Mental Health Coach Programme
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Become a Certified Mental Health Coach and help change the face of mental health
It is estimated that one in ten globally, and one in five in most Western countries, suffer from some form of mental health disorder. Yet for many, the health system offers little help. How is it possible that at a time in human history when we have more wealth, more knowledge and more tools than ever before, that we are failing to meet the needs of so many people? This is known as the treatment gap.
Mental Health Coaches are the missing link needed in mental healthcare. By becoming a Certified Mental Health Coach you’ll be equipped to help support people experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges in making the critical lifestyle changes required to improve their mental wellbeing, increase their mental fitness and start thriving.
- Working as a Mental Health Coach in a GP clinic or other primary care setting, an insurance company, in aged care, in a corporate setting, or in an educational facility.
- Start your own private coaching practice specialising in mental wellbeing.
- Specialising as an Anxiety Coach, an Addictions Coach, a Stress Coach or a Resilience Coach.
- Expanding your scope of practice as a Doctor, PT, Physio, Midwife, Nurse, Counsellor, Naturopath or other health professional.
Mental Health Coach Programme Courses
What You’ll Learn
- Advanced Live Coaching Labs: 15 x Online Live Immersive Classes
- Coaching Practise: 25 hours (in your own time and in weekly coaching gyms)
Advanced Health Coaching Practice
Build on your foundational health coaching skills, with new cutting-edge tools drawn from psychology, biology, physiology, behavioural science, and communication. These labs equip you with a deeper, more nuanced toolkit to elevate your coaching presence, expand your impact, and confidently support clients through complex change.
- Multi-Fluent Coaching: Understand the body-mind connection deeply, equipping you to meet clients exactly where they are.
- Five Core Pillars: Master advanced coaching frameworks:
- Scope: Screening, assessment, referrals, professional boundaries
- Biology: Homeostasis, energy and mood regulation
- Emotions: ACT-based psychological flexibility tools
- Thinking: CBT cognitive and behavioural techniques
- Communication: NVC and NLP communication strategies
These labs significantly elevate and extend your coaching skills, preparing you for real-world challenges and complex client needs.
View the live lab learning content and outcomes in the Prospectus.
What You’ll Learn
- 6 x Self-Directed Learning Courses (PK301-PK306)
- University-level study covering the latest science and evidence of mental health science
- Complete in your own time and at your own pace with online 24/7 access
Mental Health Science
The latest science for mild to moderate mental health challenges, with a focus on preventative and lifestyle approaches, including micro-nutrition, positive psychology, behaviour therapies and strategies for addictions.
You will dive into the very latest lifestyle solutions, tools, and behaviour therapy techniques to support better mental health treatment outcomes.
Explore the areas of brain biology, neuroscience, substance misuse, addictions, psychological injury and trauma, learn about the powerful third wave behavioural therapy known as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and gain the practical know-how to help your clients using ACT techniques.
Courses:
- 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
Mental Health Science: View the coursework and learning outcomes in the Prospectus
What You’ll Learn
- Live Coaching Labs: 15 x Online Live Immersive Classes
- Coaching Practise: 25 hours (in your own time and in weekly coaching gyms)
Health Coaching Practice
Learn the art of coaching in live, interactive and immersive classes where you will get to practice and apply your learning in a safe setting, while honing your skills and gaining confidence. You will delve into the foundations of coaching and how to integrate both health science knowledge and coaching skills into your practice. Taught by PREKURE’s expert coaching faculty, each lab pairs a live coaching demonstration with hands-on practice in a safe, supportive environment. You’ll leave every session with new tools you can use immediately.
The labs take you through a deliberate arc of skill-building: You’ll begin by learning to resist the “fix-it” urge – one of the most important mindset shifts for any new coach – and develop the presence, curiosity, and non-judgement that separates great coaches from advice-givers. From there, you’ll master the art of deep listening, learn to recognise and amplify a client’s readiness for change, and develop powerful frameworks for moving clients from insight into action. You’ll also explore the less obvious – how to work with a client’s inner saboteur, how biology shapes behaviour (blood sugar, sleep, nervous system regulation, neuroplasticity), how to personalise your coaching using personality insights, and how to support clients to normalise setbacks and keep moving forward.
