With rising awareness of student wellbeing and the impact this can have later in life, the role of school counsellors has become more important than ever.
Approximately 50% of mental disorders begin before the age of 181. This increasing mental health crisis has prompted national action, with the governments investing in training programs and resources to strengthen the mental health workforce. While there are many roles that make up the mental health workforce, one area of growing focus is the support available in our school system.
School counsellors, also known as student counsellors or guidance counsellors, help unlock the potential of our youths. At their core, school counsellors support students to navigate challenges, offering practical strategies across academic, social, emotional, and career-related areas to foster personal growth and promote wellbeing. If you’re passionate about supporting young people, becoming a school counsellor might be the career path for you.
In this article, we will guide you through the key responsibilities of a school counsellor, share the essential skills you’ll need and provide the steps on how to become a school counsellor and begin your career in this rewarding field.
How to become a school counsellor
The National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing revealed that 39% of 16-24-year-olds experienced a mental disorder in 2021, compared to 26% in 20072.
As mental health challenges among students continue to grow, so does the demand for skilled school counsellors trained to support students.
Make a meaningful impact
Being a school counsellor allows you to directly improve the lives of young people. By providing them with techniques and coping mechanisms to elevate, maintain and retain their mental wellbeing you can directly contribute to their success.
The impact of this support doesn't just help within their school years. It can leave a lasting influence that carries into adulthood, shaping how they respond and navigate life's trials and tribulations.
Build a supportive school environment
Helping young people navigate their personal and academic challenges is one of the most impactful ways to shape the future.
By providing emotional support, social and academic guidance and collaborating with teachers, as a school counsellor, you will help foster inclusive, safe and supportive learning environments where students feel valued and respected.
Benefit from government initiatives
To help combat the poor state of student mental health across school learning environments, the Australian Government has significantly increased funding towards mental health education and training. For example, the Australian Government has committed $9.2 million over three years to provide online training and professional development for youth-focused careers. This strong investment signals the growing demand for professionals in this space, making it the perfect time to pursue a career as a school counsellor as entering the field means you will have access to more training, support and opportunities.
A rewarding career with growth opportunities
School counselling offers opportunities for continuous learning and advancement. Whether through further certifications or leadership roles, this career path offers room to grow professionally.
How much do school counsellors earn in Australia?
According to Seek.com.au, as of December 2025, the average salary of school counsellors in Australia is upwards of $125,000. However, it is important to keep in mind that this may vary depending on location, role and experience.
Key responsibilities of a school counsellor
School counsellors play a diverse and critical role in the educational landscape, focusing on the emotional, social and academic wellbeing of students. Tasks that fall into the role of a school counsellor typically include:
Addressing academic difficulties
Help students identify academic challenges and develop strategies to overcome them. This might include tackling exam stress, improving study habits or selecting future educational paths.
Creating support plans
Develop tailored plans to support students dealing with specific emotional or behavioural challenges, ensuring their growth both inside and outside the classroom. These plans can also help with early intervention for future mental health concerns.
Individual and group counselling
Offer personal or group sessions to address challenges like bullying, anxiety or peer pressure, providing a safe space for students.
Emergency response and crisis management
Provide immediate support during times of crisis, such as emergencies involving a student’s mental health or external threats to safety.
Collaboration with educators and relevant organisations
School counsellors can also work closely with teachers and organisations to create a strong support network for young people. Through collaboration, they help educate on factors that influence mental health and offer practical strategies to create a comprehensive and unified support network that meets the mental health needs of young people.
Engaging with parents
As a school counsellor, you may also partner with parents to better understand a student’s home life and ensure cohesive support for their overall wellbeing. This may include providing information to help connect with their child and offering resources on coping mechanisms for both the family and student.
Ongoing professional development
Staying updated on the latest counselling techniques and educational trends is crucial to maintaining a solid knowledge base and understanding of industry best practice. Attending workshops, listening to podcasts and undertaking postgraduate qualifications can be valuable ways to continue to grow in the profession and help you to remain effective in your role as a school counsellor.
Where do school counsellors work?
School counsellors can work across primary schools, secondary schools, private institutions, or even alternative education settings, providing critical support wherever it’s needed.
