Diploma of Counselling

The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling, offered by Open Colleges, is a nationally recognised qualification designed for those who want to build a meaningful career supporting others. Delivered entirely online, the course allows students to study at their own pace with no set semester dates, making it well suited to people balancing work, family, or other commitments. Assessments are practical and skills-focused with no exams, using written activities, quizzes, and role plays to build real-world competence.

The course covers a broad range of learning areas central to professional counselling practice. Students develop skills in establishing and managing the counselling relationship, applying specialist interviewing techniques, and selecting appropriate therapeutic approaches. The curriculum also explores personality and human development theories, learning theories, and how to apply them in a counselling context. Alongside these foundations, students gain knowledge in supporting clients through loss and grief, recognising and responding to crisis situations, working with people experiencing mental health issues, and understanding domestic and family violence. Cultural safety, including specific focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural safety, is woven throughout the qualification.

It is worth noting that the counselling profession in Australia remains self-regulated, and this diploma provides an entry-level foundation rather than a direct pathway to independent practice. Enquire to learn more about whether this course is the right fit.

160 hours of work placement is required to complete this course, made easy with Open Colleges’ Guaranteed Work Placement initiative. In partnership with leading provider SkilTrak, Open Colleges organises your work placement for you while you focus on study, ensuring students gain real-world experience in their dream career, close to home.

Please note: This is a fee-for-service course. It is not government funded.