10 types of counsellors in Australia

Counselling is a dynamic and rewarding field with a variety of areas that you can work in.

Throughout your counselling career, you will have the freedom to work in different specialisations, allowing you to shape your career path according to your passions and expertise.

In this article, we will explore the various types of counsellors in Australia and key factors to consider when selecting a specialisation.

10 types of counsellors in Australia

School counsellor

What is a school counsellor?

A school counsellor supports students with their academic, social and emotional development within an education setting. They help students navigate challenges related to stress, relationships, mental health, subject selection and career.

Their role is to create a supportive environment where students can discuss personal issues confidentially and develop coping strategies. School counsellors also collaborate with teachers, parents and administrators.

What does a school counsellor do?

A typical day for a school counsellor could involve having one-on-one meetings with students to discuss their academic performance and provide them with tools and learning materials to help improve their academic results.

They could also meet with students to offer emotional support and advice on issues such as anxiety and bullying.

In addition to these interactions, school counsellors may also facilitate group counselling sessions, work on administrative tasks such as documenting student progress, communicate with parents and collaborate with teachers.

School counsellor salary

School counsellors in Australia earn an average of $90,000 to $105,000 per year though this varies.

For example, a school counsellor in New South Wales could earn between $90,000 to $105,000 while a school counsellor in Victoria could earn between $70,000 to $85,000.

Relationship counsellor

What is a relationship counsellor?

A relationship counsellor provides guidance to couples, families and individuals struggling with relationship difficulties. Their aim is to improve communication, resolve conflicts and foster healthier emotional connections.

They create a safe, neutral environment for individuals to express their concerns and work with them to explore underlying issues such as intimacy, trust or external stressors that may be affecting the relationship.

What does a relationship counsellor do?

A relationship counsellor works with a wide range of individuals from couples to families. During their day, they may facilitate conversations between couples, discussing issues such as communication, trust or conflict resolution while providing tools and techniques to help improve the relationship.

They could also work with families, addressing family conflicts and parenting challenges. During the session, they may identify issues affecting each family member, develop clear family goals and share communication techniques.

Relationship counsellor salary

While specific data for the average earnings of relationship counsellors in Australia is not available, counsellors generally earn an average of $85,000 to $100,000 per year depending on experience and location.

Rehabilitation counsellor

What is a rehabilitation counsellor?

A rehabilitation counsellor helps individuals with disabilities, injuries or chronic illnesses achieve their goals. They are specialised counsellors who have a deep understanding of the impact that disability, health conditions and disadvantage have on people’s lives.

They have knowledge and skills in motivational interviewing, vocational counselling, job placement, independent living planning and more.

Rehabilitation counsellors work with vocational rehabilitation providers or in areas such as injury prevention and management, disability advice and non-vocational disability services.

What does a rehabilitation counsellor do?

Rehabilitation counsellors work with clients of all ages ranging from school students to retired seniors.

A typical day may involve them assessing the needs of clients, setting career or personal goals and developing customised rehabilitation plans.

They may also help individuals develop skills needed for daily life such as managing finances, communication or improving mobility. They also act as advocates, helping clients navigate social services, healthcare and employment systems.

In addition, rehabilitation counsellors may also work closely with interdisciplinary teams and educate clients and their families on rights, responsibilities and available resources.

Rehabilitation counsellor salary

The average annual salary for a rehabilitation counsellor ranges from $80,000 to $85,000 per year but location and experience can affect this range.

Rehabilitation counsellors in Victoria for example, have an average annual salary of $80,000 to $90,000 while rehabilitation counsellors in New South Wales earn a range of $80,000 to $85,000.

Addiction counsellor

What is an addiction counsellor?

An addiction counsellor helps individuals that are struggling with addiction to gambling, drugs, alcohol or other substances. They help clients understand the root causes of their addiction, develop coping strategies and create tailored treatment plans.

Addiction counsellors may also meet with family members and friends to educate them about addiction and provide them with resources that can help them support their loved ones in recovery.

What does an addiction counsellor do?

Addiction counsellors have several roles which may include meeting with individuals struggling with substance abuse to determine the severity of their addiction and their readiness for change.

They may also develop personalised plans to address the substance use disorder or refer individuals to external resources such as a support group or medical care.

Part of their day may also involve documentation and coordinating with healthcare providers, social workers or family members to ensure comprehensive care.

Addiction counsellor salary

An addiction counsellor makes an average of $104,000 per year though it can vary depending on experience and location.

For example, addiction counsellors in Western Australia make an average of $106,000 per year while counsellors in Victoria make an average of $95,000 per year.

Child and youth counsellor

What is a child and youth counsellor?

A child and youth counsellor provides a safe and supportive environment for children and adolescents to explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences.

They help children and adolescents navigate challenges such as family issues, trauma, mental health concerns and more.

Additionally, they often work collaboratively with parents, teachers and other caregivers to create a holistic support system.

What does a child and youth counsellor do?

A day in the life of a child and youth counsellor may involve them meeting with a child struggling with behavioural issues at school and using techniques such as play therapy, art therapy and cognitive-behavioural approaches to help the child express themselves.

They may also work with an adolescent experiencing anxiety or family conflict, offering coping strategies and emotional support.

A child and youth counsellor may also collaborate with teachers, parents or other professionals. For example, they may meet with teachers to discuss behavioural strategies for the classroom or with parents to suggest ways to support their child’s emotional needs at home.

Child and youth counsellor salary

Child and youth counsellors make an average of $81,000 per year though it depends on your location.

For instance, child and youth counsellors earn an average of $79,000 annually in New South Wales and $94,000 in Queensland.

Grief counsellor

What is a grief counsellor?

A grief counsellor helps individuals navigate the emotional challenges of loss, whether due to death, divorce or other significant life changes.

They provide a safe space for individuals to express their feelings, process their grief and develop coping strategies.

What does a grief counsellor do?

Grief counsellors offer a non-judgemental space for individuals to navigate the emotional, physical and psychological challenges associated with grief and loss.

Their role includes providing emotional support and guiding them through the grieving process with coping strategies.

In some cases, grief counsellors may also offer support to families or groups that are collectively affected by a loss.

Grief counsellor salary

Grief counsellors make an average of $80,000 per year though this can vary depending on experience and location.

Career counsellor

What is a career counsellor?

A career counsellor helps individuals explore, choose and navigate their career paths. They do so through assessments and discussions which help identify suitable career options.

They may also offer support in career transitions such as switching industries, re-entering the workforce or other career issues such as managing work-life balance, improving focus and drive or resolving conflicts and tensions.

They work in a variety of settings such as schools, youth organisations, government departments and training organisations.

What does a career counsellor do?

A typical day for a career counsellor may involve one-on-one sessions with clients at different stages of their career journey.

They may help a student or professional explore career options by using assessments to evaluate their strengths, interests and potential career paths.

They could also assist someone looking to switch careers by reviewing their resume and offering interview tips.

Career counsellor salary

Career counsellors earn an average of $90,000 per year though location does play a factor. For example, those in Victoria earn $102,000 annually while in Tasmania, the average is $88,000 per year.

Crisis counsellor

What is a crisis counsellor?

A crisis counsellor works with individuals who are experiencing acute emotional or psychological distress. This may include sexual assault, childhood trauma and life-threatening situations.

The role of a crisis counsellor is to offer emotional stabilisation, provide support and help individuals develop coping skills to deal with the immediate crisis.

What does a crisis counsellor do?

A crisis counsellor provides a safe space for individuals to explore their feelings and share their traumatic experiences.

They de-escalate crisis situations, develop and implement safety plans tailored to the individual’s needs and teach short-term coping strategies to help individuals manage their immediate emotions.

Crisis counsellors can work in a variety of settings such as crisis helplines, hospitals and emergency rooms, mental health clinics, nonprofit organisations, schools and universities.

How much do crisis counsellors earn?

Crisis counsellors earn an average of $70,000 per year though it varies based on states and territories. Crisis counsellors in the Australian Capital Territory earn the highest with an average salary of $87,000 per year.

Genetic counsellor

What is a genetic counsellor?

Genetic counsellors help individuals understand how genetics may influence their health, the likelihood of inheriting or passing on genetic disorders and the available testing options.

They work as a part of a skilled team which typically involves medical specialists such as clinical geneticists, oncologists, obstetricians and neurologists.

Genetic counsellors work in a range of settings including community health centres, hospitals, medical specialist clinics and research institutions.

What does a genetic counsellor do?

A genetic counsellor might meet with a couple for reproductive genetic counselling, discussing the risks of passing on genetic conditions and providing information on prenatal testing options.

They may also have a session on cancer genetic counselling with a focus on evaluating the individual’s family history to assess inherited cancer risks and provide testing options.

