We have released the National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists. These standards support the 2023–24 Budget commitment to strengthen the profession and help more people get safe, high-quality mental health care.
Counsellors and psychotherapists play an important role in helping Australians in health, disability, education, and community services.
The National Standards explain what is expected of professionals in six key areas:
- education and training
- professional practice
- ethics
- competency
- diversity and inclusion
- quality assurance.
These standards were created with input from counsellors, psychotherapists, education providers, service organisations, and people with lived experience.
Read the summary report, which explains how the standards were developed.
More consultation will happen in late 2025. Updates will be shared on the consultation hub when available.