Are you interested in a career that helps individuals in overcoming emotional challenges? Becoming a counsellor in Australia might be the perfect path for you. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps on how to become a counsellor in Australia. Counsellors play a significant role in supporting mental health by providing techniques like talking therapy and developing strategies to address clients’ concerns.
You can opt from various specialisations available, such as relationship counselling, trauma counselling, and stress management. The demand for counsellors is growing rapidly due to the high prevalence of mental health issues and a shortage of mental health professionals in Australia. By following the right educational and professional pathways, you can make a significant impact on people’s lives and contribute to the well-being of the community.
Who is a Counsellor?
A counsellor is a mental health professional that provides support to people experiencing emotional difficulties. A counsellor helps its patient to identify their issue and work through their issues. Most Counsellors work with clients over a short period of time for a specific problem.
A counsellor uses techniques like talking therapy to help clients reach their own resolutions. They also develop strategies to address patient’s concerns. Counsellors have multiple options for specialisation. It includes relationship counselling, crisis and trauma counselling, drug and alcohol counselling, conflict resolution, stress management, grief and loss counselling or counselling of children and young people.
Duties of a Counsellor in Australia
A counsellor can work in both employed or self-employed roles. They are a crucial workforce supporting the mental health of Australians. According to the early statistics of 2025, there are approximately 34,300 counsellors employed in Australia, with almost 40% working part-time. The duties of a counsellor is to help and provide support to clients through:
- Sleep hygiene
- Social skills training
- Anger management
- Stress management
- Relaxation strategies
- Breathing techniques
- Problem-solving skills
- Communication strategies
Specialisation Available for Counsellors in Australia
Counsellors are trained to utilise a range of evidence-based psychological therapies and interventions, such as Cognitive behavioural therapy, Solution-focused brief therapy, Behaviour therapy, and Person-centred therapy.
Counsellors can also specialise in a range of areas, such as:
- Addictions
- Mental health
- Grief and loss
- School counselling
- Case management
- Trauma counselling
- Relationship counselling
- Youth, adolescents and children
Why is Counselling Growing so Rapidly in Australia?
Counseling is one of the fastest growing mental health professions. It is primarily due to two factors. One is the high prevalence of mental ill-health in Australia and other is a field force shortage of mental health professionals.
Almost half (45.5%) of the Australian population is expected to experience a mental disorder in their lifetime. One in five (20.0%) Australians aged 16- 85 years experienced mental disorders in the previous 12 months. This is equivalent to almost 3.2 million Australians.
In some States in Australia medical doctors report waiting lists of up to six to nine months to get an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist. To help alleviate the mental health expert shortage, policies are being made to increase service options for Counsellors.
How to become a Counsellor in Australia?
To become a Counsellor in Australia you typically need to complete a relevant qualification. Employers prefer registration with an external body such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). You are also required to complete a Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015).
This diploma will introduce you to the field of counselling and prepare you for entry-level roles within the industry. This qualification can also be used as a pathway into further study. To pursue your career as a counsellor you are required to complete an approved undergraduate degree such as a Bachelor of Counselling.
A bachelor degree will give you important practical experience in a work environment. You also have to register with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
If you have already completed an undergraduate degree, or if you would like to further your skills, consider completing a postgraduate degree such as a Graduate Diploma of Counselling or Master of Counselling.
How Much Do Counsellors Earn in Australia?
Here is a table of different types of counsellors and their average salaries per week in Australia.
Counsellors |
Average Salary (Weekly) |
School Counsellor | $1,800 – $2,000 |
Rehabilitation Counsellor | $1,700 – $1,900 |
Family and Marriage Counsellor | $1,600 – $1,900 |
Mental Health Counsellor | $1,700 – $2,000 |
Crisis Counsellor | $1,500 – $1,800 |
Addiction Counsellor | $1,600 – $1,900 |
Child Counsellor | $1,600 – $1,800 |
Psychotherapist | $1,800 – $2,200 |
Psychoanalyst | $1,900 – $2,300 |
Family Therapist | $1,600 – $2,000 |
Mental Health Social Worker | $1,700 – $2,100 |
Occupational Therapist | $1,600 – $2,000 |
Gambling Counsellor | $1,600 – $1,900 |
Grief Counsellor | $1,600 – $1,800 |
Life Coach | $1,500 – $2,000 |
Sexual Assault Counsellor | $1,600 – $2,000 |
Trauma Counsellor | $1,700 – $2,100 |
Visa Pathways for Counsellors Australia
There are four major visa pathways available for overseas counsellors to live and work in Australia. These visa pathways are as below:
- General Skilled Migration Visas
- Employer Sponsored Visas
- Training and Provisional Visas
- Post-Study Work Options
Let’s discuss all the visa pathways and subclasses related to them in detail.
