Family Therapist

Family Therapists are qualified health professionals who work with parents, couples, and family groups to improve relationships and resolve problems within the group dynamics. They may provide counselling and support for issues with bereavement, fostering and adoption, mental health, disability, estrangement, alcohol and substance abuse, domestic violence, separation and divorce.

As a Family Therapist you could be facilitating a discussion between estranged siblings, counselling a teenage boy whose father has recently been diagnosed with cancer, referring a single mother who is the victim of domestic violence to the appropriate authorities, developing a psychotherapy treatment plan for a three young children who have been orphaned after a car accident, or conducting an initial assessment on a couple who are in the early stages of separation and divorce.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $114,400
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a family therapist?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced

Bachelor of Counselling

On Campus
3 - 4 years
$0 - $43,428
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHC81015

Graduate Diploma of Relationship Counselling

Online
18 months
$10,997
  • Completed Diploma of Counselling or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience OR
  • Hold an undergraduate degree or higher qualification in Counselling, Psychology, Social Work, Social Science or equivalent.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • Completed Diploma of Counselling or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience OR
  • Hold an undergraduate degree or higher qualification in Counselling, Psychology, Social Work, Social Science or equivalent.
  • Hold an undergraduate degree or higher qualification in Counselling, Psychology, Social Work, Social Science or equivalent.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHC53215

Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Blended, On Campus, Online
12 - 24 months
$0 - $18,127
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.

Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)

Blended, On Campus, Online
8 - 48 months
$0 - $37,100
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Common questions

Further reading

How to start a career in counselling

7th September 2020)

What does an Occupational Therapist do?

15th September 2022)

How to become a qualified Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist in Australia

23rd December 2024)