They could also conduct paediatric genetic counselling to help parents understand genetic disorders diagnosed in their child and develop a plan for the future.

Throughout the day, genetic counsellors may undertake research, collaborate with medical professionals, document patient interactions and organise genetic tests.

Genetic counsellor salary

Genetic counsellors earn an average of $100,000 a year. Entry-level positions start at $84,000 per year while genetic counsellors with more experience can make up to $118,000 per year.

Financial counsellor

What is a financial counsellor?

Financial counsellors are professionals who provide assistance and information to individuals that are experiencing financial difficulties.

They help clients understand their financial situation, manage debt, create budgets and negotiate with creditors.

As financial counselling is a free and confidential service, financial counsellors often work in not-for-profit community and charity organisations.

What does a financial counsellor do?

The day-to-day of a financial counsellor might include meeting with individuals facing financial stress due to debt, unemployment or unexpected expenses. They would assess the client’s financial situation, discuss budgeting strategies and explore options such as negotiating with creditors.

Financial counsellors may also educate clients on their legal rights and responsibilities related to financial issues and help them access specialist support services.

Financial counsellor salary

The average annual salary for a financial counsellor is $92,500 per year though it does vary across states and territories. In Western Australia, financial counsellors earn the highest with an average of $96,000 per year.

What to consider when choosing a specialisation in counselling

What are your passions and strengths?

Are you drawn to helping individuals navigate relationship difficulties and excel in conflict resolution? Or do you enjoy working and communicating with children? Take the time to reflect on your interests, assess your strengths and consider how they align with your professional goals.

Where do you want to work?

It’s important to consider a work environment that you would thrive in. Perhaps you prefer a student-focused setting with a consistent schedule? Or maybe you are drawn to a dynamic patient-facing environment like a hospital? Identifying where you want to work can help narrow down which specialisation is right for you.

Who do you want to help the most?

Consider the demographic you are most passionate about working with. Think about why it appeals to you and how your unique experiences might equip you with the tools to offer better guidance and support to these individuals.

The education and training required

While most specialisations require a diploma or bachelor’s degree in counselling, some specialisations such as rehabilitation counselling and genetic counselling may have additional requirements such as relevant work experience and a postgraduate degree.

Long-term career goals

Think about where you see yourself in the coming years. Some questions to consider include whether there is job growth in the specialisation that you’re considering and what the opportunities are for career advancement.

Do I need to know what type of counsellor I want to be before studying a counselling course?

No, you do not need to know what type of counsellor you want to be before or even during your studies.

Bachelor’s and postgraduate counselling courses have a placement component which provides valuable hands-on experience and allows you to identify which areas align best with your strengths and interests.

Many counsellors also explore different specialisations throughout their careers before pursuing one that they enjoy the most.

The only exception is for specialisations such as genetic counselling and financial counselling.

Due to the different educational requirements such as financial counselling requiring a Diploma of Financial Counselling and genetic counselling requiring a bachelor’s degree with the completion of a human genetics subject, you will need to know if you would like to pursue these specialisations early on.

Start a career in counselling

In Australia, aspiring counsellors can choose from a range of qualifications which include a diploma, bachelor’s degree, graduate diploma and master’s degree.

A diploma or bachelor’s degree will equip you with the essential foundational knowledge and skills required to begin your career as a counsellor.

A postgraduate degree, however, provides a more comprehensive blend of advanced theoretical concepts and professional field experience.

Upon completion of your diploma, you will meet the eligibility requirements of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) to become a registered counsellor. You will, however, need a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree to register with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

Both the University of Canberra (UC) and Edith Cowan University (ECU) offer a Master of Counselling which allows you to explore specialised topics, develop critical thinking and receive supervised practice in an agency setting.

At ECU, for example, you can take units such as Mental Health Counselling, Advanced Theories and Techniques in Counselling, and Counselling in a Digital World.

At UC, you will undertake a double placement unit at an approved counselling agency and study units such as Understanding Mental Health, Creative Practices in Counselling and Advanced Counselling Skills.

To be eligible for admission to either UC or ECU, students only need a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

Ready to take the next step?

Considering a career in counselling? Speaking to a Student Enrolment Advisor is the best way to explore the counselling courses offered at the University of Canberra and Edith Cowan University.

They can help you discover which course aligns with your goals and guide you on your journey to becoming a counsellor.