Program Overview

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CHC51015 – Diploma of Counselling

Introduction

Counselling is one of the most sought-after jobs in Australia. The nationally recognised CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling equips you with the basic knowledge and skills to embark on your counselling career.

This course provides the training and necessary theoretical knowledge to counsel and improve the quality of life of clients struggling to cope with life stressors. At this level, the counsellor will work in specified and supported counselling roles in established agencies rather than in independent practice.

If you are new to counselling or want to pursue your career in behavioural sciences, CHC51015 Diploma in Counselling is an excellent stepping stone for a bright future. It gives you real-world skills and knowledge, underpinned by a strong philosophical framework that can be applied in your personal and professional life.

Course Details

• Amount of Training: 1145 Hours
• AQF Level: 5
• Mode of Delivery: Blended and Face to Face
• Delivery Locations: Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane
• Professional Experience Placement (PEP): NIL

Accreditation

The Diploma of Counselling provides individuals with the skills to offer professional support and guidance to people experiencing personal or psychological challenges. This course covers vital communication techniques, counselling methodologies, and ethical practice. Graduates are prepared for roles such as Counsellor or Support Worker, providing care and advice in community services, healthcare, or educational settings.

Why study Diploma of Counselling at IHNA?

• Flexible Learning: Online theory classes with on-campus simulation workshops.
• Comprehensive Student Support: 24/7 access to resources, personalised guidance, and career support.
• Industry Connections: Network with healthcare leaders and gain real-world exposure.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train with the latest equipment in modern learning environments.

Course Structure

17 units of competency are required for this qualification.

• 13 core units
• 4 elective units

CORE UNITS

• CHCCSL001 | Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
• CHCCSL002 | Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
• CHCCSL003 | Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
• CHCCSL004 | Research and apply personality and development theories
• CHCCCS019 | Recognise and respond to crisis situations
• CHCCSL005 | Apply learning theories in counselling
• CHCCSL006 | Select and use counselling therapies
• CHCCSL007 | Support counselling clients in decision-making processes
• CHCCSM005 | Develop, facilitate, and review all aspects of case management
• CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people
• CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
• CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically
• CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice

ELECTIVE UNITS

• CHCFAM003 | Support people to improve relationships
• CHCCCS017 | Provide loss and grief support
• CHCDFV001 | Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
• CHCAOD001 | Work in an alcohol and other drugs context

Course Start Dates

• 03 March 2025
• 05 May 2025
• 07 July 2025
• 01 September 2025
• 03 November 2025

Pathways

Pathways from this course: Students may progress to higher level courses within and/or across the community/health sector such as:

• Bachelor of Counselling
• Advanced Diploma in Counselling
• Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mental Health
• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work

Possible Career Outcomes

With CHC51015 – Diploma of Counselling in hand, you’ll be able to work professionally as a:

• Case Worker
• Intake Counsellor
• Family and Marriage Counsellors
• Rehabilitation Counsellors
• Addiction Counsellors
• Business and Life Coaches
• Student Counsellors
• Youth and Refugee counselling
• Bereavement counsellors

Fees & Funding

• Was: $4,999
• Now: $4,499

State Government Funding

• Victoria: Currently no funding available, please contact us for current fee options.
• Western Australia: Currently no funding available, please contact us for current fee options.
• New South Wales: Currently no funding available, please contact us for current fee options.

Delivery Locations

• Melbourne Campus
• Perth Campus
• Sydney Campus
• Brisbane Campus

Mode of Delivery

• Blended and Face to Face
• (Blended: online real time theory tutorials with on campus skills training in a simulation environment)

20 contact hours per week will be delivered through synchronised Online learning and simulation based training.

Besides the above structured learning, students are advised that they will be required to do approximate 10 hours per week of unstructured learning.

The blended delivery mode is only available to domestic students on selected campuses and subject to eligibility.

*Please call your respective campus location for more details.

Entry Requirements

There are no pre-requisites or any other training package entry requirements for this course.

IHNA Admission Requirements

IHNA has in place admission criteria for courses in its scope as required by its ‘Application and Enrolment Procedure for VET Courses’ to ensure that candidates meet industry requirements.

• Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification or equivalent.
• In addition to meeting the academic requirements applicants must demonstrate their competence in literacy and numeracy levels in an Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) at exit Level 3 and participate in a pre-training review when enrolling into the course.

Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND)

All IHNA students must complete the Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) assessment to ensure that students meet the necessary requirements for successfully undertaking the course. IHNA administers the LLND test to evaluate each student’s suitability.

• Should possess basic computer skills covering the most common usages of a computer, including managing computer files, word processing, using spreadsheets and databases; creating presentations; finding information and communicating using computers; and being aware of social and ethical implications of Internet use.
• Students should be in possession of their own laptops to facilitate the training and assessment.

How is the Course Assessed?

Our approach is to collect evidence on whether the student can perform to the standards of the workplace. This is based on the relevant unit of competency, and you’ll find these tools being used:

• Theory Assessments (TA)
• Simulation Based Assessments (SBA)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) & Credit Transfer (CT)

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• Credit Transfer(CT)

If you’re eligible for RPL or CT you may be able to complete the course in a shorter duration with reduction to total course fees. Check your eligibility with us.

Ready to Apply?

1. Application: Submit your online application by clicking “Enrol Now” on the top right corner of the course page.
2. Interview: Once you’ve met IHNA’s eligibility criteria you will be contacted for an interview with an admissions consultant
3. Offer Letter: If you’re successful with the interview you will be offered a place for the course as per the availability of each intake.
4. Enrolment Fee: After signing the offer acceptance an invoice will be issued for the course. You may be eligible for government funding, so please call our team to know more.
5. Confirmation of Admission: We will issue a conformation of admission once the enrolment fee has been received.

Call us on for any questions regarding your application.