Get equipped for Counselling

Counselling

Counselling

Understand the human mind and apply your learnings to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Understand and improve human connection

Psych Clinic family therapy scaled

Counselling at ACAP

Do you want to understand and improve human connections? Study counselling to help others develop better self-awareness for a more positive path in life.

With ACAP’s counselling courses you will gain practical skills and strategies to successfully explore a career in contemporary counselling. Support individuals, couples, families or groups with the lens of the cultural and social-political context in which they live. Roles are largely in health care, social assistance, education, public health and safety or in private practice.

Potential Career and Salary

There is a huge demand for counsellors. According to the latest data from the National Skills Commission, the number of counselling workers is expected to increase from 24,400 to 27,800 by 2026. Counselling hourly rates are also on the rise, with counsellors earning up to $45 per hour. This is 10% more than all job medium wages. ACAP’s counselling courses can lead you to various fulfilling career paths. From mental health and well-being to grief and bereavement, the possibilities are endless with a qualification in counselling. Find out about typical occupations and salaries below, based on industry data.

Job Title/Average Salary Job Title/Average Salary
Addictive Behaviour: $104,741~ Behaviour support: $80,000- $100,000`
Carer Support: $67,555* Child and adolescence: $89,221~
Child protection: $65,000- $75,000^ Counsellor: $80,000- $95,000^
Community workers: $68,411* Crisis support: $74,000 **
Disability support workers: $50,000- $55,000^ Family support workers: $70,000- $80,000^
Grief and bereavement : $70,000** Intake assessment officer: $72,072*
Mental health and well-being support worker: $60,000- $75,000^ Psychotherapists: $85,787~
Group of Students

Sectors to work in

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    Support Addiction
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    Behavioural
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    Child and Adolescence
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    Community Support
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    Group Work
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    Mental Health and Well-being
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    Trauma Support
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    Violence

Data Sources For Indicated Salaries (sourced January 2023)

**Payscale   `Ranstad      * Talent           ^ Seek           ~ Indeed           _ SalaryExpert

Flexible study modes

At ACAP we provide you with a range of flexible study choices including on campus and online study with the option to study full-time or part-time, depending on your chosen course. Whether you are combining your study with a full-time job, trying to balance your family life or hoping to further your education, we can help you reach your career goals.

  • On Campus

    Attend classes for a rewarding, interactive hands-on experience at one of our 6 campuses.

  • Online

    Study anywhere, anytime with our online classes including discussion forums.

  • Blended learning

    A combination of live classes and online learning for freedom and practical experience.

Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours)
alumni stories

Becoming a mental health therapist

I have held a lifelong passion to work as a mental health therapist, but wasn’t in a position to pursue this career until the last 10 years. I had graduated with an honours Psychology degree, but felt the need to develop my counselling skills which I believe are integral to the helping profession. I’m now employed in the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Unit at Mosman Private Hospital – my placement experience during my course paved the way to empowering and informing my growth as a mental health therapist.

Lisa,
Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy
Diverse people in an academic environment

You can be yourself

At ACAP you can be yourself. We promote a College culture where every voice is heard and respected. Where you have freedom from discrimination and harassment, and feel supported, valued and included.

We particularly welcome students:
• of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent
• with a disability, or ongoing medical or mental health condition
• from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• of diverse genders and sexualities
• from low socio-economic backgrounds

Left right text and image: Helping you succeed

We'll help you succeed

Our understanding of human behaviour is reflected in the way you study with us. Smaller, interactive classes help you excel. ACAP is a place where we know you by name and you’re not shy to speak up and discuss ideas, role-play and support peers. It's a place where your passion for learning is mirrored equally by our passion for experiential teaching, and where we give you the encouragement and one-on-one support to help you learn and grow.

We’re outcomes-focused, meaning it’s not just about what you learn when you’re with us, but what you’re capable of when you graduate. Our practical approach arms you with hours of real-world interaction and insight, and professional connections. You'll graduate with applied skills, hands-on confidence, and contemporary expertise that is industry recognised and highly sought-after.

A woman holding a cup and a man look at the computer screen to the left of frame.

We'll support you with funding options

Your fees may vary depending on your enrolment. Whether you're a self-funded domestic student, using a FEE-HELP loan or an international student, we have options to meet your needs.

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    Pay Upfront: Pay your tuition fees up front by direct debit, BPAY or credit card every trimester.
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    FEE-HELP: A Commonwealth Government loan to help pay for all or part of your higher education course fees.

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