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Published by : Bilal Munsif

22nd Aug 2024

How To Become A Mental Health Counsellor In Australia?


Introduction:


Mental Health Counselling is a very promising profession for those who are there to help and feel for other's mental and emotional health. A Mental Health Counsellor is a trained professional who uses different sorts of treatments and therapies to help patients overcome their mental trauma. These therapies may include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Mental health counsellors deal with diversity in their clients because they are habitual in working in different settings. Mental Health Counsellors are mostly seen in the Mental Health Sector, Schools, and Community Settings. They work on different kinds of traumas their clients are suffering from such as loss and grief, depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, domestic violence, couples and family, trauma, addictions, and more.



If you are here on this blog, you need some answers regarding a career in Counselling. Here we will discuss all the required aspects, qualifications and attributes you need to become a good Mental Health Counsellor. Also, how much you can earn in this profession and what are the chances of growth here, So stay intact, grab a coffee and keep reading. 


Why is Mental Health Counselling Growing so Fastly?


Statistics tell us that Mental Health is one of the fastest-growing professions in the field of counselling. The main and apparent reason for this growth is due to two factors, Number one is the prevalence of mental health issues and cases in Australia, And the second is the workforce shortage and lack of good mental health counsellors and workers in this field. 

If we clearly talk about statistics then Almost half of the Australian Population 45.5% will go through mental health issues in their lifetime. Among Australians between the ages of 16 and 85, one in five (20.0%) reported having a mental illness in the preceding year. That works out to be close to 3.2 million Australians.


What Qualifications Do You Need To Become A Counsellor In Australia?


If you want to become a Counsellor in Australia you will require a bachelor's degree in psychology, counselling, or social work. However, if you are looking for some entry-level courses and want to gain some experience in the field then you can go for the Diploma of Counselling offered by many Registered Training Organisations.


Australian Counselling Association is the largest industry association for counsellors in Asutralia. You can be a part of this association through a Bachelor’s or Masters’s in Counselling or Diploma, a Graduate Certificate and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling. If you hold a diploma in counselling you work with low to moderate levels of mental health issues patients. If you hold a bachelor's or a master's in counselling you are appointed from moderate to severe levels of mental health patients. 


What Does a Mental Health Counsellor Do?


Counsellors are trained professionals supporting clients with interventions such as:


  • Social Skills Training
  • Anger Management
  • Breathing Techniques
  • Stress Management
  • Relaxation Strategies
  • Sleep Hygiene
  • Communications Strategies
  • Problem-Solving Skills


Counsellors can also specialise in these fields:


  • Case Management
  • Relationship Counselling
  • School Counselling
  • Mental Health
  • Youth, adolescents, and children
  • Grief and Loss
  • Addictions
  • Trauma Counselling


How Much You Can As A Mental Health Counsellor in Australia?


A Mental Health Counsellor’s average salary is $1584 per week. And annually they earn up to $82,368. If you are just starting your career as a counsellor, you can expect $75,000 per annum. And if you are here with sufficient experience in the field you can easily expect $115,000 per annum. Over the previous five years, the counselling profession saw extremely significant growth, and over the upcoming five years, significant Growth* is anticipated. In the business, there are presently 33,000* personnel (as opposed to 36,000* psychologists), and by 2025, it is expected that there will be 37,800*.



Getting Started On Your Counselling Journey:


If you are thinking of joining this career, then we suggest you start with a Diploma in Counselling. The only reason for this, the diploma will kickstart your career faster, you will be eligible for work placements and gain a practical understanding of the career. Another reason to start with the diploma is, that it gives you the credits so you can further continue your degree towards a bachelor's at any point in time. During your course, you can join the best work placements in Australia through SkilTrak. We will provide you with the best industries keeping all your preferences and needs in mind. With a record of placing 50-plus happy students every week, Skiltrak is committed serving the best opportunities to students. Visit our Facebook Page for real-time student testimonials and reviews.


Wrapping Up:


While we sum up all the discussion, kickstarting a career as a Mental Health Counsellor in Australia commits a fulfilling journey. This involves contributing to individuals' emotional well-being and mental health. The exponential growth in the field is all due to the prevalence of mental health issues and a shortage of skilled professionals all over Australia. The reason massively underscores the pressing need for compassionate counsellors. In this profession as a mental health counsellor, there is a diverse range of specialisations. From relationship counselling to trauma, offers ample opportunities for personal and professional growth 



To navigate this rewarding path, aspiring counsellors can jump into this journey with a Diploma in Counselling. Which provides a swift entry into the field and opens doors for further educational paths. The statistics reflecting the rising demand for mental health services emphasise the pivotal role counsellors play in fostering a healthier society. As you decide to join this noble profession, you enter a future where your skills contribute to the well-being of countless lives. Making a lasting impact on the mental health landscape in Australia. If you want to explore other career opportunities in Australia then visit SkilTrak’s website and get in touch with our placement coordinators to bring top-notch work placements for you.

FAQ's

01

Q. Can I become a Counsellor with a psychology degree?

Counsellors typically need a bachelor's degree in counselling, psychology, social work or related field.

02

Q. What degree do you need to be a school counsellor in Australia?

Most student counsellors in Australia have completed an undergraduate degree in counselling, psychology or another related field.

03

Q. Is Counselling better than therapy?

Psychotherapy tends to treat a broader range of issues and more complex problems.