CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling
Helping people could be your professional gift.
You'll learn the skills and knowledge to work with clients experiencing complex situations requiring advanced interviewing and communication skills in a community services setting.
This course is half price for everyone (excl. school students) as part of the Lower Fees, Local Skills initiative. Fees are also capped at $1,200; or $400 if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more here.
*Please note that eligibility requirements apply to some of the low fee training.
This course is eligible for a VET student loan. To see if you're eligible and to find more visit our Student Loans page.
Overview
When Semester 1, 2026
Study Mode On campus
Your career in listening and helping others is here.
This nationally recognised qualification provides the first step towards a career in Counselling and entry into the counselling profession. During the course you will gain industry experience and grow your expertise by completing two supervised field placements with one of 170 government and community agencies.
You may work in the areas of mental health, drugs and alcohol abuse, family and domestic violence, housing, adolescent development, or parenting and relationships - giving you a competitive edge to secure employment in this fast-growing industry.
Counsellors work with clients on personal and psychological issues using established counselling modalities. They use communication, micro-counselling and interviewing skills and draw on varied counselling therapies to assist clients. At this level, the counsellor will be working in defined and supported counselling roles in established agencies rather than in independent practice.
This course may be of particular interest to graduates of Diploma or higher in community services, youth work, mental health, allied field or applicants with more than two years work/volunteer experience in community services. If you have not already completed the above you may be able to complete a combined Diploma of Community Services and Diploma of Counselling.
The course is delivered over 12 months and is grouped into 3 stages (approx. 40 weeks). Each stage comprises of a grouping of units which sequentially builds skills and knowledge for the qualification.
Before you begin this course, it’s important to consider the personal qualities and skills that will help you succeed in your studies and future work in counselling. These include:
- A genuine interest in helping and supporting others
- Strong communication and active listening skills
- Empathy, patience, and emotional resilience when working with people experiencing personal challenges
- The ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical practice
- Self-awareness and the ability to reflect on your own attitudes and values
- Respect for diversity and an understanding of different cultural perspectives
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Basic technology skills to complete online learning, research information, and maintain client records
- A commitment to ongoing learning, self-care, and personal development
This course includes work placement or live works in a Group 1 or Group 2 industry as outlined in COVID-19 mandatory vaccination policy. For the latest information on vaccine requirements for students visit our COVID-19 update page.
Important information
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We are currently taking expressions of interest for this course. Contact our student services team on 1800 672 700 for more information or complete the course enquiry form below.