Frameworks and tools you’ll practise include PRESENCE, OARS and Motivational Interviewing, WRC, GROW and GRIN, DR RID and the Transtheoretical Model of Change. By graduation, you’ll be able to coach confidently within your scope of practice, apply a range of evidence-based communication techniques, and hold the kind of presence that creates real, lasting change for your clients.
Health Coaching Practice: View the live lab learning content and outcomes in the Prospectus.
What You’ll Learn
- 6 x Self-Directed Learning Courses (PK101-PK106)
- University-level study covering the latest science and evidence of preventative lifestyle medicine
- Complete in your own time and at your own pace with online 24/7 access
Health Coaching Science
Dive into the latest science and evidence of preventative lifestyle medicine and gain foundational knowledge in health science, nutrition, mental wellbeing and behavioural change.
You’ll discover how to help others with sustainable behavioural change, explore foundational science-based nutritional knowledge, the latest trends and research in exercise and health, and learn how to create a lifestyle that will optimise brain function, performance and wellbeing today and into old age.
Courses:
- PK101: Behaviour As Medicine
- PK102: Nutrition As Medicine
- PK103: Fitness As Medicine
- PK104: Mental Health & Mind-Body Medicine
- PK105: Making Sense of Research
- PK106: Maximising Your Potential As A Health Coach
Health Coaching Science: View the coursework and learning outcomes in the Prospectus
Tools & support to become a Masterful Coach
As a student you’ll receive 18 months access to weekly live online coaching gyms to deepen your coaching practice and build your coaching hours.
In our weekly live online Ask An Expert sessions you’ll get to connect with the PREKURE science faculty of psychologists, dietitians, professors and behaviour change experts.
PREKURE Mental Health Coaching students receive two exclusive PREKURE ebooks, The Science & Art of Exceptional Health Coaching (100-pages) and The Practice of Advanced Coaching Book (200-pages).
Your ultimate guides to everything you need to know to become a masterful health coach.
All theory based online courses are self paced. Learn on your own time, at your own pace, in your own space.
You’ll also experience online live, cohort based immersive labs. With ongoing opportunities to practice and refine your coaching skills and become a masterful professional health coach.
Explore the curriculum. Download the Prospectus!
Why are PREKURE the leaders in Mental Health Coach training?
- It comes down to results. The impact and outcomes achieved by the clients of PREKURE trained coaches.
- PREKURE trained coaches are behaviour change specialists who deliver consistent, meaningful results for their clients.
- PREKURE university-level courses are taught by recognised world experts and academics who share only evidence-informed knowledge and tools including Registered Psychologist Sophia Dawson and Professor Julia Rucklidge – a world-leader in the field of micronutrition for mental health.
- We allow you to bring your full self – your experiences, professional experience and personality – to our interactive learning environment, where we create a safe space for you to learn, grow and gain confidence.
- PREKURE’s Mental Health Coach programme is approved as CPD by the UKIHCA whose standards set the benchmark for professional coach training.
- PREKURE is internationally recognised in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.
- PREKURE is endorsed by The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of General Practitioners and are approved for CME credits and CPD.
YOU’RE INVITED TO ATTEND THE MASTERCLASS
Free Health Coaching 101 Live Masterclass
Learn the key coaching skills and foundational concepts that flip the traditional medical model – empowering you to support sustainable change and explore a rewarding career in professional health coaching. We are running both New Zealand & Australian sessions.
Ready To Get Started?
Are you ready to change your career and make a real impact?
Speak with a Health & Career Coach to find out if you have what it takes to join the PREKURE community.
