How to become a Psychotherapist

Provides diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders using psychotherapeutic methods, such as behavioural therapy, biofeedback, relaxation therapy and other techniques.

Main tasks

• Conducts assessments and diagnoses mental and emotional disorders
• Works with clients to explore and understand conscious and unconscious aspects of their lived experience
• Develops and implements individualised treatment plans for clients
• Delivers psychotherapy sessions to clients using various therapeutic techniques to help change thinking patterns and improve coping skills
• Provides support and guidance to clients in managing their mental and emotional wellbeing
• Provides education and resources to clients and their families on mental health issues

Ways in

• University: Social Work & Community degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $114,608 a year
• About 51,200 people work in this job group now, and about 66,900 are projected by 2035. (+30.6%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Counsellor (General)
• Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor
• Family and Relationship Counsellor
• Rehabilitation Counsellor
• School Counsellor

Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz

Questions people ask

How do I become a Psychotherapist?

Ways in include: Social Work & Community degrees.

How much does a Psychotherapist earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $114,608 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Psychotherapist a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 31% by 2035, from about 51,200 to about 66,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Psychotherapist?

Usually. 87% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Psychotherapist?

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