Diploma of Counselling CHC51015

Become A Qualified Counsellor in Australia

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.

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.

Course Overview

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 get employed as soon as you complete your course. This unique offering is only available through this course provider, giving you an unmatched advantage in starting your dream career right after completing your studies.

Course Modules

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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.

What You’ll Get

  • 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.

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.

About The Course

Become a Qualified Counsellor Who Changes Lives Across Australia

Do you want to be the person someone turns to in their most difficult moments? Are you drawn to a career where every day you make a real difference to someone's mental health, relationships, or recovery? In Australia, the need for skilled, compassionate counsellors has never been greater, and the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling gives you the qualification, the skills, and the practical experience to answer that call.

The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling is a nationally recognised qualification that equips you with the knowledge and competencies to work as a qualified counsellor in a range of professional settings across Australia. Whether you want to support people through grief, family breakdown, addiction, or mental health challenges, this qualification gives you a clear, structured pathway to get there.

Throughout your studies, you will build a deep and practical understanding of counselling across core and elective focus areas:

  • Crisis response: Learn to recognise and respond to crisis situations, supporting clients through acute distress with confidence and care.
  • Counselling practice: Dive deep into the full arc of the counselling relationship, from the initial session through to closure, using specialist interpersonal and interview skills grounded in personality and development theories.
  • Therapeutic models: Explore and apply a range of counselling therapies, learning how to match your approach to the needs of each individual client.
  • Elective specialisations: Deepen your practice in areas like loss and grief support, domestic and family violence response, group work, and mental health.
  • Professional practice: Develop the habits, ethics, and reflective skills that define a trusted counselling professional.

You will also develop strong capabilities in supporting clients from diverse backgrounds, including skills in culturally safe practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, navigating legal and ethical responsibilities, and facilitating case management for complex needs.

The demand for qualified counsellors across Australia is expanding rapidly. Mental health reform, growing NDIS participation, Medicare- funded counselling initiatives, and increased awareness of mental wellbeing in workplaces and schools are all opening new doors. From community health centres and youth services to private practice and hospital settings, counsellors are needed in every corner of the country.

If you are ready to step into a career built on purpose and impact, enquire now about the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling. Roles such as community counsellor, youth counsellor, family counsellor, grief and loss counsellor, and private practice counsellor could all be within reach.

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

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