online learning papers, you’ll:
• Build a strong foundation in mental health science and contemporary practice
• Understand brain biology, neuroscience and the mechanisms underlying mental health challenges
• Learn Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) tools and behaviour therapy frameworks
• Explore substance misuse and addictions through a biopsychosocial and lifestyle lens
• Examine advanced lifestyle medicine approaches for mental health and emotional wellbeing
• Develop understanding of psychological injury and trauma, with clear scope awareness
+ Receive weekly access to live Ask the Expert sessions with the PREKURE Faculty
What you'll learn
PK301: Mental Health Practice – Foundations of mental health science, preventative approaches, scope of practice, and working with mild to moderate mental health challenges.
PK302: Brain Biology & Neuroscience – Brain structure and function, neurochemistry, neuroplasticity, stress physiology and the biological drivers of mental health and behaviour.
PK303: ACT – Behaviour Therapy Tools – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy principles, psychological flexibility, values-based action and core ACT processes.
PK304: Substance Misuse & Addictions – Substance misuse, behavioural addictions, habit formation, reward pathways and lifestyle-led behaviour change strategies.
PK305: Advanced Lifestyle Medicine for Mental Health – Nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, connection and meaning as drivers of mental wellbeing.
PK306: Psychological Injury & Trauma – Psychological injury, trauma-informed understanding, stress-related conditions and ethical support within scope of practice.
Study fee and enrolment
Tuition Fee: $395 x 6 months interest-free payments or $2,370 upfront – includes 6 months unlimited, anytime access
How to Enrol in the Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Science
Enrol now or book a call with a Enrolment Advisor to learn more.
Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Science
Enrol now or book a call with an Enrolment Advisor to learn more.
Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Science
Across six self-directed online learning papers, you’ll:
- Build a strong foundation in mental health science and contemporary practice
- Understand brain biology, neuroscience and the mechanisms underlying mental health challenges
- Learn Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) tools and behaviour therapy frameworks
- Explore substance misuse and addictions through a biopsychosocial and lifestyle lens
- Apply advanced lifestyle medicine strategies for mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Develop understanding of psychological injury and trauma, with clear scope awareness
+ Receive weekly access to live Ask the Expert sessions with the PREKURE Faculty
Enrolment options:
$2,370 upfront →Pay Upfront
$395/month x 6 interest-free → Pay Monthly
Curriculum:
PK301: Mental Health Practice
Learn the foundations of mental health epidemiology. In this course, you will learn about the epidemiology of mental health, as well as common disorders, including depression and anxiety, and psychiatric and personality disorders. You’ll explore TBI (traumatic brain injury) and other brain issues. You’ll also get a good understanding of the Health Coach’s scope of practice when working in mental health.
Module 1: Introduction to Mental Health
Module 2: Common Problems
Module 3: Psychiatric Medications
Module 4: Scope of Practice in Mental Health
Module 5: Historical Views of Mental Health
Module 6: Stoicism in Practice
PK302: Brain Biology & Neuroscience
Explore the human brain structure and function. You’ll explore the neurobiology of the brain, especially the critical role of neuroplasticity. You’ll also learn about how the brain functions in a social context, and explore the latest research in the emerging area of gut-brain connection and the important role different neurotransmitters play in normal and pathological function, especially glutamate.
Module 1: What is a Neuron & How Does it Work?
Module 2: The Human Brain Structure & Function
Module 3: A Socially Connected Brain & the Gut-Brain Axis
Module 4: The Glutamate Hypothesis
PK303: ACT – Behaviour Therapy Tools
Learn about the science of ACT behaviour therapy. In this course you will learn about the ‘Third Wave’ behavioural therapy known as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The core aim for Health Coaches using ACT tools is to help clients develop psychological flexibility whilst changing the relationship they have with strong, painful thoughts and emotions in order to live a rich fulfilling life.
Module 1: What is ACT?
Module 2: The Assessment & Beyond
Module 3: The Art of Being Present & Doing What Matters
Module 4: What’s Getting in the Way?
