How to become a Counsellor

Official title: Counsellor (General)

Provides counselling services to individuals, families and groups to assist in overcoming difficulties and improving overall quality of life through a range of therapeutic interventions.

Main tasks

• Provides individual and group counselling sessions to clients to address emotional and psychological challenges
• Assesses clients' counselling needs and requirements including conducting risk assessments and screening
• Assists with the understanding and adjustment of attitudes, expectations and behaviours
• Facilitates referrals to Health Professionals or community resources

Ways in

• University: Social Work & Community degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015); Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315); Diploma of Mental Health (CHC53315); Graduate Certificate in Statutory Child Protection (CHC81215)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $112,008 a year
• About 34,000 people work in this job group now, and about 42,000 are projected by 2035. (+23.4%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor
• Family and Relationship Counsellor
• Psychotherapist
• Rehabilitation Counsellor
• School Counsellor

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Counsellor?

Ways in include: Social Work & Community degrees; Diploma of Counselling; Certificate IV in Mental Health.

How much does a Counsellor earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $112,008 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Counsellor a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 23% by 2035, from about 34,000 to about 42,000 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Counsellor?

Usually. 65% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Counsellor?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04