How to become a school counsellor in Australia

The school years are some of the most formative periods in life, shaping how young people understand themselves, their relationships and the world.

Today’s students face increasingly complex challenges, from coming-of-age social pressures and academic stress to navigating a rapidly evolving digital world, climate change anxieties and rising living costs.

It’s no surprise that mental health concerns are prevalent among youth.

In 2023, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that mental health conditions are among the leading burdens of disease for children aged 5 to 14. These conditions include autism spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders and conduct disorders.

For young people aged 15 to 24, the primary mental health challenges are anxiety disorders, suicide and self-inflicted injuries, depressive disorders, eating disorders, bipolar affective disorder and autism spectrum disorders.

Experts warn that this trend may continue. However, there is hope that with the right resources and support, young people can not only navigate uncertainty but also thrive—and school counsellors are key players in making that happen.

If you’re passionate about improving the mental health and wellbeing of students, helping them build resilience, and guiding them toward a brighter future, becoming a school counsellor might be the right path for you.

But how exactly do you become a school counsellor in Australia? Whether you’re transitioning from a related field or seeking to enhance your existing skills, this guide will outline the educational pathways and professional steps you need to take.

What does a school counsellor do?

School counsellors provide vital support to students as they navigate a wide range of challenges, from resolving interpersonal conflict to making decisions about their future and many formative experiences in between.

It’s a multifaceted role involving collaboration with teachers, parents and sometimes external agencies to ensure students’ emotional wellbeing and academic success.

There are many careers within the school counselling profession that qualified practitioners can pursue, including guidance counsellor, pastoral care coordinator, special education coordinator and more.

While the specific tasks and skills required may vary, there are key duties and attributes required of school counsellors. These include:

Tasks and responsibilities

• Individual and group counselling: Providing one-on-one or group sessions to help students manage personal and academic challenges.
• Developing support plans: Creating tailored intervention strategies to address students’ individual needs.
• Crisis intervention: Responding to urgent situations, such as bullying, family breakdowns or higher-risk situations, such as self-harm or severe mental health concerns.
• Consultation with educators and relevant agencies: Working closely with teachers and experts to integrate mental health strategies in classrooms and at home.
• Parental engagement: Communicating with parents to offer guidance and ensure they’re resourced to support their children.
• Professional development: Keep up to date with new research, techniques and relevant advancements in the industry to ensure you’re providing the most effective support.

Key skills

• Empathy and communication: Listening without judgement and being able to connect with students.
• Analytical skills and problem-solving: Identifying root causes of students’ issues and developing appropriate strategies and interventions.
• Adaptability: Exercising flexibility to adapt the approach and style of support provided to meet the different needs of different students.
• Confidentiality and ethics: Establishing and maintaining trust through confidentiality.
• Resilience: Maintaining emotional strength in the face of concerning cases to ensure you remain focused and energised to provide the best possible support to students.
• Cultural sensitivity: Exercising an awareness of diverse backgrounds and experiences to provide meaningful support.

What qualifications do I need to become a school counsellor?

There’s no federal law or standard national requirement for becoming a school counsellor in Australia, but most roles require at least an undergraduate degree and membership with a recognised local professional body.

Many counsellors seek registration with a recognised professional body, such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counseling Federation of Australia (PACFA), to enhance credibility and employability.

It’s important to note that ACA or PACFA registration requires qualifications specifically in counselling, not just general mental health.

Each state and territory has its own requirements for further qualifications and professional associations. The general pathway to becoming a school counsellor is outlined below:

Educational requirements

• Relevant bachelor’s degree: Most often, an undergraduate degree in a relevant field such as psychology, social work, or education is the required baseline for employment in the field of school counselling.
  
  These qualifications provide the foundational knowledge in mental health, behavioural sciences and educational theory that are essential for effective school counselling.
  
  Comprehensive courses in these fields will also include practical units in their curriculum to ensure graduates have spent time in the field before entering the workforce.
   
• Postgraduate qualification: Undergoing advanced studies is a powerful way to take your mental health career to the next level and gain a competitive advantage for the most coveted school counselling positions in the industry.
  
  Courses like Victoria University (VU) Online’s Master of Mental Health and Master of Child Adolescent Mental Health can be strong differentiators for professionals looking to specialise in student wellbeing and stay at the forefront of evolution in the industry.

These qualifications focus on understanding mental health disorders, implementing evidence-based interventions and applying psychological theories in school and other settings.

There are also options for advanced skill development for those looking to deepen their expertise without committing to a full degree, such as the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and the Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Other qualifications

• State or territory teaching registration (if applicable): Depending on the state you plan to live and work in, you may be required to register with the local teaching board, especially if you want to work in government schools.
  
  This additional qualification is often required for hybrid roles that blend teaching duties with counselling, such as a guidance officer, special education teacher, or careers advisor.
   
• Working with Children Check (WWCC): A WWCC is a mandatory background check for anyone in Australia working with minors. All counsellors are required to obtain one—often referred to as a blue card—in the relevant state or territory where you wish to practise school counselling.

Professional associations

While each Australian state and territory has a local peak body for registration as a school counsellor, there are also a number of national associations that can be extremely beneficial to join. These include:

• ACA and PACFA: These are the primary professional bodies for counsellors in Australia. Membership with them can not only open the door to more coveted positions but also provide access to professional development, industry updates and networking opportunities with fellow practitioners and potential future employers.
• Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW): The AASW can be a great association for counsellors with a background in social work, particularly if you intend to work in broader social care settings alongside schools.

Make a difference in mental health

Becoming a school counsellor isn’t just about guiding students through tough times. It’s about driving lasting, positive change in schools and empowering students to thrive in the world outside of them.

In this profession, you can support young people directly while also helping schools to implement broader mental health programs, resilience workshops and curriculum development that promote both emotional wellbeing and academic success.

It’s a career that creates impact not just in improved student outcomes, but also in the overall culture and environment of educational institutions—making them safer, more supportive spaces for learning.

A strong foundation in mental health is a powerful way to become the best counsellor you can be and set yourself up for professional success in the field. VU Online’s Master of Mental Health and Master of Child and Adolescent Mental Health can help you establish it.

The advanced courses equip graduates with contemporary, person-centred knowledge to work in and lead multidisciplinary teams in school settings.

You’ll learn to understand mental health disorders and implement evidence-based interventions that enable you to create a positive impact at one of the most formative times in a young person’s life.

Designed for working professionals, both courses offer a flexible approach to study through VU Online’s award-winning VU Block Model. The model allows you to focus on one subject at a time, with six study periods a year, to help manage work, family and student commitments while advancing your career.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward transforming mental health in Australia, VU Online’s Master of Mental Health and Master of Child and Adolescent Mental Health can provide the perfect pathway. To learn more, call our team on 1300 682 051 or email futurestudy@online.vu.edu.au