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Counsellor

ANZSCO 272199

Counsellors assist clients in addressing personal issues like relationships, mental health, and addictions using recognised therapeutic techniques.

  • This role has a low level of AI exposure. Core skills such as adaptability, social intelligence, and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
      • VIC
      • WA
      • NT
  • 10,000 people employed in Australia
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).

How do I become a counsellor

Get qualified to work as a counsellor with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Related career opportunities

Browse occupations related to Counsellor.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Counsellor generally earns $1,635 per week ($85,020 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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Opportunities for counsellors are expected to grow strongly over the next 5 years as more than 22,000 jobs for counsellors open up around the country. Counsellors often have their private practice, but are mostly employed by government departments, and community service organisations.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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To get started as a Counsellor you will need a Diploma of Counselling and demonstrated field experience. The Diploma of Counselling will take 12 months to complete and requires a work placement. If you are working with children or anyone under 18 you may also require a national police check and working with children clearance.

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Gain skills to improve mental well-being and impact lives. Specialise in areas like clinical psychology and counselling. Browse education pathways for domestic and international students.

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Further reading

How to start a career in counselling

7th September 2020

What can you do with a Diploma of Counselling?

11th September 2019

How to start a career in Mental Health

5th August 2021

All counsellor courses

Counsellor careers

Counsellors help their clients work through a range of personal problems including issues relating to relationships, home finances, work, parenting, mental health, anxiety, trauma, sexual identity, and addictions. As a counsellor you’ll use internationally recognised therapies that allow clients to identify their own problem areas and emotional blockages.

Counselling can be a very rewarding career, but to be successful you’ll need self-confidence plus highly advanced interpersonal and deep listening skills. What’s great about this career path is being able to specialise in areas where you have life experience: aged care, veteran services, drug and alcohol, LGBT, gambling.