1. General Skilled Migration Visas
General skill migration further has 3 different subclasses. Let’s have a look at them all.
i. Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa
Skilled independent visa is a points-tested visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by a family member or employee. Counsellors must meet the required points criteria and have a positive skill assessment by VETASSESS to be eligible for this visa.
ii. Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa
A skilled nominated visa is a permanent residency visa requiring state sponsorship. Counsellors must receive a nomination from a state or territory government to apply.
iii. Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
Subclass 491 is a visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. It requires state or family sponsorship.
2. Employer Sponsored Visas
Employer sponsored visa further has 2 subclasses. Details of these subclasses are as follows.
i. Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
TSS visa allows employers to sponsor overseas skilled workers for temporary positions. It can lead to PR through the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme after two years of employment.
ii. Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa
Employer nomination scheme is for those who have been nominated by an employer for PR. This includes options like Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition streams.
3. Training and Provisional Visas
Training and provisional visa has 2 subclasses mentioned below:
i. Subclass 407 Training Visa
Subclass 407 visa is for those seeking to improve their skills through workplace-based training.
ii. Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
This visa allows employers in regional areas to sponsor skilled workers, leading to a pathway for permanent residency after three years.
4. Post-Study Work Options
Post visa work options include subclass 485. Details of TGV (Temporary Graduate Visa) are as follow:
i. Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa
Temporary graduate visa is for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution, allowing them to work temporarily in Australia.
Skills Assessment
The skills assessment process for overseas counsellors has several key steps. Here’s a detailed overview according to criteria set by VETASSESS, the assessing authority for various counselling occupations.
-
Determine Eligibility
Applicants are required to have a qualification that is comparable and relevant to an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree. Degrees in psychology, psychiatry, social work, mental health nursing, or special education are generally not considered highly relevant.
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Employment Experience
Applicants must have at least one year of highly relevant post-qualification employment at an appropriate skill level completed within the last five years. This experience should demonstrate the ability to perform tasks associated with the nominated occupation.
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Gather Documentation
Collect necessary documents listed below.
- Academic transcripts and qualifications.
- Evidence of employment history.
- Any additional certifications or professional membership.
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Submit Application
Complete the skills assessment application through the VETASSESS website. This includes filling out personal details, providing documentation, and paying the required fee for assessment.
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Assessment of Qualifications and Employment
VETASSESS will assess both the qualifications and employment claims to determine if they meet Australian standards. This may involve integrity checks to verify the authenticity of the documents submitted.
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Receive Outcome
After processing, applicants will receive a skills assessment outcome. A positive outcome indicates that both qualifications and employment meet the required standards for migration purposes.
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Use of Assessment Results
A successful skills assessment is crucial for applying for skilled migration visas, such as the Subclass 189 or 190 visas, allowing overseas counsellors to live and work in Australia.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding how to become a counsellor in Australia is essential for anyone passionate about helping others navigate their emotional challenges. The journey involves obtaining the right qualifications, such as a Diploma or Bachelor of Counselling, and registering with professional bodies like the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Specialising in areas like mental health, trauma, or relationship counselling can further enhance your career prospects.
The growing demand for mental health professionals in Australia has provided an excellent time to pursue this rewarding career. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can make a meaningful impact on individuals and communities. If you are facing trouble while navigating your way to Australia, The Migration is the best immigration agency to help you and save your time and money.
Our experts are highly skilled and equipped with knowledge that is required to walk you through the intricacies of immigration process. Book an appointment with us today and start your journey of becoming a counsellor in Australia.
FAQs
What qualifications do you need to be a counselor in Australia?
Counsellors usually require a Diploma of Counselling through a university or TAFE.
Is there a demand for counsellors in Australia?
In Australia, the demand for qualified counsellors is high, with a 14.2 per cent growth in the profession predicted in the five years leading up to 2026
Is it worth becoming a counsellor in Australia?
Counsellors in Australia perform a crucial role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Australians. Counselling is a rewarding profession for those who wish to help others tackle their emotional challenges and regain their health.
Hello Everyone! I am Riyan Waris, an enthusiastic writer dedicated to guide people who want to move to Australia. Through my informative and well-researched content, I aim to make your immigration process smooth and stress-free.