
Diploma of Counselling
- This is a fee-for-service course, government funding is not available. Payment plans are available
- Only Australian Citizens and Residents can apply for this course. Limited visa holders can be accepted pending a VEVO check. We are not CRICOS registered and cannot accept Subclass 500 visa holders
- Guaranteed work placement included
Hear from Open Colleges on what its like to study
Course Information
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling will teach you a range of therapy techniques that you can use to get the best result for your clients. It will also give you the skills necessary to communicate effectively, work within a case management framework, and to refer clients to other services when necessary. Upon completion of the counselling course, you will be job-ready and fully qualified for a career as a professional Counsellor.
Studying Open Colleges’ CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling provides you with a great mix of theory and practice, ensures you get the most up-to-date training for in-demand treatment areas, and makes certain you are able to deal effectively with paperwork and case management.
Delivered by Open Colleges in partnership with industry leader Integrated Care & Management Training (ICMT), this course is perfect for caring individuals who want to make a meaningful difference in their clients’ lives.
- Maximum 24 months
- 160 hours of work placement
A learning platform optimized for online study. Our courses are curated to maintain engagement across video, written content, assignments & audio.
- Apply core counselling methodologies to assist your clients
- Establish and maintain positive counselling relationships
- Communicate effectively with your clients and co-workers
- Work within a case management framework
Subjects
Payment Option
Career Pathway
- Case Worker
- Counsellor
- Intake Counsellor
- Bachelor of Human Services (with specialisations)
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Bachelor of Social Welfare
Professional Recognition

Eligibility
Education
There are no formal education entry requirements for this course.
Minimum age
You will need to be at least 18 years old.
English
This course involves reading learning content and undertaking a range of written assessments and engaging in online forums and discussions. Furthermore, the delivery mode relies on the extensive use of written communication. As such, entry to the course requires the successful completion of English to Year 12 level.
If you haven’t successfully completed English at Year 12 level, you can demonstrate equivalency through one of the following:
- Successful completion of a Nationally Recognised Training qualification at Certificate III level or higher; or
- 3 years relevant industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication
Work Placement
This course contains a minimum of 160 hours of work placement.
There are a number of statutory checks that may be required by workplaces, such as a National Police Check, Working with Children Check (or state equivalent), a First Aid Certificate and signing of a Confidentiality Agreement and Code of Conduct. These may vary by state. In addition, individual workplaces may impose additional requirements on students undertaking work placement.
How do I find a work placement?
- Spend your time studying and let Open Colleges organise your work placement for you. In partnership with leading provider SkilTrak, we have introduced Guaranteed Work Placement to provide you with real-world experience in your dream career that’s close to home. Enquire now to learn more.
Curriculum
- Case studies
- Demonstrations
- Knowledge tests
- Portfolio of evidence
- Presentations
- Workplace assessments
- Written reports
Additional Information
Open Colleges offers this qualification in association with Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90197). The testamur will be issued by Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd.