Diploma of Counselling
- Location
- Online
- Study Mode
- Online
- Awarded by
- Open Colleges (RTO: 90796)
- Qualification
- Diploma
- Course Fee
- Price may vary
- Duration
- Up to 24 months
- Start Date
- Start Anytime
- Payment Options
- Fee For Service, Payment plan, Upfront payment
About the Course
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 through personal challenges. Delivered entirely online with no set semester dates, the course suits people who need to study around existing work or family commitments. Learners can progress at their own pace, with 24/7 access to course materials and no formal exams. Assessments take the form of practical tasks, written work, and scenario-based activities. The curriculum covers a broad range of counselling theory and practice, including interpersonal communication, counselling interview techniques, and the application of personality and learning theories. Students also explore how to support clients through grief and loss, crisis situations, domestic and family violence, mental health concerns, and problem gambling. Cultural safety, including specific focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural safety, is woven throughout the course, as is a grounding in legal and ethical responsibilities. It is worth noting that the counselling profession in Australia remains self-regulated, and this diploma is designed as a foundation qualification rather than a pathway to independent or private practice. Enquire to learn more about how this course can support your professional goals. 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.
What can I do after?
Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a Diploma from Open Colleges. The nationally recognised CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling equips graduates with the practical skills needed to pursue entry-level roles as a counsellor or case worker across a range of community, health, and support settings. The course covers counselling techniques, interpersonal communication, crisis response, and working with people experiencing mental health challenges, domestic and family violence, grief, and problem gambling. Graduates are prepared to work in not-for-profit organisations, community services, and support agencies. It is worth noting that the counselling profession in Australia remains self-regulated, and this diploma does not automatically confer registration with major bodies such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or PACFA. Graduates may be eligible for membership with other associations, such as ACCA or VMPHAA, depending on each organisation’s criteria. For those wishing to progress further, such as into private practice or school counselling roles, further study at bachelor level is generally recommended. This diploma provides a solid foundation from which to build a rewarding career in counselling and related community services.
What are the fees?
Open Colleges offers flexible payment models to help make studying more affordable. PLEASE NOTE: Open Colleges is a privately-run RTO, not government-run like a TAFE, so they cannot offer government funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What you’ll need
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Subject summary
In this CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling course, the subjects you may study include: CHCCSL001 – Establish and confirm the counselling relationship CHCLEG001 – Work legally and ethically CHCDIV001 – Work with diverse people CHCDIV002 – Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety CHCCSL002 – Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills CHCCSL003 – Facilitate the counselling relationship and process CHCCSL004 – Research and apply personality and development theories CHCCSL005 – Apply learning theories in counselling CHCCSL006 – Select and use counselling therapies CHCCCS017 – Provide loss and grief support CHCCSM005 – Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management CHCGMB001 – Assess the needs of clients with problem gambling issues CHCCCS019 – Recognise and respond to crisis situations CHCDFV001 – Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence CHCCSL007 – Support counselling clients in decision-making processes CHCMHS001 – Work with people with mental health issues CHCPRP003 – Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Why Open Colleges?
Open Colleges has been a cornerstone of Australian education for over 125 years, establishing itself as a prominent provider of online learning. With a commitment to empowering individuals, they have successfully guided over 450,000 students in acquiring the skills necessary to launch or advance their careers. Their nationally recognised qualifications are crafted by vocational experts, ensuring that graduates are equipped with job-ready skills that are highly valued across various industries. Emphasising flexibility, Open Colleges offers a learning platform that is accessible 24/7, allowing students to study at their own pace and on their own schedule. This innovative approach to education is designed to seamlessly integrate with the busy lives of learners, making it easier than ever to pursue professional development while balancing personal commitments. With Open Colleges, individuals can confidently take the next step in their career journey, knowing they have the support and resources needed to succeed. Open Colleges is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO: 90796)
