4 Months  |  Onsite & Online  |  Diploma Programme

Mental Health Assistant Training

Practical training for mental health support roles in healthcare and community settings.

MedScholar Academy's Mental Health Assistant programme prepares students to support mental health professionals in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centres and home care settings.

The programme focuses on basic mental health support, therapeutic communication, patient observation, emotional support and maintaining safe, structured and supportive care environments.

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Programme Overview

Mental Health Assistants provide supportive care to individuals experiencing mental health challenges while working under the supervision of qualified mental health professionals.

This 4-month diploma programme combines classroom learning with supervised practical experience, helping students develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to support patients with daily routines, emotional well-being, communication and safety.

Students learn how to observe and report changes in behaviour, encourage participation in appropriate activities and contribute to a calm and supportive care environment.

Programme Structure

The 4-month programme combines classroom learning, supervised practical experience and final assessment.

Weeks 1–5

Classroom & Coursework

Five weeks of structured instruction covering basic mental health care, therapeutic communication, patient support, observation, safety and professional practice.

Week 6

Transition Break

A one-week break between classroom training and the supervised internship.

Weeks 7–16

Internship & Practical Training

Ten weeks of supervised practical experience where students apply their classroom knowledge and develop hands-on mental health support skills in an appropriate care environment.

Week 17

Final Examination

Final examination and programme assessment.

What You Will Learn

During the programme, students develop practical knowledge and skills in:

Mental Health Support & Daily Care

  • Supporting daily routines
  • Providing emotional support
  • Promoting mental well-being
  • Supporting patients in maintaining structure
  • Encouraging healthy coping strategies

Therapeutic Communication

  • Basic therapeutic communication
  • Active listening
  • Respectful and supportive communication
  • Building appropriate professional relationships
  • Communicating effectively with patients, families and healthcare teams

Observation & Patient Safety

  • Observing changes in behaviour
  • Reporting relevant observations
  • Supporting patient safety
  • Recognising situations requiring professional attention
  • Maintaining a calm and supportive environment

Activities & Rehabilitation Support

  • Encouraging participation in appropriate activities
  • Supporting participation in therapy under professional direction
  • Supporting rehabilitation routines
  • Promoting social interaction and engagement
  • Supporting individuals in maintaining daily structure

Scope of Practice

Mental Health Assistants work under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals and provide supportive care within their defined role.

They do not diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medications or provide psychotherapy.

Practical Training

Ten Weeks of Supervised Practical Experience

The programme includes a 10-week supervised internship and practical training component designed to provide students with real-world experience in mental health support environments.

During the internship, students have the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge, develop practical communication and patient-support skills and gain experience working alongside qualified mental health professionals.

The practical component helps students develop confidence in providing respectful, safe and supportive care.

Programme Details

Programme Mental Health Assistant
Total Duration 4 Months
Classroom & Coursework 5 Weeks
Transition Break 1 Week
Internship & Practical Training 10 Weeks
Final Examination 1 Week
Mode Onsite & Online
Class Days Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
Award Diploma
Tuition
₦430,500
Internship Fee
₦100,000

The internship fee is paid directly to the hospital/placement facility.

Payment Plan: 70% at enrolment and 30% after one month.

MedScholar Clinical Training Package

Your tuition includes:

Training manual and learning materials
Clinical logbook
Student ID card
Two (2) MedScholar Academy scrubs
Clinical training equipment
First Aid & CPR Certificate
Access to recorded lectures
Graduation ceremony
Programme Certificate and Academic Transcript

Who Is This Programme For?

This programme is suitable for individuals who want to develop practical mental health support skills and pursue opportunities in supportive care environments.

  • Individuals interested in mental health support roles
  • Aspiring Mental Health Assistants
  • Individuals interested in behavioural and psychosocial support
  • People interested in supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges
  • Individuals interested in rehabilitation and community-based care
  • People looking to build practical healthcare support skills

Career Opportunities

Graduates may pursue mental health support opportunities in settings such as:

  • Hospitals
  • Rehabilitation centres
  • Mental health facilities
  • Schools and educational support settings
  • Home care services
  • Community-based care settings
  • Other healthcare and support environments

Employment requirements and scope of responsibilities may vary depending on the employer, role and applicable requirements.

Start Your Healthcare Career

Develop practical mental health support skills, gain real-world experience through supervised internship and prepare for supportive roles working alongside qualified mental health professionals.

Apply Now