Mental health and counselling courses

Find mental health and counselling skills courses that you can study online, often for free. They cover topics such as mental health awareness, children’s mental health and counselling skills.

We’re an independent guide. We don’t run courses. We help you compare them, check whether you can study for free, and see where each one could lead.

Who these courses are for

These courses suit you if you:

• work with people, for example in care, schools, nurseries, retail or an office
• want to support colleagues as a mental health champion at work
• are thinking about a career in counselling, psychology or support work
• want to understand your own mental health or someone close to you

Most courses are Level 2. That’s about the same level as a GCSE at grade 4 or above. You don’t need any qualifications to start.

These courses teach you about mental health. They don’t qualify you to diagnose or treat anyone.

Can I study for free?

Most of these courses are paid for by the government’s Adult Skills Fund (formerly the Adult Education Budget). In the 2026/27 academic year, you can usually study for free if you:

• are 19 or over
• live in England and meet the residency rules
• are unemployed, or earn less than £26,800 a year

Some places, such as Greater London and Greater Manchester, have their own adult skills budget and set their own rules. Because of this, some online providers can’t take learners from those areas.

“Free” doesn’t always mean no cost at all. Some providers charge an admin or withdrawal fee if you leave early or don’t finish. Always check before you sign up. The provider makes the final decision on whether you can study for free.

Check whether you’re eligible for a free course

Courses at a glance

• Courses: 7, 5 free if you're eligible
• Level: Level 2
• How you study: Online, from home
• Funding:
  • Adult Skills Fund
  • LDSS for care employers

Check whether you're eligible or filter these with all free courses.

Courses

• Awareness of Mental Health Problems

  Level 2

  For anyone looking to develop their understanding of mental health and the problems that can cause mental ill health.

  • Adult Skills Fund
  • LDSS for care employers

• Counselling Skills

  Level 2

  For anyone who would like to develop their use of counselling skills for use in either work or a personal capacity.

  • Adult Skills Fund

• Mental Health First Aid and Advocacy in the Workplace

  Level 2

  For learners who wish to raise awareness of mental health, create a culture of care and the promotion of positive mental health.

  • Adult Skills Fund

• Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health

  Level 2

  For anyone looking to increase their knowledge and awareness of children and young people’s mental health (covering children aged 5 to 18).

  • Adult Skills Fund

• Understanding Mental Health in the Early Years

  Level 2

  For learners who wish to understand mental health in young children in the early years (from birth to 5 years old).

  We're checking this course's funding.

Related courses from other subjects

These courses are listed under another subject, but they're also useful for mental health.

• Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences

  Level 2

  For learners looking to develop an understanding of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

  We're checking this course's funding.

• Understanding Behaviour That Challenges

  Level 2

  For learners looking to increase their awareness and understanding of behaviour that challenges and its effects.

  • Adult Skills Fund

See all free online courses

Where these courses can lead

1. 1Start with a Level 2 certificate

   The courses on this page help you understand mental health, spot the signs that someone is struggling, and know where to find help. They're a good first step for work or for your own understanding.

2. 2Go deeper at Level 3

   Level 3 courses cover mental health or counselling skills in more depth. Some Level 3 courses are free through Free Courses for Jobs if you're unemployed or earn less than £26,800 a year, or if you're 19 to 23 and don't have a full Level 3 yet.

3. 3Train as a counsellor

   To work as a counsellor, you need a longer, practical training course of at least diploma level, with a supervised placement. Professional bodies such as BACP say this core training should be at Level 4 or above.

Questions

Is the Level 2 mental health awareness course free?

It's free if you're eligible for the Adult Skills Fund. In 2026/27 that usually means you're 19 or over, you live in England, and you're unemployed or earn less than £26,800 a year. Areas with their own adult skills budget, such as Greater London, set their own rules. The provider makes the final decision.

Will a Level 2 counselling skills course make me a counsellor?

No. A Level 2 course teaches you to use counselling skills, such as listening well, in everyday work. To work as a counsellor you need a core practitioner course of at least diploma level, usually Level 4, with a supervised placement.

Are there exams?

There usually aren't. You answer written questions as you work through the course, and a tutor marks them. Do the work yourself: providers check for copied answers, and copying can mean you fail.

What does NCFE CACHE mean?

NCFE is the awarding body that sets and certifies many of these qualifications. CACHE is its brand for care and education courses. Your certificate comes from NCFE, even though you study with a college or training provider.

Can I study a mental health course if I'm struggling with my own mental health?

Yes, but these courses are not treatment or therapy. If you need support now, speak to your GP, call NHS 111, or call Samaritans free on 116 123.

Sources

• Adult skills fund: funding and performance management rules 2026 to 2027gov.uk
• What qualification levels mean: England, Wales and Northern Irelandgov.uk
• Training to become a therapistbacp.co.uk

Last reviewed: 19 October 2026