The Latest Graduate Stories
PREKURE Programme Comparisons
| Health Coach Programme | Mental Health Coach Programme | Metabolic Nutrition Coach Programme | Master Health Coach Programme | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Lifestyle Science: PK101-PK106 24/7 access to online portal of videos, podcasts, resources, templates. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Live Health Coaching Labs 15 x 2 hour+ live learning classes led by industry experts. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Metabolic Medicine & Advanced Nutritional Science: PK207-PK212 24/7 access to online portal of videos, podcasts, resources, templates. | - | - | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mental Health Lifestyle Science: PK301-PK306 24/7 access to online portal of videos, podcasts, resources, templates. | - | ✔ | - | ✔ |
| Live Advanced Health Coaching Labs 15 x 2 hour+ live learning classes led by industry experts. | - | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Business Fundamentals For Coaches | - | - | - | ✔ |
| Quarterly Master Workshops | - | - | - | ✔ |
| NZQA | Assessed as a micro-credential equivalency of Level 5 on the NZQF* | Assessed as a micro-credential equivalency of Level 5-Level 7 on the NZQF* | Assessed as a micro-credential equivalency of Level 5 on the NZQF* | Assessed as a micro-credential equivalency of Level 5-Level 7 on the NZQF* |
| Duration | Estimated completion: 12 months part-time Weekly 7 hours | Estimated completion: 18 months part-time Weekly 7 hours | Estimated completion: 18 months part-time Weekly 7 hours | Estimated completion: 24 months part-time Weekly 7 hours |
| Certification | PREKURE Certified Health Coach | PREKURE Certified Health Coach PREKURE Certified Mental Health Coach | PREKURE Certified Health Coach PREKURE Certified Metabolic Nutrition Coach | PREKURE Certified Health Coach PREKURE Certified Mental Health Coach PREKURE Certified Metabolic Nutrition Coach PREKURE Certified Master Coach |
| Private Community Group | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Community Events In-person meetups, regional seminars, annual networking and graduation ceremony | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Coaching Gyms | 100 x 60 min sessions | 150 x 60 min sessions | 150 x 60 min sessions | 200 x 60 min sessions |
| Live Ask an Expert Sessions | 50 x 60 minute sessions | 75 x 60 minute sessions | 75 x 60 minute sessions | 100 x 60 minute sessions |
| Approved by UKIHCA | - | - | - | ✔ |
| University-Level Learning | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Exclusive PREKURE eBook: The Science & Art of Exceptional Health Coaching (100-pages) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Exclusive PREKURE eBook: The Practice of Advanced Coaching Book (200-pages) | - | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Study Fee | Down payment + $395(NZD) /month interest-free over 12 months | Down payment + $395(NZD) /month interest-free over 18 months | Down payment + $395(NZD) /month interest-free over 18 months | Down payment + $395(NZD) /month interest-free over 24 months |
| View More | Browse the Health Coach Programme | Browse the Mental Health Coach Programme | Browse the Metabolic Nutrition Coach Programme | Browse the Master Health Coach Programme |
Over 30 globally-leading, world-class experts
Learn from our diverse, world-class faculty of over 30 professors, researchers, Health Coaches and clinicians, who will equip you with real-world knowledge and practical skills.
Hear what our students are saying
Mental Programme Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of undertaking the Mental Health Coach Programme?
Mental Health Coaches are the missing link in mental healthcare -trained professionals who support people with mild to moderate challenges using lifestyle-first strategies, behaviour change, and coaching tools rooted in evidence.
In this programme, you’ll gain the skills to confidently support clients through stress, anxiety, low mood, burnout, and more. You’ll be trained in lifestyle medicine, psychological flexibility, and trauma-aware practice, using proven frameworks like ACT, CBT, NVC and NLP to help clients move forward with purpose.
PREKURE is recognised by medical professionals as delivering education of the highest standard. Upon graduation, you’ll earn the title of PREKURE Certified Mental Health Coach, with a university-level, internationally recognised certification.
You’ll be equipped to build your own private coaching practice or specialise in areas such as anxiety, stress, resilience, addiction recovery, or emotional wellbeing. And like many of our students, you’ll experience your own personal transformation – gaining clarity, confidence, and tools to support both your clients and yourself.
You’ll also join a powerful, purpose-led community of changemakers—people passionate about redefining mental health support and helping others reclaim agency in their lives.
When does the Mental Health Coach programme start and finish?
You can start your online self-directed courses as soon as your enrolment is confirmed. For your live online coaching labs, these are cohort (class) based with limited start dates during the year.
Which courses make up the Mental Health Coach Programme?
1. Health Coaching Science: Six theory courses to complete in your own time and at your own pace:
- PK101: Behaviour as Medicine
- PK102: Nutrition as Medicine
- PK103: Fitness as Medicine
- PK104: Mind-Body Medicine
- PK105: Making Sense of Research
- PK106: Maximising Your Potential as a Health Coach
2. Health Coaching Skills: 40 hours of live online coaching labs (small cohort-based classes).
3. Mental Health Science: Six theory courses to complete in your own time and at your own pace:
- PK301: Mental Health Practice
- PK302: Brain Biology and Neuroscience
- PK303: ACT – Behaviour Therapy
- PK304: Substance Misuse and Addictions
- PK305: Advanced Lifestyle Medicine for Mental Health
- PK306: Psychological Injury and Trauma
4. Advanced Health Coaching Skills: 15 x 2-hour live online coaching labs (small cohort-based classes).
View the full curriculum in the PREKURE Prospectus here.
