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Community & Health

Counselling & Mental Health

Upskilled offers a variety of online Counselling & Mental Health courses, providing the skills and knowledge to create positive change. Gain industry-recognised qualifications and practical experience.
$82K+
Annual Salary, Full-time
15.8%
Employment growth over the next 5 years
76.2%
Female share among the employed workforce

Join over 42,000 Aussies who have had success with Upskilled

Great Course. Great Support.

Recently started the Diploma of Counselling. Can't thank Upskilled and all staff enough. I was hesitant.at first but it was always something i have wanted to do. Have been involved in education and it has been a part of the job but have always wanted to do it as a profession. The education staff have been so supportive and instructional creating a great learning and interactive environment. Looking forward to studying more and making mistakes as thats how I learn and progress.

Special thank you to Jo one of the Education Consultants. He was informative. friendly, knowledgeable about the course and study. Didn't feel pressured just helped me navigate options and left it up to me to decide. So glad he rang after I expressed interest in commencing studies again after a long time.

Highly recommend!

Better than the classroom! It’s been a fantastic experience. The student support team and our trainer are incredible. Always willing to help our investgate my queries. Our trainer is always generous with his time and feedback. 

My experience with Upskilled's Ronnie

My Experience with upskilled's coordinator Mr Ronnie, is absolutely amazing, his such a great teacher and his explanation in regarding the course are very clear and very helpful. Since I started he was always there when needed help with the course. Mr Ronnie makes you understand how to reach your goal of understanding of each session and the progress is very successful. Keep up with the good work Ronnie, and i recommend Upskilled's and Ronnie to every student and do not hesitate to contact all staff there as there a very grateful and will attend helping you straight away. One more think, I wouldn't be able to do this with out you (Ronnie) helping and supporting me, overall his fantastic. I look forward to the next meeting.

I really enjoyed studying the diploma

I really enjoyed studying the Diploma in Counselling this was such a great course. I loved the interaction with people and learning new aspects of counselling. I have learnt so much that going onto the next faze of my studying will help me tremendously after doing this course.
My trainer Ronnie was very supportive and helpful and was always available when needed, he offered great feedback and encouraged role playing as much as possible.

Why Study Counselling & Mental Health Courses?


In today’s dynamic world, pursuing Mental Health & Counselling courses can offer numerous valuable benefits. From acquiring essential skills to making a significant impact on individuals and communities, exploring online courses in this field can lead to fulfilling and rewarding career opportunities.

Help Fill Australia’s Skills Shortage

Australia is facing a significant skills shortage in the mental health sector,  by enrolling in online Mental Health & Counselling courses, learners can gain the necessary knowledge to support individuals dealing with mental health challenges and provide effective counselling services, thereby contributing to the well-being of communities.

15.7% Market Growth!

The Mental Health & Counselling industry is experiencing rapid growth, with a projected employment increase of 15.8% over the next five years. By 2026, an estimated 88,500 professionals are expected to be employed in this field. This growth underscores the expanding demand for skilled practitioners to address the rising needs for mental health support and counselling services.

Meaningful and Rewarding Careers


A career in Mental Health & Counselling can be profoundly rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether you’re providing support to individuals facing mental health challenges or working on broader community initiatives, these roles offer a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Is Mental Health & Counselling a Good Career?

If you’re someone with a compassionate nature and a desire to positively impact others, a career in Mental Health & Counselling could be an excellent choice. This field offers numerous opportunities for meaningful work that allows you to leverage your strengths and make a difference in people’s lives.

If you enjoy connecting with others, can easily empathise, and prefer a hands-on role, working in mental health and counselling might be a natural fit for you.

Why is it Important to Study Mental Health & Counselling Courses?

Studying Mental Health & Counselling courses equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in this vital industry. Courses like the CHC51015 - Diploma of Counselling and CHC43315 - Certificate IV in Mental Health help you gain the relevant skill set to expand your career options and prepare for challenges in the field.

Many individuals choose to study these courses to change careers, enhance their current skills, or advance to higher-level roles in related areas such as social work, mental health, or family counselling.


