National Standards for counsellors and psychotherapists

The absence of consistent registration and regulatory structures for counsellors and psychotherapists has been a concern in Australia's mental health sector. In November 2021, the Select Committee into Mental Health and Suicide Prevention highlighted significant reservations about the inconsistent standards across the profession, particularly regarding academic qualifications and experiential requirements. The Committee recommended reviewing the sector's self-regulated standards and establishing national minimum requirements for education, supervision, continuing professional development, and oversight.

In response, the Australian Government announced the development of national standards for counsellors and psychotherapists in May 2023. The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing needed an independent expert assistance to navigate this complex professional landscape with its diverse stakeholder groups and varying perspectives on appropriate standards. This is where Allen + Clarke's expertise in policy development and stakeholder engagement proved invaluable.

The project required a deep understanding of both the counselling and psychotherapy sector and the broader mental health system in Australia. Our team brought together specialists in policy development, healthcare standards, and public consultation to design a robust methodology that would capture comprehensive data while ensuring all voices were heard.

Our approach combined rigorous research with inclusive consultation to develop standards that would be both evidence-based and practical for implementation. The consultation process was particularly important, as it needed to balance the perspectives of professional associations, education providers, practitioners, and consumers. Our team created accessible consultation processes that encouraged participation from diverse stakeholders, including those in regional and remote areas.

Drawing on the rich data gathered through these activities, Allen + Clarke developed draft national standards that addressed the Committee's concerns while respecting the unique characteristics of the counselling and psychotherapy professions. The standards provide clear guidance on minimum educational qualifications, supervision requirements, continuing professional development expectations, and accountability mechanisms.

The outcome of this work provides a foundation for improving consistency across the counselling and psychotherapy sector, enhancing professional standards, and ultimately supporting better mental health outcomes for Australians. The draft standards represent a significant step toward addressing the regulatory gaps identified by the Select Committee while maintaining the distinctive approaches that make these professions valuable components of the mental health system.