Become a counsellor with a mental health specialisation

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Mental health is a critical and expanding area of focus within the Australian healthcare landscape, reflecting the broader global shift towards mental wellness. Pursuing a career as a counsellor specialising in mental health offers a path of professional development and the chance to make a significant, positive impact on the lives of individuals and the community. This blog explores the journey of becoming a counsellor specialising in mental health, emphasising the educational pathways, particularly through the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling at IAP.

Understanding the role

Counsellors are professionals equipped to support individuals dealing with emotional, mental, and sometimes physical issues. The role requires a profound commitment to understanding human behaviour, providing empathetic support, and implementing effective therapeutic interventions.

Key Mental Health Statistics in Australia

42.9% of people aged 16–85 years had experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life
21.5% of people had a 12-month mental disorder, with Anxiety being the most common group (17.2% of people aged 16–85 years)
38.8% of people aged 16–24 years had a 12-month mental disorder

Starting the journey of becoming a Counsellor

Becoming a counsellor with a mental health specialisation in Australia can begin with the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling. This course is offered by the Institute of Applied Psychology (IAP) and is designed to build the foundational skills necessary for effective counselling, with a focus on mental health. Here’s what the pathway typically involves:

1. Course Overview

The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling provides comprehensive training covering a range of core competencies including ethical frameworks, client-counsellor relationships and counselling process management. The diploma with the specialisation has a particular emphasis on mental health, preparing students to understand and address complex issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma within a counselling context.
This DIploma with IAP enables

2. Specialisation in Mental Health

Choosing a specialisation in mental health during your diploma studies enables you to focus on the specific skills and knowledge needed to support clients with mental health conditions. This specialisation is crucial for those who aspire to significantly impact the mental health sector.

Certification and Registration

After completing the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling, graduates are encouraged to pursue professional registration with bodies such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), the Australian Community Counselling Association (ACCA), the Certified Practicing Counsellors Association (CPCA) or the International Association for Counselling (IAC). These organisations provide an ethical framework and professional standards that guide the practice of counsellors in Australia and abroad.

You can feel confident knowing that this qualification is fully endorsed by the ACA for Level 1 membership, and there are no plans for that to change anytime soon. We’re in close contact with the ACA, so you’ll always be in the loop about any updates. Right now, the diploma is as solid as ever, and it’s here to stay.

We’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that you have the credentials and confidence to start making a difference as a counsellor. Your future in counselling is bright, and it all starts with this diploma.

Job Outcomes and Opportunities

With mental health awareness on the rise, the demand for qualified counsellors, especially those specialising in mental health, continues to grow. Graduates of the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling can explore diverse opportunities in various settings such as community health centres, schools, private practices, and mental health clinics.

Contribution to Mental Health Needs in Australia

By becoming a mental health counsellor, you become part of a larger solution addressing the mental health crisis in Australia. Counsellors play a vital role in early intervention, helping to manage issues before they escalate into more severe problems. Your work will directly contribute to improving individual well-being and enhancing the broader community health landscape

Top 3 industries Counsellors work in & typical tasks

“Counsellors provide information on vocational, relationship, social and educational difficulties and issues and work with people to help them to identify and define their emotional issues through therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy, interpersonal therapy and other talking therapies.”

According to Jobs and Skills, Counsellors work in 5 main industries:

Typical tasks
Working with clients on career, study and employment options by obtaining and examining information relevant to their abilities and needs

Providing information and resources to assist clients with job-seeking skills
Assessing client needs in relation to treatment for drug and alcohol abuse
Conducting counselling interviews with individuals, couples and family groups
Assisting the understanding and adjustment of attitudes, expectations and behaviour to develop more effective interpersonal and marital relationships
Presenting alternative approaches and discussing potential for attitude and behaviour change
Consulting with clients to develop rehabilitation plans taking account of vocational and social needs
Contributing information, understanding and advice on the learning and behaviour of students, especially those with special needs, and assisting parents and teachers in dealing with these needs
May work in a call centre

Student Outcomes

According to yourcareer.gov.au, student outcomes of the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling include the following:

Next steps in your journey

Embarking on a career as a mental health counsellor through the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling at IAP provides a solid foundation for a fulfilling and impactful profession. This pathway not only equips you with the necessary skills but also places you at the forefront of addressing the growing mental health needs across Australia. Your journey in this field can truly make a difference, offering both professional satisfaction and the opportunity to profoundly affect people’s lives.

If you are looking to become a counsellor or would like to talk about how this could be part of your career journey, call one of our dedicated Course Advisors on 1300 915 497 or click here to download the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling course outline.

Crisis support services

If you know anyone in need of urgent care, you can refer them to the following services which help millions of people every year through various life situations.