CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling
Online, Self-paced Teacher-led training
12 Months
Job Search Assistance
Nationally Recognised Training Provider - RTO 45162
Pay Up-front or with Interest Free Payments from $77 p/w
No Exams
Why Study with the Hader Institute of Education?
We believe in a future where everyone feels included, connected, valued and belongs. We’re in business to empower people to help each other on their paths to discovery and transformation.
Structured Online Learning at your own pace
Learn anywhere, at any time, and at your pace with our online courses and personalised support from our trainers and student support staff.
Study Now, Pay Later
Affordable, simple, interest free solutions & payment plan for your online course.
Job Search Assistance
After you've finished your studies with us, we'll help you with resume reformatting, cover letters and finding the right role.
What our learners have to say
He is very supportive and knowledgeable when it comes to tough topics you may be dealing with. I appreciate his guidance and responses and I would recommend him."
About the Diploma of Counselling
- Build professional counselling skills — Learn evidence-based counselling techniques including person-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural approaches, and solution-focused methods.
- Graduate into a growing field — The demand for qualified counsellors in Australia is growing. Mental health awareness, NDIS expansion, Medicare-funded counselling sessions, and workplace wellbeing programs are all creating new positions.
Is this course right for you?
- Do you want to support people through their toughest moments and help them build a path forward?
- Are you drawn to a career in mental health, community services, or private practice?
- Do you have empathy, strong listening skills, and a genuine interest in understanding people?
- Do you want a nationally recognised qualification you can study around your existing commitments?
Then this course if for you!
What are your career outcomes?
Once you've completed your studies you can work as a:
- Counsellor (community)
- Family counsellor
- Drug and alcohol counsellor
- Youth counsellor
- Grief and loss counsellor
- Mental health support worker
- Private practice counsellor
How will you learn with us?
Our blended online training program combines:
- Live online classroom sessions
- Structured, self-guided study
- Skills development through hands-on exercises
- Personalised progress mentoring from our trainers
How will you be assessed?
Our focus is on applying what you've learnt to the real world, using a combination of:
- realistic workplace tasks;
- responses to case studies;
- practical activities, and
- online demonstrations via Zoom.
How much does it cost?
Study online from as little as $77, interest free, per week.
For more information on the different payment options that suit your budget please call 03 9917 3472.
What will you learn?
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling prepares you to establish therapeutic relationships, apply specialist counselling techniques, and support clients through complex personal, emotional, and psychological challenges — all within a framework of ethical practice, cultural safety, and professional standards.
Career Outcomes
Job Ready Program support is included with your Diploma of Counselling at Hader Institute. After graduating, our team helps you with resume formatting, cover letters, LinkedIn optimisation, and job search assistance so you’re ready to step into a counselling role.
*Salary data sourced from Seek.com.au and ACA member surveys, 2025–2026. Job search assistance supports your transition to employment but does not guarantee job placement. Employment outcomes depend on individual circumstances and market conditions.
Counsellor (Community or Private Practice)
AU$80,000–$115,000 per year
Family and Relationship Counsellor
AU$80,000–$115,000 per year
Private Practice Counsellor
AU$80,000–$120,000+ per year
Our team
Our trainers have current industry experience in counselling and mental health. They’ll support you with one-on-one guidance, regular check-ins, and live evening sessions throughout your learning journey.
Leading with Heart, Driving with Purpose
Champion of Learner Engagement and Personalised Educational Pathways.
A Beacon of Innovation and Excellence in Vocational Education; Voted Online Education CEO of the Year 2024 (Australia) by APAC Insiders.
What our learners say about us
Steven Dodman
Kara Galea
Kimmi Ryan
Beebree Shilling
Kayleen Clayton
Daine Spencer
Tide martino
RAINA. T
FAQs
Have questions about the Diploma of Counselling? Download our course guide or talk to one of our friendly course advisors today.
Yes. The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling is the minimum qualification accepted by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) for Level 2 membership. ACA registration is widely recognised by employers across Australia, and many practising counsellors hold a Diploma as their primary qualification. You don’t need a university degree to start your counselling career.
To be eligible for the Diploma of Counselling, you will need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident; be at least 18 years of age; have completed Year 12 or equivalent; and pass an online LLN assessment test. Complete a short pre-training phone interview so we can confirm the course is right for you. Don’t worry if you’re unsure about any of these — our team will walk you through the process step by step.
Most learners complete the course in 12–18 months. It’s fully self-paced, so you can finish faster if you have more time to dedicate, or take longer if you need to. There are no fixed timetables or semester deadlines.
The full course cost is $7,995. You can pay upfront for a 10% discount ($7,195.50) or spread the cost with interest-free weekly payments from $77 per week through Payright. Call 03 9917 3472 for a full breakdown of payment plans.
You can work as a counsellor in community organisations, mental health services, private practice, family relationship centres, drug and alcohol services, schools, hospitals, NDIS providers, and Employee Assistance Programs. Specific roles include general counsellor, family counsellor, grief and loss counsellor, drug and alcohol counsellor, youth counsellor, and mental health support worker.
Yes. The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling is a nationally recognised qualification issued under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Hader Institute of Education (RTO 45162) is regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). Your qualification carries the same weight as any campus-based equivalent.
Funding varies by state. Some states offer subsidised training through programs like Skills First (Victoria), Smart and Skilled (NSW), or similar initiatives. Contact our team on 03 9917 3472 to find out what funding options may be available to you.
After completing your qualification, our Job Ready Program helps you transition into employment. This includes professional resume formatting, tailored cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile optimisation, and personalised job search guidance. We don’t just qualify you — we help you land the role.
A Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015) is a vocational qualification, the minimum required to apply for ACA Level 2 membership which allows you to practise as a registered counsellor. A bachelor’s or master’s degree is required for PACFA registration and some clinical or research roles. The Diploma is a standalone pathway into the profession — many working counsellors hold it as their primary qualification.
Yes. If you have previous study, training, or relevant work experience, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer for units in this qualification. Let us know during your enrolment conversation and we’ll guide you through the process.