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.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Mental Health Counsellor.
Common questions
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).
Courses.com.au Team
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.
Courses.com.au Team
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
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
What can you do with a Diploma of Mental Health?
13th January 2021
How to start a career in counselling
7th September 2020All mental health counsellor courses
Mental Health Counsellor careers
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.
