Diploma of Counselling CHC51015

Are you ready to turn your empathy and drive to help people into a fulfilling career in counselling? The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling is the nationally recognised qualification that gives you the practical skills, real work experience, and professional foundations to get started in one of Australia's fastest-growing sectors.
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Course Provider
Hader Institute of Education
(RTO 22557)
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Nationally Recognised Australian Qualification 

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Exclusive Discord Channel For Students

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Exclusive Bonus: Premium Job Recruitment Access 

Course Overview

Start Date
Start Anytime
Duration
12 months of course access to complete this course with self-paced learning. You can also apply for RPL to shorten this duration.
Delivery
* Blended course with all modules delivered online + a monthly one-on-one mentoring session with your trainer.  * Exclusive access to the Discord hub to connect with your classmates across Australia.  * Unlimited one-on-one support from trainers and the learner support team. * Plus, attend masterclasses the institute hosts with industry professionals.
Career Outcomes

A Diploma of Counselling opens doors to a range of rewarding roles across the community services and mental health sectors, including the following:

  • Counsellor (community): Approximately $80,000 to $115,000 per year. C
  • Mental health support worker: Approximately $60,000 to $80,000 per year. 
  • Family counsellor: Approximately $80,000 to $115,000 per year. 
  • Drug and alcohol counsellor: Approximately $75,000 to $80,000 per year. 
  • Youth counsellor: Approximately $75,000 to $100,000 per year. 
  • Grief and loss counsellor: Approximately $80,000 to $100,000+ per year. 
  • Private practice counsellor: Approximately $80,000 to $120,000+ per year. 

Please note that these figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and specific employer. All salary ranges listed above are sourced from Seek Australia and ACA member surveys, 2025–2026.

Course Modules

Core Units

  • CHCCCS019: Recognise and respond to crisis situations 
  • CHCCSL001: Establish and confirm the counselling relationship 
  • CHCCSL002: Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills 
  • CHCLEG001: Work legally and ethically 
  • CHCDIV001: Work with diverse people 
  • CHCDIV002: Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety 
  • CHCCSM005: Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management 
  • CHCPRP003: Reflect and improve own professional practice 
  • CHCCSL003: Facilitate the counselling relationship and process 
  • CHCCSL004: Research and apply personality and development theories 
  • CHCCSL005: Apply learning theories in counselling 
  • CHCCSL006: Select and use counselling therapies 
  • CHCCSL007: Support counselling clients in decision-making processes

Elective Units

Elective options allow you to specialise in areas relevant to your career goals, including:

  • CHCCCS017: Provide loss and grief support 
  • CHCDFV001: Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
  • CHCGRP002: Plan and conduct group activities 
  • CHCMHS001: Work with people with mental health issues
Course Fees Include
  • Guaranteed Work Placement Assistance - Through partnerships with SkillTrack, Hogan Care and HDA, you will receive guaranteed work placement that will match you with suitable organisations based on your location and goals. 
  • Flexible, Structured Learning Model - Enjoy the best of both worlds. Study at your own pace with 24/7 online access, including unlimited 1-on-1 support from your trainer, and monthly mentorship calls.
  • Weekly Live & Recorded Sessions - Attend 3 hours of interactive online classes per week led by experienced trainers and access all recordings anytime to review or catch up.
  • Active Learning Community on Discord - Connect with your classmates across Australia through the exclusive Discord hub. Collaborate on role plays, form study groups, and stay engaged throughout your journey.
  • Assessor-Led Role Play Support Access - 1-on-1 role play sessions with assessors (even outside class hours) to help you prepare for assessments and build your skills.
  • Personalised Trainer & Tutor Support - Reach out anytime for academic guidance, Trainers are accessible beyond class hours to provide one-on-one help when you need it most.
  • Job-Ready Program - Receive weekly career coaching, resume and interview assistance, and ongoing job application support. Plus, you’ll unlock access to a specialised recruitment service designed to connect you with top job opportunities to help you get employed, even while you're still studying.
  • Pathways For Further Study - Transition into Diplomas or university programs with recognised credits (RPL) and a solid academic foundation.
  • Private, Student-Focused Delivery - As a private provider (not government-funded), Hader offers flexible delivery, faster enrolment turnaround, and a more personalised student experience.
  • Access to Masterclasses that the institute hosts with industry professionals.
  • Discounted Rates for future enrolments into other qualifications with Hader.
Testimonials

“Have recently commenced the AOD counselling diploma and from the initial phone call with Sasha the process has been seamless, professional and gives me great confidence in my decision. The platforms for delivery of study, support from the college and community connection through their student forums are first class. Highly recommend and after working in senior executive roles for large Australian corporates, Hader has eclipsed my expectations.” - Mark

“I am Student on Diploma in Community Service. We had a session on workplace safety and hazards. The trainer, Charlotte, was amazing and full of energy. She ran the session in a highly interactive way and genuinely made an effort to include everyone, ensuring all participants felt engaged and involved throughout.” - TK K.

