Mental Health Counsellor Courses
Mental Health Counsellors provide counselling and psychotherapy services to clients, either in-person or through telecounselling formats.
AI Exposure
High
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Mental Health Counsellor
Get qualified to work as a Mental Health Counsellor with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Duration
18 months - 24 months
Study mode
On Campus, Online
The Master of Mental Health deepens understanding of mental health and psychology, equipping students with the skills to support patients facing various mental health challenges. This course prepares graduates for roles across diverse health settings and disciplines. It focuses on developing practical skills and specialised theoretical knowledge, enabling students to either expand their current roles or advance into new positions within the field of mental health. This approach ensures a comprehensive gra...
Career opportunities
Duration
18 months - 24 months
Study mode
On Campus, Online
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The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health provides training in the field, encompassing both theoretical and practical aspects across various sub-specialities like criminal, civil, child, and family forensic mental health. This course aims to impart specialised expertise in the clinical and legal dimensions of Law and Forensic Mental Health, catering to an emerging skilled multidisciplinary workforce. It's designed for professionals seeking advanced knowledge and skills in this intersecting ar...
Career opportunities
Duration
12 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online
The Graduate Diploma in Counselling equips students with vital knowledge and skills in counselling, enabling them to offer effective and compassionate support to individuals with mild or moderate mental health problems and standard developmental issues. This course is designed to prepare students for professional counselling roles, focusing on practical techniques and empathetic communication essential in the field of mental health support.
Career opportunities
Duration
12 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online
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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
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Mental Health Counsellor.
Common questions
How much do Mental Health Counsellors earn?
The average salary for qualified Mental Health Counsellors in Australia is currently $1,327 per week ($69,004 annually). Increase your earning capacity by undertaking post-graduate qualifications 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 Mental Health Counsellors?
There are 35,000 fully qualified counsellors working in Australia right now, some of these are Mental Health Counsellors. They work in hospitals, aged care facilities, community health clinics, schools, correctional service facilities, and private workplaces. A large number of Mental Health Counsellors work in private practice.
How do I become a Mental Health Counsellor?
You can launch your career as a Mental Health Counsellor in Australia by obtaining a VET Diploma of Counselling and joining the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). However, you will have more employment opportunities by obtaining a Bachelor of Counselling or Master of Counselling and elevating your professional membership with the ACA or PACFA.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
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More information
Mental Health Counsellors are qualified health professionals who provide counselling and psychotherapy (talk-therapy) services to their clients. They provide either face-to-face counselling in a private office or clinic, or telecounselling services via video conference, telephone, or internet media.
As a Mental Health Counsellor you could be having an initial session with a new client who needs help with anger management, using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help a client navigate a divorce, referring a client with drug and alcohol addictions to a specialist, having a review session with your supervisor, attending professional development training, or writing up your notes after a session with a client.
To be successful in this role you will need to be very organised and have the ability to treat your clients with unconditional positive regard.
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