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Courses / Mental Health / Diploma of Counselling
Nationally Recognised TrainingCHC51015Diploma

Become a Counsellor with a Diploma of Counselling

The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling is a nationally recognised AQF qualification. Study 100% online, self-paced, from anywhere in Australia.

From $77
Per Week
100% Online
Self-Paced
12 to 18 Months
Duration
No Placement
Required
RPL
Available
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Career Outcomes

Where This Qualification Takes You

These are the roles this qualification points at, and the numbers on them.

Counsellor (community)
$80k–$115k
Common employers: community health centres, non-profits, Relationships Australia
Mental health support worker
$60k–$80k
Common employers: mental health services, NDIS providers
Family counsellor
$80k–$115k
Common employers: family relationship centres, mediation services
Also relevant: Drug and alcohol counsellorYouth counsellorGrief and loss counsellorPrivate practice counsellor

Salary figures are published by the college. Entry requirements vary by employer, and no specific job outcome is guaranteed. Individual outcomes depend on experience and the job market.

Included With Your Enrolment

Everything You Get From Day One

The trip there takes around 12 to 18 months, fully online and at your own pace. Before the curriculum, here's what enrolling actually comes with.

Job-Ready Program
Resume help, cover letters and employment assistance from the moment you start, right through to landing the role.
Experienced Trainers On Call
Qualified trainers with current industry experience plus a dedicated Learner Support Officer, with responses inside 72 hours.
Monthly Outreach Calls
The support team calls monthly to see how you're progressing and line up any extra help you need.
ACA Accredited
Accredited by the Australian Counselling Association, so graduating makes you eligible to apply for ACA Level 1 registration.
Curriculum

What You'll Learn Along The Way

Inside are 17 nationally recognised units: 13 core and 4 electives.

CHCCCS019
Recognise and respond to crisis situationsCORE
CHCCSL001
Establish and confirm the counselling relationshipCORE
CHCCSL002
Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skillsCORE
CHCLEG001
Work legally and ethicallyCORE
CHCDIV001
Work with diverse peopleCORE
CHCDIV002
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safetyCORE
CHCCSM005
Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case managementCORE
CHCPRP003
Reflect and improve own professional practiceCORE
CHCCSL003
Facilitate the counselling relationship and processCORE
CHCCSL004
Research and apply personality and development theoriesCORE
CHCCSL005
Apply learning theories in counsellingCORE
CHCCSL006
Select and use counselling therapiesCORE
CHCCSL007
Support counselling clients in decision-making processesCORE
CHCCCS017
Provide loss and grief support
CHCDFV001
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
CHCADV001
Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
CHCMHS001
Work with people with mental health issues

Unit codes and titles as listed on the national register, training.gov.au.

Pathways And Partnerships

And It Doesn't Stop At The Diploma

The qualification is a foothold. These are the bodies and programs the college connects it to.

ACA
Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
ACA Level 1 Registration
Graduates are eligible to apply for ACA Level 1 registration, the entry tier for professional counsellors in Australia. Students can also join the ACA as a student member while studying.

Recognition and credit arrangements are set by the college and the named bodies. Confirm what applies to you in your enquiry.

Student Reviews

People Who've Already Made The Move

"I've been studying with Hader Institute for the past year and am currently completing my Diploma in Youth Work. My experience so far has been nothing short of outstanding. I've had the absolute pleasure of having Viki as my lecturer. She consistently delivers rich, detailed education throughout our online classes. Viki is approachable, enthusiastic, and always eager to answer any question, never with judgment, always with encouragement. Hader Institute itself is incredibly supportive. They regularly check in with phone calls to see how I'm progressing and to offer any additional support I might need. That level of care is rare and genuinely appreciated. The learning environment is both supportive and informative. Compared to other institutions I've studied at, I can honestly say I've never felt so comfortable, accepted, and encouraged in an educational setting. The sense of being valued as a student makes a huge difference. Highly recommend Hader Institute to anyone looking to further their education in a welcoming and empowering environment."
Maria Blackwood
Hader Institute of Education student review
Fees And Payment Plans

The Cost, Broken Into Weeks

If the destination and the road both look right, here's the ticket.

