Crisis Counsellor Courses
Crisis Counsellors provide urgent support to individuals in distress, offering interventions and counselling to those facing emergencies, often via phone or online.
AI Exposure
High
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
View all courses
How do I become a Crisis Counsellor
Get qualified to work as a Crisis Counsellor with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Duration
3 years - 4 years
Do you want to become a professional counsellor? With the Bachelor of Counselling you can setup your own counselling practice and support clients suffering from a range of issues including trauma, addictions, grief, anxiety, family and relationship problems.
During your studies you will be honing your communication and interpersonal skills, making you a more effective listener and practitioner. The degree also covers counselling theory, professional reflection and self-care, counselling and neuroscience...
Career opportunities
Duration
3 years - 4 years
Find a provider
Duration
6 months - 12 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
The Graduate Certificate of Counselling is a postgraduate qualification designed to enhance counselling and interpersonal communication skills. This course offers an in-depth understanding of the human psyche, various counselling theories, and the challenges to be addressed to support individual wellbeing. It is particularly beneficial for professionals in fields like nursing, social work, and teaching who are looking to develop relevant skills to augment their existing roles.
Career opportunities
Duration
6 months - 12 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
Find a provider
Duration
18 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online
The Master of Counselling offers extensive understanding and practical abilities for a career in professional counselling. It suits individuals with a recognised degree in social work, psychology, human services, nursing, or similar, aiming to obtain professional counselling qualifications. Emphasising integrative methods in counselling and applied psychotherapy, this course aims to improve outcomes for people facing various challenges. It enriches student's knowledge and counselling skills, covering ...
Career opportunities
Duration
18 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online
Find a provider
View all
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Crisis Counsellor.
Common questions
How much do Crisis Counsellors earn?
The average salary for qualified counsellors in Australia is currently $1,300 per week ($67,600 annually). Increase your earning capacity by undertaking post-graduate qualifications in counselling and psychotherapy and registering with professional organisations like the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
What are the job opportunities for Crisis Counsellors?
There are 35,000 counsellors working in Australia right now, some of these are Crisis Counsellors. They work in crisis call-centres and emergency helplines, hospitals, aged care facilities, community health clinics, and correctional service facilities. Some Crisis Counsellors work in private practice.
How do I become a Crisis Counsellor?
To work as a Crisis Counsellor in Australia you need a VET Diploma of Counselling and membership with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). However, you you will have more employment opportunities with a Bachelor of Counselling, Graduate Diploma of Counselling, or Master of Counselling and elevating your membership with the ACA or PACFA.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
Choose a field of study
If you're passionate about creating real change then a community services course is your next big step forward. Browse accredited courses and check your funding eligibility online.
All courses
Nurture your caring side with a career in Aged Care. Career pathways include Personal Carers, Aged Care Workers and Diversional Therapists. Check your eligibility for government funding. Start your career in Aged Care today.
Career opportunities
View all
Make an impact in the community and change lives through the Alcohol and Other Drugs career pathway. Possible job roles include Rehabilitation Counsellor, Substance Abuse Counsellor and Social Worker. Check your eligibility for...
Career opportunities
View all
Case Management courses are ideal for those wanting to give back to the community and facilitate change in a professional setting. Career pathways include Youth Case Worker and Case Manager. Check your eligibility for governmen...
Career opportunities
View all
More information
Crisis Counsellors are qualified mental health professionals who provide counselling support and activate crisis interventions for people who are in extreme distress. They often work with hospital patients, corrections inmates, and school students — but many Crisis Counsellors provide emergency counselling over the phone and online.
As a Crisis Counsellor you could be answering a call at 2am from a young teen who is experiencing domestic and family violence, attending a woman at a hospital who has just been sexually assaulted, activating a crisis intervention for a school student who is self-harming, writing up file-notes after a crisis intervention, having a session with your supervisor, or attending professional development training to keep your professional membership active.
To be successful in this role you will need a well-developed sense of empathy, outstanding listening skills, and the ability to make clear decisions in emergency situations.
Courses by location