“My sincere appreciation to my Assessor (Viki Hannah) for her time, guidance and encouragement throughout my first role play for the Certificate IV in Community Services course. From organising the role play, through to the live process on the day with my peer, I felt supported and am grateful for Viki's expertise in the industry.” - Angelita

Course Accreditation

Nationally Recognised Australian Qualification

Upon successful completion, learners will receive a statement of attainment recognising the units of competency completed. These units can be used to credit transfer to create a pathway into further education, such as a Certificate IV or Diploma in Youth Work or a related field.

Exclusive Bonus: Premium Job Recruitment Access To Help You Find Your Dream Job

When you enrol in this course, you’ll also unlock an exclusive bonus, premium access to a specialised recruitment service designed to connect you with top job opportunities and help you find employment. This unique offering is only available through this course provider, giving you an unmatched advantage in starting your dream career after completing your studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This course is eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL considers the knowledge and skills you have gained through your previous education and work history, attributing this to your enrolled qualification course. This may be through formal or informal training and can result in credits towards your qualification. For more information submit an enquiry to speak with a course advisor.

Course Entry Requirements

To ensure that learners can fully participate in the course and meet all requirements, the following entry conditions apply:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Be an Australian Citizen or permanent resident, or hold a visa which offers full work &

study rights.

  • Have completed their education to a level which is equivalent to an Australian Senior High School Year 12 or successful completion of a Level 3 literacy & numeracy assessment or have completed a Certificate III level qualification or higher.
  • Have sound computer skills, including:
    • Ability to navigate software systems.
    • Intermediate use of Microsoft Word (formatting, tables, editing) to complete assessments.
  • Have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection to complete online modules.
  • Have a valid Working with Children Check (or equivalent) prior to placement.
  • Hold a valid Police Check (or be willing to obtain one before placement).
  • Complete a Pre-Training Review interview (via phone) to confirm eligibility and readiness to undertake the course.
Payment Options
  • Upfront payment with a 10% discount.
  • Interest-free payment plan from $72 per week.
  • There is no government funding available for this course.

Enquire for full pricing and payment details.

*The contents are accurate at the time of writing. Get in touch with the course provider for the latest information.

About the Course Provider

Hader Institute of Education

At Hader Institute of Education (RTO 45162), they recognise that education is the pathway to opportunity. As the leading online education and training provider to individuals wanting to pursue a career in Mental Health, Alcohol and other Drugs, and Counselling, they take this responsibility seriously. Mental and substance use disorder doesn’t just affect the individual, but also the wider community. As an institution that cares deeply about their fellow humans, Hader Institute of Education shows up in the education sector wholeheartedly, with a desire to create positive and lasting change. Their institution is relatively new. They knew that starting an organization at this time came with a responsibility to look beyond "business-as-usual." That’s why Hader Institute of Education is using their business to create the kind of positive change that society truly needs. This goes directly to who they are at Hader Institute of Education and why they exist - they believe in a future where everyone feels included, connected, valued, and belongs. This belief inspires their mission…through learning, community, and support, Hader Institute of Education is here to empower people to help each other on their paths to discovery and transformation. By focusing their efforts on supporting good mental health and wellbeing – through their people, learners, their industry, and the wider community – they help each other on their paths to self-discovery; together building a connected and inclusive future where they all belong. Right now, we live in times of crisis, uncertainty, and for many, self-doubt. But these times are also filled with great opportunities; to rise to the challenges we face and to demonstrate what human endeavor can achieve, especially when we work together. This is the kind of stuff that dreams are made of. When Hader Institute of Education helps people take control of their lives, they open the door to self-belief. The magic happens here. It’s where the impossible becomes possible and where people connect to the power of their dreams. If ever there was a need for people to dream of a better, more connected, and inclusive future, now is that time. If this connects with you, then come and join Hader Institute of Education's community of fellow dreamers. ‍ Together, let’s make a difference, today.
(03) 8362 3113
info@haderinstitute.edu.au
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