What happens in the coaching skills labs?
Learn the art of coaching in live, interactive and immersive classes where you will get to practice and apply your learning in a safe setting, while honing your skills and gaining confidence. You will delve into the foundations of coaching and how to integrate both health science knowledge and coaching skills into your practice. Taught by PREKURE’s expert coaching faculty, each lab pairs a live coaching demonstration with hands-on practice in a safe, supportive environment. You’ll leave every session with new tools you can use immediately.
The labs take you through a deliberate arc of skill-building: You’ll begin by learning to resist the “fix-it” urge – one of the most important mindset shifts for any new coach – and develop the presence, curiosity, and non-judgement that separates great coaches from advice-givers. From there, you’ll master the art of deep listening, learn to recognise and amplify a client’s readiness for change, and develop powerful frameworks for moving clients from insight into action. You’ll also explore the less obvious – how to work with a client’s inner saboteur, how biology shapes behaviour (blood sugar, sleep, nervous system regulation, neuroplasticity), how to personalise your coaching using personality insights, and how to support clients to normalise setbacks and keep moving forward.
Frameworks and tools you’ll practise include PRESENCE, OARS and Motivational Interviewing, WRC, GROW and GRIN, DR RID and the Transtheoretical Model of Change. By graduation, you’ll be able to coach confidently within your scope of practice, apply a range of evidence-based communication techniques, and hold the kind of presence that creates real, lasting change for your clients.
What support will I receive as a student?
Over and above your cohort-based live coaching labs, all Mental Health Coach students also receive access to weekly live online coaching gyms and Ask an Expert sessions.
These additional sessions allow you to connect with the PREKURE teaching Faculty and your community of fellow students and graduates, build your confidence and capability as a Coach, connect with the PREKURE science Faculty including our resident psychologist, dietitian, behaviour change expert and Chief Science Officer, and get your questions answered.
How long does it take to complete the programme?
The Mental Health Coach Programme can be completed within 12-18 months with a weekly time commitment of approximately 7 hours per week. The self-directed courses can be completed in your own time and at your own pace, with online 24/7 access. You will join your live online coaching labs as a small cohort (class) with other Mental Health Coach students.
Do I need any background or previous qualifications in the health field?
While there is no prior health experience or learning required for entry into this programme, applicants must meet our entry criteria, including:
- The ability to dedicate the necessary time and energy to your studies.
- Alignment with PREKURE’s mission of extending the human healthspan.
- A commitment to lifelong learning and staying at the forefront of the latest evidence and science in health.
- An ambition and desire to be the best you can be and help others to live their best lives.
How do I know this programme is credible and contains correct information?
The Mental Health Coach Programme is scientifically-based and evidence-informed with full academic references provided for all materials. It is taught by our highly qualified, world-class teaching faculty with extensive real-world experience including Registered Psychologist Sophia Dawson, Professor of Clinical Psychology Julia Rucklidge, Registered Dietitian Dr Caryn Zinn, Professor of Public Health Grant Schofield and practising GP and fellow of the RNZCGPs, Dr Glen Davies.
Is this programme recognised internationally?
Yes, the Mental Health Coach Programme is approved by the Australasian Health Coach professional body, HCANZA. We are also an approved training provider with the Canadian Health Coach Alliance, and endorsed by The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) and Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGPs) for Continuing Medical Education (CME). Furthermore, we follow the International Coaches Federation (ICF) core competencies, definition of coaching and code of ethics. Furthermore, this programme is approved by the UK & International Health Coaches Association (UKIHCA) for CPD.
Is this programme approved by NZQA?
No, PREKURE is not a university—and that’s a good thing! Our learning has been independently assessed to be the same level of learning as a university. However, unlike universities and traditional education providers who must go through lengthy bureaucratic processes to update their curriculum, often taking years to reflect the latest science, at PREKURE, we move faster. Our training is designed for real-world impact, with content that evolves in real time to stay aligned with cutting-edge research in metabolic health, nutrition, mental wellbeing, and behaviour change science.
PREKURE’s Health Coach Programme has been independently assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) as having micro-credential equivalency of 30 credits (300 notational learning hours) at Level 5 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).
What that means in practical terms is that our program has been evaluated to be at a similar level of learning as a diploma (300 hours of study), with a strong focus on practical, evidence-based coaching skills that you can apply immediately.
Our mental health coursework, included in the Mental Health and Master Coach Programmes, has been assessed as having equivalency of 30 credits (300 notational hours) at Level 7 on the NZQCF, the same level as a Bachelor’s Degree. At this level, learning becomes more advanced, with a focus on critical thinking, in-depth scientific knowledge, and professional application.
What certification will I receive?
If you pass your assessment criteria you will graduate with your Mental Health Coach Programme Certificate and become certified as a PREKURE Health Coach and Mental Health Coach.
For continued use of the PREKURE Certified Mental Health Coach brand mark, you must continue to be registered with a Health Coach or other health professional body.
Plus undertake a minimum of 4 x Coaching Supervision sessions every year.
Are there jobs for Mental Health Coaches?
Yes, health coaching and mental health coaching is a growing global industry, with job opportunities in GP clinics, government organisations, hospitals, insurance companies, aged care, schools, corporate organisations, and more. Alternatively, you can start your own mental health coaching private practice.
Can I do the training even if I don’t plan on practicing as a Mental Health Coach?
Yes – you don’t have to be a Coach to utilise your coaching skills! Most of our students go on an (unexpected!) personal journey of discovery and transformation for themselves when studying to become a health coach. You’ll use your coaching skills in your everyday life, in your current job, and in your relationships. You’ll transform your own health, and the health of those around you.
How do I know if I will make a good Health Coach?
If you’re passionate about health and wellbeing, love to help other people, find it easy to build relationships and are a good listener, then health coaching could be a great fit for you. Health coaches believe in people. They believe that people can change, and they bring optimism and efficiency to the change process.
Is setting up my own Health Coach business achievable?
Absolutely.
If your vision is to establish your own health coaching private practice, we recommend you undertake our Master Health Coach Programme, and gain access to our business fundamentals course designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to launch your own purpose-led health coaching business.
What are the study fees for the Mental Health Coach Programme?
This is a comprehensive, university-level professional programme of study. Payments are structured as an upfront downpayment, plus interest-free payments of $395(NZD) /month over 18 months.
Please enquire with our team to discuss the investment options in more detail
Do I get lifetime programme access?
You will receive a minimum of 18 months access to all learning resources from the date you enrol. You can gain ongoing access through our Graduate Network. This includes access to our regularly updated content, new research, resources and references as we continue to develop and re-release courses with the latest science and evidence.
How can I learn more?
Book a call with a PREKURE Health & Career Coach to talk about what study options will suit you best and find out if you have what it takes to join the PREKURE community.
Or join an upcoming Free Masterclass session where you’ll get to:
- Learn three key coaching skills that you can start using today,
- Discover how the coach approach turns the current medical model on its head,
- And learn more about the role of a professional Health Coach.
What is the scope of practice of a PREKURE Health Coach?
PREKURE Health Coaches are trained lifestyle and behaviour change specialists who work alongside – and in support of – their clients’ doctors and registered health professionals. Their role is to educate, empower, and support clients to make sustainable lifestyle changes that improve their health and wellbeing.
As coaching professionals, they work within a clearly defined scope of practice. They do not diagnose or treat disease – that remains the role of registered health practitioners. Instead, they fill the critical space between clinical advice and real-world action, helping clients build the habits, knowledge, and confidence to take lasting control of their health.
PREKURE provides training in the theory and practice of lifestyle medicine for mild to medium mental health challenges. We cannot provide personalised medical advice. If you or your loved ones require personal medical advice, or suffer from moderate to severe mental ill-health, then we recommend you consult a registered health practitioner (GP, Registered Psychologist).
Need help now?
- In New Zealand: If life is in danger, call 111 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor or access other Helplines and Support here
- In Australia: If life is in danger, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. Or call 13 11 14 (Lifeline), 1300 22 4636 (Beyond Blue), or call 1300 659 467 (Suicide Call Back Service).
University-Level Learning, Built for the Real World
We’re not a university – and that’s a good thing. Our learning has been independently assessed at the same level as a university qualification. But unlike traditional institutions, where curriculum updates can take years to reflect new science, we move fast.
Our training is designed for real-world impact, with content that evolves in real time – staying aligned with the latest evidence-based research in metabolic health, nutrition, mental wellbeing, and behaviour change medicine.
