BECOME A COUNSELLOR WITH A GREATER DEGREE OF COMPASSION
If you’re looking to establish a rewarding career as a Counsellor, you’re in safe hands with ACAP University College. Our accredited counselling courses are designed to equip you with the practical and soft skills you need for the counselling career you want. Through expert mentorship and hands-on learning, we’ll empower you to forge a successful counselling career, where you’ll have the opportunity to support individuals, couples, families or groups in various settings.
COUNSELLING COURSES AT ACAP
POTENTIAL CAREER AND SALARY
Counselling-based positions continue to experience growth year on year. Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) estimates that the number of couselling roles in Australia is expected to increase by 14.2% per cent by 2030, creating approximately 2,800 additional work opportunities yearly. Median weekly earnings are also on the rise, with Counsellors earning on average $2,154 per week – 16 per cent more than the average wage of all full-time occupations.
Counselling can be an extremely rewarding career path, allowing you to support vulnerable members of society across areas including relationships and families, grief and loss, trauma, mental health, and addiction. Roles are largely in healthcare, social assistance, education, public health and safety or private practice. Find out about typical occupations and salaries below, based on industry data.
| Role Title / Average Salary | Role Title / Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Addictive Behaviour / $116,693^ | Behaviour support / $81,016^ |
| Carer Support / $81,016^ | Child and adolescence counsellor / $101,120^ |
| Child protection / $88,248^ | Counsellor / $88,248^ |
| Community workers / $119,424^ | Crisis support / $81,016^ |
| Disability support workers / $92,500^ | Family support workers / $92,500^ |
| Grief and bereavement / $101,120^ | Intake assessment officer / $98,349^ |
| Mental health and well-being support worker / $107,398^ | Psychotherapists / $107,250^ |
^Data Source For Indicated Salaries (sourced 2026)
Talent – https://au.talent.com/
Sectors you could work in
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Addiction and Substance Abuse
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Child, Adolescence and Families
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Community Support
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Crisis Support
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Grief and Bereavement
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Group Work
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Mental Health and Wellbeing
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Trauma Support
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Counselling is a collaborative process that helps people explore their thoughts, emotions and experiences in a safe, supportive environment. Counsellors work with individuals, couples, families and groups to help them navigate challenges, build resilience and develop practical strategies for positive change.
People may seek counselling for a wide range of reasons, including relationship difficulties, grief and loss, anxiety, stress, life transitions, trauma, self-esteem or personal growth.
Studying counselling equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to support people through life’s challenges while making a meaningful difference in their lives. You will learn how to build therapeutic relationships, communicate effectively, work ethically and help people develop strategies for positive change.
Entry requirements and admission criteria vary depending on the course you choose. ACAP undergraduate counselling courses have no ATAR requirement, while our postgraduate counselling courses typically require the successful completion of an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification.
Explore our range of counselling courses for detailed entry requirements.
A counselling qualification can prepare you for careers across mental health, community services, education, healthcare and private practice, depending on your qualification and experience.
Potential career paths may include:
- Counsellor*
- Child and Youth Counsellor
- Family Support Worker
- Mental Health Support Worker
- School Wellbeing Officer
- Community Services Worker
- Alcohol and Other Drugs Worker
- Intake and Assessment Officer
- Crisis Support Worker.
Visit our blog to learn more about where a counselling degree could take you.
*Some counselling roles may require additional study, supervised practice or membership with a professional association, depending on the employer and area of practice.
The length of a counselling course depends on the qualification you choose and whether you study full-time or part-time.
Undergraduate counselling degrees, such as our Bachelor of Counselling, are typically completed over three years of full-time study, while postgraduate qualifications, like our Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, generally up to two years full-time.
A counselling degree combines theory with practical learning to prepare you for professional practice.
Depending on your course, you will explore counselling theories and approaches, communication skills, ethics, human development, mental health, trauma-informed practice, grief and loss, cultural responsiveness and reflective practice. You will also learn how to build therapeutic relationships, support people through life’s challenges, and apply evidence-informed counselling techniques in a range of professional settings.
Many counselling degrees also include supervised placements, giving you valuable real-world experience working with clients.
Yes. Many counsellors choose to develop expertise in a particular area throughout their career through further study, professional development and workplace experience.
Common areas of practice include child and adolescent counselling, relationship and family counselling, grief and loss, trauma, addiction, mental health, career counselling and rehabilitation.
While both counselling and psychology support people’s mental health and wellbeing, they differ in their training, scope of practice and career pathways.
Counselling focuses on helping people navigate personal challenges, relationships, life transitions and emotional wellbeing through therapeutic conversations and practical strategies. Counsellors help clients develop coping strategies, build resilience and work towards positive change.
Psychology is a scientific discipline that explores human behaviour, cognition and mental processes. Registered psychologists complete accredited education and supervised training, allowing them to assess, diagnose and treat mental health conditions using evidence-based psychological interventions.
To explore the similarities and differences between these disciplines in more detail, read our guide to the difference between psychology, counselling and social work.
Counselling students develop a combination of interpersonal, analytical and professional skills that prepare them to work with clients from diverse backgrounds.
These skills may include active listening, empathy, communication, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, cultural responsiveness, reflective practice, problem solving and relationship building. You will also learn how to apply evidence-informed counselling approaches in professional settings.
A counselling qualification can prepare you to support clients across a wide range of settings and areas of practice. Depending on your qualifications, interests and experience, you may choose to work with individuals, couples, families or groups.
Some of the sectors that counsellors commonly work in include:
- Addiction and Substance Abuse
- Child, Adolescence and Families
- Community Support
- Crisis Support
- Grief and Bereavement
- Group Work
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Trauma Support.
Read our guide on how to become a counsellor to learn more about the study pathway, professional recognition and career opportunities.
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 studies with full-time work, trying to balance your family life or hoping to further your education, we can help you reach your career goals.
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On Campus
Attend classes for a rewarding, interactive hands-on experience at one of our 6 campuses.
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Online
Study anywhere, anytime with our online classes including discussion forums.
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Blended learning
A combination of live classes and online learning for freedom and practical experience.
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.
You can be yourself
At ACAP, 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:
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of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent
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with a disability, or ongoing medical or mental health condition
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from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
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of diverse genders and sexualities
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from low socio-economic backgrounds
We'll help you succeed
Our deep understanding of human behaviour is reflected in the way you study with us. Smaller, interactive classes help you excel, while our supportive study environment ensures you feel comfortable contributing your thoughts and ideas. ACAP is where your passion for learning is mirrored by our passion for experiential teaching, and where we give you the encouragement and one-on-one support to help you thrive.
We’re outcomes-focused, meaning it’s not just about what you learn while you’re with us, but what you’re capable of when you graduate. Our practical approach provides hours of real-world interaction, insight, and professional connections. You'll graduate with practical skills, enhanced confidence, and contemporary expertise that is industry-recognised and highly sought after.
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 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.