Pay Weekly
$77
per week
Interest-free weekly payment plan
Interest-free payment plansDiscounted upfront option availablePay Fortnightly
Check Current Pricing Ask About Payment Plans
Before You Enrol

Is It Right For You?

You're Eligible If You

  • Are 18 or older
  • Are an australian citizen, permanent resident, or visa holder with full work and study rights
  • Can meet the language, literacy and numeracy requirements
  • Sound computer skills including navigating software systems and intermediate use of Microsoft Word
  • Access to a laptop or desktop computer with reliable internet connection to complete online modules and attend virtual Zoom classes
  • Complete a Pre-Training Review interview via phone to confirm eligibility and readiness

Years of experience already? Recognition of prior learning can shorten the course. Ask in your enquiry.

How It Starts

1
Complete a Pre-Enrolment Application over the phone with the Admissions Team or online via the website
2
Take a short Online Literacy and Numeracy Quiz to assess current skills
3
Join a Pre-Training Interview / Orientation Call to confirm eligibility, availability and acceptance
4
Receive Letter of Acceptance and login details to access the online learning platform and commence studies
Good To Know

The Last Questions People Ask

Is this course nationally recognised?
Yes. The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling is a nationally recognised qualification registered on the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Are there entry requirements?
Nothing heavy. Be 18 or over with full work and study rights in Australia, complete a short language, literacy and numeracy check, and have a computer with reliable internet for the online modules and Zoom classes. A quick phone chat before enrolment makes sure the course is right for you.
How long does it take?
Between 12 and 18 months depending on your pace, with 18 months of course access. It is self-paced, so the hours you give it each week shape where you land in that range.
How is it delivered?
Fully online, at your own pace, but never on your own. There is a live evening Zoom class with your trainer each week to ask questions and practise skills with other learners, plus a one-on-one mentoring session every month on Zoom or phone. Your trainers are qualified counsellors still working in the field.
Will I do a work placement?
No. There is no placement requirement, so the whole diploma can be completed online, with skills practice happening in the live sessions.
Can I get credit for previous study or experience?
Yes. Recognition of prior learning and credit transfer are both available. Flag it during enrolment and bring evidence like past qualifications, statements of attainment or work samples, and the college will assess what carries across.
What can this lead to after graduation?
Graduates can pursue ACA Level 1 registration, and if PACFA registration is the long-term goal, the pathway runs through bachelor or master level study. This diploma can be a destination or a launch pad, whichever you need it to be.
How do payments work?
There is an interest-free weekly or fortnightly payment plan, and a discount if you pay upfront. Pricing can change, so confirm the current numbers in your enquiry.
About The Qualification

The Story Behind The Qualification

People often land on counselling after years of being the friend everyone comes to. If that's you, this course turns the instinct into a profession. You learn real therapeutic frameworks and practice tools: the difference between listening kindly and counselling well.

It's accredited by the Australian Counselling Association, so when you graduate you're eligible for ACA Level 1 registration, the recognised entry into paid counselling work in community services, healthcare and private practice. Hader Institute of Education delivers it fully online, over 12 to 18 months.

Hader Institute of Education logo

Delivered By Hader Institute of Education

RTO 45162

Registration verifiable on the national register at training.gov.au.

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Get Course is a course directory and comparison service. We list courses from both accredited and non-accredited providers, with status shown on every page. When you enquire, your details are passed to the college delivering the course, which will contact you directly with current fees, dates, and eligibility information.

CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling is delivered by Hader Institute of Education, RTO 45162. Read the qualification guide for the Diploma, built on government data.

From $77/weekCHC51015 · Nationally Recognised
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