Upskilled has online courses that can help you pursue specialised areas in the community services industry. These include:

FAQs - Counselling and Mental Health

Studying Mental Health & Counselling courses can prepare you for a rewarding career by helping you develop essential skills, such as:

  • Empathy and interpersonal skills
  • Strong communication abilities
  • Excellent people skills
  • Administrative and organisational skills

Most of Upskilled’s online Mental Health & Counselling courses include work placement, offering hands-on experience in real-world settings. This practical training, along with role-playing activities in your assessments, ensures you’re well-prepared for success in the industry.

To enrol in a Mental Health & Counselling course with Upskilled, start by filling out an enquiry form for the course you’re interested in. You’ll need to provide:

  • Your Name
  • Email
  • Phone

You'll also be required to answer the question, 'What best describes you?', which indicates your specific intentions when it comes to your career. This could mean:

  • Changing careers
  • Looking for a promotion
  • Returning to work
  • Starting your career 
  • Expanding your skill set 

This will help our education consultants ask the relevant questions before they start the enrolment process. Once you submit an enquiry form, they should be in touch within 48 hours. 

During your course consultation, education consultants will happily assist if you have questions on:

  • Payment options
  • If you're eligible for the course
  • Community services jobs you can pursue after course completion

Once you're happy with everything, your education consultant will send you through an enrolment form via email. 

Counselling and mental health courses cover essential areas such as communication techniques, mental health awareness, and client assessment. Students learn about different therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioural therapy and person-centred therapy, as well as strategies for crisis intervention and managing high-risk situations. Ethical and legal considerations, such as confidentiality and duty of care, are also key components. Additionally, courses explore self-care and professional boundaries to help practitioners maintain their well-being while supporting others.

The duration of online counselling and mental health courses varies based on the level of study and the student's pace. For example, a Diploma of Counselling typically takes 12–18 months to complete, depending on whether you study part-time or full-time. Shorter certificate courses may take a few months, while more in-depth programs can extend beyond a year. Flexible online study options allow students to progress at their own pace while balancing other commitments.

Yes, many online counselling and mental health courses are nationally accredited, meaning they meet industry standards and are recognised by employers across the sector. Accredited courses, such as the Diploma of Counselling, align with professional requirements and can lead to further study or employment in counselling and support roles. It’s important to check the accreditation status of a course before enrolling to ensure it meets your career goals.

Counselling and mental health courses are typically delivered online through a combination of pre-recorded lectures, live virtual sessions, and interactive activities. This flexible approach allows students to learn at their own pace while also engaging in real-time discussions, case studies, and practical exercises. Some courses may also include supervised work placements or assessments to enhance hands-on learning.

These courses equip you with essential skills for supporting clients in a professional setting. You’ll develop active listening and empathy to build strong client relationships, along with client assessment techniques to identify needs and create support plans. Training in therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy and person-centred approaches, helps you apply effective counselling methods. You’ll also gain expertise in case management, crisis response, and ethical decision-making to navigate complex situations with professionalism and care.

A certificate provides foundational knowledge and skills, making it ideal for those starting out in counselling and mental health support roles. It covers the basics and can be completed in a shorter time frame. A diploma, on the other hand, offers more in-depth training, covering advanced techniques, case management, and specialised counselling approaches. It prepares students for higher-level roles and can serve as a pathway to further study or professional accreditation.

The workload varies depending on the course structure and whether you study part-time or full-time. On average, students can expect to spend around 10–15 hours per week on coursework, including reading, assignments, and participation in discussions or practical activities. Some courses may require additional hours for assessments or work placements, especially for more advanced qualifications like a diploma. Flexible online study options allow students to manage their workload alongside other commitments.

Yes, most online counselling and mental health courses provide comprehensive support to help you succeed. This includes access to experienced trainers, mentorship programs, and interactive discussion forums where you can connect with peers. Many courses also offer one-on-one consultations, email support, and additional learning resources to guide you through assessments and practical components.