PURPOSE OF THE CERTIFICCATE IN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AND PSYCHOSOCIAL COUNSELLING

The Certificate in Mental Health Support and Psychosocial Counselling is designed to equip learners with foundational knowledge and practical skills to provide basic mental health support within community, educational, and healthcare settings. The programme prepares students to recognise common mental health challenges, offer psychosocial first-line support, facilitate referrals, and apply counselling techniques appropriate to their scope of practice. It aims to strengthen community mental health services by developing competent support workers who promote well-being, reduce stigma, and contribute to early identification and intervention for individuals experiencing psychological or social difficulties.

 

DURATION AND MODE OF STUDY

·          One (1) year, Full time or Distance

 

WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR THIS PROGRAM?

This programme is suitable for individuals who wish to develop foundational competencies in mental health support and basic counselling within community and institutional settings. It is ideal for:

1. School leavers and young adults interested in beginning a career in mental health, social services, or community support work.

2. Community health workers, caregivers, and support staff who engage with vulnerable populations and need skills to identify and respond to psychosocial challenges.

3. Teachers, youth workers, and volunteers who work with adolescents, at-risk groups, or community programmes requiring mental health awareness and support skills.

4. Healthcare assistants, auxiliary staff, and lay counsellors seeking structured training to enhance their role in mental health promotion and referral pathways.

5. Individuals who aspire to progress to further studies in counselling, social work, psychology, mental health care, or related human services fields.

6. Persons passionate about contributing to community well-being, reducing stigma, and supporting individuals facing emotional, social, or psychological difficulties.

 

MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a Grade 12 (NSSC) certificate with at least 20 points in six subjects, including English with a minimum of an E symbol or better; or
• A Grade 11 (new curriculum) with a minimum of 20 points, including English with a minimum of E symbol or better; or
• Grade 10 (old curriculum) or grade 9 (new curriculum) with a minimum of 22 points and at least E symbol in English or better; or
• Certificate in Counselling Services Level 3.

 Mature Age Entry

Applicants who do not meet the formal academic requirements may be considered under the Mature Age Entry Scheme, provided that they:

• Are at least 25 years of age or older at the time of application;
• Have a minimum of 15 points in grade 10;
• Have at least 3-years relevant work experience in health, education, social work, or community service;

• Must pass an Aptitude Test with a minimum of 60%.

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)

• Credit bearing exemptions, an application must be submitted according to the RPL policy of Symanek Specialized College, guided by the National Policy for RPL, for individual assessment.
• Applicants with a Certificate in Caregiving (6-months), Community Health or any other health-related field, with experience of at least three years’ will be considered for admission after writing an aptitude test, considering that they have a grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 certificate with a minimum of 15 points, as prescribed by the curriculum of their study.

MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS

Upon registration, you are expected to buy the following items:

1. Study guides
2. Practical work books (compulsory)
3. Uniform (trouser/skirt and top or Dress)
4. Black or navy blue, flat and closed shoes (PUMPS)

FEES AND PAYMENT STRUCTURE

Payment method:

The upfront payment for all students, payable upon registration, includes: –

• Bank deposit only, no cash payments will be accepted at the office. Please provide the office with the bank deposit slip as proof of payment.
• Use your Student Number or Full Name as Reference on the bank deposit slip when you are making payments
• Application fee: N$ 200.00 (Non-refundable, Namibian students), N$ 300.00 (Non-refundable, Foreign students).
• Tuition fee: N$ 12,000.00, payable in cash or in monthly instalments
• Registration fee: N$ 500.00 (Non-refundable)
• Deposit: N$ 1,000.00, payable at registration and is deducted from tuition fee.
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• Monthly instalment (N$ 1,000.00 /11 months = N$ 1,000.00): N$ 1,000.00 X 11 months.
• Twenty-five (25%) of the annual tuition payable upon registration – Local Students (registration fee plus deposit)
• Thirty-five (35%) of the annual tuition payable upon registration – Foreign Students (registration fee plus deposit)
• Note: Each student is required to pay a monthly instalment of 10% of the remaining balance after 25% deposit (Local Students) and 10% of the remaining balance after 35% deposit (Foreign Students).
• Fifty percent (50%) of the total course/ tuition fees to be paid before you can seat for mid-term examination.
• Hundred percent (100%) of the total tuition fee to be paid before you can seat for final examination.

• The uniform is N$ 650.00 (x1 shirt and 1 trouser, or skirt with the school logo embroidered on it), study guides/ study materials and practical registers are sold at the school. Should you want extra uniform, you are welcome to add more.
• Student card: N$ 170.00
• Practical registers/ Logbook: N$ 120.00