School counselling vs psychology vs social work
While these roles all share a common goal – to support their clients and make a positive difference in their lives – there are some differences in the focus of their work.
School counsellors focus on the school setting and address issues affecting students’ wellbeing and academic success. To become a school counsellor, you typically need a degree in counselling, education, or psychology, along with additional postgraduate qualifications in school counselling or youth mental health, depending on state or territory requirements.
Psychologists typically work on more complex clinical mental health diagnoses in clinical, hospital, private practices or education settings. To practise as a registered psychologist in Australia, you must complete a relevant undergraduate degree, honours year and postgraduate degree.
Social workers, on the other hand, provide broader support to social problems affecting young people, families and communities. Their work can take place across a wide range of settings, including schools, hospitals and community organisations. Becoming a social worker requires a Bachelor or Master of Social Work.
What skills are required to become a school counsellor?
To be an effective school counsellor, you'll need a combination of interpersonal and professional skills, including:
- Strong communication and active listening skills: Effectively understand and address students' concerns. As you may be working with young people at various ages, you must also have strong and clear communication skills to easily provide advice and guidance.
- Empathy and patience: It's important that young people have a safe space where they feel understood and supported, no matter how complex their challenges are. Being open-minded, showing compassion and showing curiosity to understand how the student is feeling can help provide comfort.
- Adaptability and resilience: Handle changing situations or unexpected crises with a calm and proactive approach.
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities: Work through student conflicts or challenges by providing innovative, logical and practical solutions.
- Cultural sensitivity and awareness: Understand and respect the diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds to provide effective student support.
How to become a school counsellor
1. Obtain the necessary education
The first step towards becoming a school counsellor is completing an appropriate university degree.
A relevant bachelors degree in fields such as social work, education or psychology provides a strong foundation for a career in mental health support roles.
However, for those looking to enter the field later in life, or to apply for a senior or leadership role within the field, advanced education that focuses on youth mental health will set you apart from other candidates.
If the latter resonates with you, you may want to explore advanced education courses, like postgraduate qualifications offered online at the University of Melbourne:
Master of Youth Mental Health
Offered entirely online, this comprehensive course equips you with specialist knowledge in youth mental health. You'll explore the unique biological, psychological and social challenges faced by young people and use this understanding to build meaningful connections and develop evidence-based strategies that support your effectiveness as a school counsellor.
Graduate Diploma in Youth Mental Health
Gain advanced knowledge to identify early risk factors and design tailored intervention techniques that enhance student wellbeing and improve their academic success.
Graduate Certificate in Youth Mental Health
A great entry point for those new to youth mental health or looking to enhance their existing skills without committing to the full masters degree.
What makes these courses unique?
- The courses are co-designed with Orygen, Australia’s largest youth mental health organisation, ensuring cutting-edge training grounded in the latest research.
- Delivered by Australia’s #1 university, you will learn from world-leading academics actively influencing the field of youth mental health, giving you unparalleled insights and expertise which you can apply to your workplace.
- Flexible learning options empower you to take control of your education and learn at your own pace.
2. Gain experience
Hands-on experience is invaluable for many roles. Look for volunteer roles or part-time work in schools, community centres, or youth-focused organisations to develop practical skills and build your resume.
3. Get registered
To practice as a school counsellor in Australia, you must meet certain requirements to work within schools, such as working with children checks (e.g., a Blue Card in Queensland or a Working with Children Check in Victoria).
Some states may also require registration with regulatory bodies (like your state's teaching board) before practicing. It's best to check the requirements with your state to see what may be required of you.
Be the positive change in education and youth mental health with the University of Melbourne
School counselling is both a challenging and profoundly rewarding career path. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact on young lives while advancing your professional value, the University of Melbourne can help you get started.
Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive masters degree or a graduate certificate, you’ll gain the tools to inspire change and support the next generation. Take the first step towards your career as a school counsellor today and shape the future of youth mental health support.
Click here to learn more about the Master of Youth Mental Health or speak with our team of Online Education Advisers if you have any questions.
Resources
1 Age at onset of mental disorders worldwide, Molecular Psychiatry, 2022
2 Prevalence and impact of mental illness, Australian Government, 2024