Module 5: ACT Skills in Working with Anxiety & Depression
PK304: Substance Misuse & Addictions
How can we better understand substance misuse and addiction, and better help those affected? In this course we explore the latest thinking around addictions and substance misuse. The move from a disease model to a reward pathway model is ground breaking and can help you learn how to help your clients break the cycle. We will explore everything from alcohol to food addiction to more serious drugs.
Module 1: What is Substance Misuse/ Addictions?
Module 2: Why Do We Get Addicted?
Module 3: Alcohol Addiction
Module 4: Recovery & Growth Through Addiction 1
Module 5: Recovery & Growth Through Addiction 2
PK305: Advanced Lifestyle Medicine for Mental Health
Learn how to get real results with your clients, using advanced lifestyle medicine for mental health. In this course, you’ll discover how nutrition, exercise, sleep, thermo-therapies and breathing techniques can help improve your client’s mental wellbeing. You’ll gain a valuable understanding of the latest science and evidence in advanced lifestyle medicine for mental health. The future of mental health prevention and cure lie in these treatments.
Module 1: Nutrition for Mental Health
Module 2: Physical Activity, Exercise & Fitness for Mental Health
Module 3: Sleep for Mental health
Module 4: Breathing for Mental Health
Module 5: Thermo-Therapies for Mental Health
PK306: Psychological Injury & Trauma
Learn about the importance of posttraumatic growth and how to facilitate this in coaching sessions. In this course you will learn about psychological injuries, trauma, PTSD, and phobias. You will understand which tools to use in your coaching sessions during the post-traumatic growth phase and become familiar with a variety of positive psychology tools.
Module 1: The Biology & Psychology of Psychological Injury
Module 2: Psychological First Aid & Trauma-Informed Care
Module 3: Understanding & Dealing with PTSD
Module 4: Post-Traumatic Growth
Certificate in Mental Health Science FAQ's
When does the Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Science start and finish?
The Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Science can be started immediately, at any time during the year. The courses that make up the Certificate are available for you to start and complete in your own time and at your own pace with online, 24/7 access. You have 6-months access to all learning materials.
Which courses make up the Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Science?
Mental Health Science: Six theory courses to complete in your own time and at your own pace:
- PK301: Mental Health Practice
- PK302: Brain Biology & Neuroscience
- PK303: ACT – Behaviour Therapy Tools
- PK304: Substance Misuse & Addictions
- PK305: Advanced Lifestyle Medicine for Mental Health
- PK306: Psychological Injury & Trauma
You will also receive 6-months access to live & online Ask the Expert Sessions with the PREKURE Faculty. These Q&A sessions are focused on lifestyle medicine, mental health and wellbeing.
Is this Certificate focused on theory or practical application?
The Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Science focuses on the knowledge and science underpinning mental health, behaviour change and lifestyle-led prevention. It provides deep theoretical grounding across neuroscience, mental health science, lifestyle medicine and behaviour therapies. Practical coaching application, client delivery and supervised practice are incorporated within the full Mental Health Coach Programme, which builds on this Certificate.
Can I do the Advanced Certificate to begin with, and upgrade to become a Certified Mental Health Coach later?
Yes absolutely, you can start your training with the Advanced Certificate, and if you choose to, upgrade to become a Certified Mental Health Coach at a later date.
How do I know this Certificate is credible and contains correct information?
The Certificate is scientifically-based and evidence-informed, drawing on the latest research in mental health science, neuroscience, lifestyle medicine and behaviour therapy. Learning is delivered by PREKURE’s expert Faculty with extensive academic and real-world experience.
What are the study fees for the Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Science?
This is a comprehensive, university-level Certificate with interest-free payments of $395(NZD) /month over 6 months.
Please enquire with our team to discuss the investment and payment options in more detail.
Do I get lifetime access ?
No. You will receive 6 months access from the date you enrol.
How can I learn more?
Book a call with us. We’d love to understand where you are at and talk about what study options will suit you best.
