How do I become a drug and alcohol counsellor
Get qualified to work as a drug and alcohol counsellor with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Drug and Alcohol Counsellor.
Common questions
The average salary for a counsellors in Australia is currently $1,900 per week ($98,800 annually). Increase your earning capabilities by obtaining a Bachelor of Counselling or Master of Counselling and joining one of the peak industry counselling bodies: Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
Courses.com.au Team
There are approximately 35,000 counsellors working in Australia right now, some of these are Drug and Alcohol Counsellors. DA Counsellors are employed by healthcare outlets, non-profits, correctional services facilities, and community service organisations.
Courses.com.au Team
Launch your career as a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor with a VET Diploma of Counselling that is recognised by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). You will also benefit from a Certificate IV or Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs. For a government position or leadership role, consider the Bachelor of Counselling, Master of Counselling, or Bachelor of Psychological Science (Counselling and Community Services).
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
How to start a career in the treatment of addiction
13th July 2020
How to start a career in counselling
7th September 2020Drug and Alcohol Counsellor careers
Drug and Alcohol Counsellors are qualified professionals who support people with substance addictions and dependency problems. They help clients (and their families) navigate the recovery process which may include forced interventions and rehabilitation work.
As a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor you could be talking to an unknown caller on a DA emergency helpline, meeting with concerned family members to discuss the steps in an intervention, leading a group therapy session for addicts, listening to a client as they provide an update on their weekly progress in rehab, writing up a mental health assessment on a new client, talking to your supervisor about a client you suspect is at risk of relapse, or co-ordinating a community outreach program for addiction awareness.
