Counsellor (WA)

State/Territory Specific Information

Education and Training:

You can work as a counsellor without formal qualifications. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications. You may like to consider a VET qualification in counselling. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become a counsellor by studying counselling, psychology or a related field at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your WACE at Stages 2 and 3 with English. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

  1. Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs Work
  2. Certificate IV in Christian Counselling
  3. Certificate IV in Life Coaching
  4. Certificate IV in Transactional Analysis
  5. Diploma of Analytic Psychotherapy
  6. Diploma of Counselling
  7. Diploma of Counselling and Family Therapy - Christian
  8. Diploma of Holistic Counselling
  9. Diploma of Life Coaching
  10. Diploma of Transactional Analysis
  11. Advanced Diploma of Christian Ministry *
  12. Advanced Diploma of Counselling and Family Therapy - Christian
  13. Advanced Diploma of Holistic Counselling
  14. Advanced Diploma of Transactional Analysis
  15. Certificate in Counselling Skills
  16. Bachelor of Applied Science - Indigenous Community Health
  17. Bachelor of Arts *
  18. Bachelor of Arts - Psychology and Addiction Studies
  19. Bachelor of Arts - Psychology and Counselling
  20. Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Criminology and Justice
  21. Bachelor of Counselling
  22. Bachelor of Counselling / Bachelor of Behavioural Sciences
  23. Bachelor of Science *
  24. Bachelor of Social Science
  25. Bachelor of Social Science - Counselling

Employment Opportunities:

Many counsellors are self-employed in their own counselling practices.

Counsellors may also be employed by community service organisations, hospitals, schools, clinics and government departments. Large corporations and organisations often employ counsellors who specialise in workplace or organisational counselling.

Competition is often strong for available work.

For Further Information:

Australian Counselling Association

Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (WA)

(08) 9228 3026

Relationships Australia (WA)

(08) 9489 6363

Information for other states and territories: