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Counselling
According to Job Outlook occupational data published by the Australian Government, counselling is a large profession which was made up of 30,700 people in 2023. Fourty-nine percent of the workforce works full-time, with strong growth in occupational size over the past five years, and strong future growth of 14.2% projected to 2028.
The majority (77%) of counsellors are women. Only 23% are men. The entry qualification for the majority of counsellors is a Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) or higher. Unemployment in the counselling profession is average compared to the Australian mean, and weekly earnings are above average, at $1,652.
Counsellors are employed in government and community sectors in health care, welfare and social assistance (49%), education settings (36%), public administration and safety (4.7%) and other services and industries (10%), which includes private practice.
Graduates of the proposed Graduate Diploma course will be able to utilise their knowledge and skills developed in the course in related fields relevant to their undergraduate degree. The proposed course will provide an important skillset in assessment and counselling for Human Resource professionals, registered nurses, teachers, chaplains, ministers of religion, social workers and psychologists. Graduates will be able to work in the following fields of practice: relationship counselling; grief and loss counselling; trauma counselling; mental health counselling; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer counselling; in educational settings; and employment assistance programs. Graduates will also be eligible to progress to the proposed Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy (Holistic Practice) course at Metavision Institute, or to study in Masters courses in related fields.
Some private health funds offer provider numbers for qualified counsellors who meet their criteria, BUPA and Medicare Private being the largest of these.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (National Disability Insurance Agency) is an emerging opportunity for counsellors to register as providers.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) offer counselling services, which may be provided by qualified counsellors (see Employee Assistance Professional Association of Australia).
New South Wales, Queensland and South Australian state governments include counselling in a broad group of unregistered health workers covered by legislation.