Counselling & 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.