The most in-demand jobs in the mental health industry

Close to half of all Australians will face a mental health challenge in their lifetime and there’s a growing need for professionals who can help people to stay well.

A degree or diploma in Psychology, Counselling, or Community Services prepares graduates to enter our growing mental health supporting workforce and make a difference.

Torrens University Australia’s head of psychology Associate Professor Stephen McKenzie and experts from our other Mental Health related courses explain the many pathways and jobs on offer in this area.

The state of the mental health industry

Mental illness can impact people of all ages and backgrounds and demand for support is expected to grow.

Around one in five Australians have experienced mental ill-health in any given year, according to the Productivity Commission, costing the economy up to $70 billion.

“Demand for mental health support is skyrocketing. According to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, over 42.9% of Australians aged 16–85 years have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lives, and 21.5% had a 12-month mental disorder,” said Executive Dean of Health and Education at Torrens University, Matt Mundy.

“Mental health support comes in many forms, via counsellors, psychologists, wellbeing consultants, community practitioners and many other roles. It can be hard to know where to start. Talk with us to plot your course for a career in mental health support.”

An increasing focus on prevention means mental health graduates are in demand in a broader range of roles than ever before.

“Our mental health and wellbeing needs will continue to grow for the foreseeable future,” said Associate Professor Stephen McKenzie.

“There are going to be more jobs focused on keeping people well instead of just responding when they are unwell.”

Qualifications needed for Mental Health

Torrens University has a range of Mental Health degree, diploma and masters courses that equip you with the skills to carve a career helping your community.

It’s important that students consider the kind of jobs they would like to do in future before choosing a study path.

Bachelor of Psychological Science

Our Bachelor of Psychological Science is a new degree with an emphasis on giving students more avenues into the mental health space than have been previously available.

The course includes specialist subjects in psychology as well as a range of broad electives that help develop communication skills and boost employability in a range of sectors.

Graduates of this course are prepared for jobs including in human resources, health, marketing, youth work, and consulting.

Bachelor of Counselling

Our Bachelor of Counselling prepares students for jobs in a broad range of mental health related areas by providing skills including in conflict management, communications and case management, so they can work effectively with individuals and groups.

Students who complete this degree are ready to work as counsellors, case workers or mental health support workers.

Bachelor of Community Services

Our Bachelor of Community Services focuses on practical training for work in the community and public sectors.

Graduates of this course develop skills in counselling, communication and policy and are ready for roles include NDIS support worker, mental health support worker and community worker.

“Bachelor of Community Services students bring a unique combination of practical experience, holistic understanding, community focus, and advocacy skills to the mental health sector, making them valuable contributors to the well-being and resilience of communities,” said Brigid Mahoney, Torrens University Community Services Program Director.

Diploma and masters degrees in counselling are also available to help prepare students to deepen their counselling and communication skills.

Up-and-coming mental health jobs

Counsellor

Counsellors work with individuals and groups, speaking with them confidentially to help with issues like mental health, addiction recovery, rehabilitation and social challenges. The rising global awareness of mental health issues, including in Australia, has led to an increased demand for mental health services. This trend is reflected in the Australian job market for counsellors, with a projected growth of 14.2% in counselling positions and a $93K typical salary over the next five years.

Youth worker

Youth workers help young people with their social and emotional wellbeing and often work in community hubs and on council programs. The increasing demand for youth workers may stem from growing mental health awareness, intensifying social challenges, economic pressures on families and a shift towards preventive approaches in addressing youth issues. Youth worker jobs in Australia are projected to grow by 23.2% over five years and a $75K typical salary, offering promising career prospects.

Community worker

Community workers help support groups across all ages with emotional and social support, access to employment, health and housing services. Community workers also address local needs, thus fostering better communities. Australia offers strong prospects: $80K average salary and 21.9% job growth over five years for this rewarding career

Human resources/workplace wellbeing consultant

Human resources professionals apply their mental health and psychology knowledge within businesses to support the wellbeing of employees. There is growing demand for consultants with a background in psychology, counselling and advocacy. Workplace wellbeing consultants have become so prevalent in HR that the Australian HR Institute's news website now features a dedicated section on the topic. The average salary in Australia for this role is $105K.

Mental health support worker

Mental health workers engage with clients one-on-one or in group settings to help them live independently and manage their mental health challenges. These roles can be in person, online, at people’s homes or in residential facilities. Mental health support worker jobs in Australia are experiencing significant growth, with a projected 23.2% increase over five years and an attractive typical salary of $73K, reflecting the rising demand for mental health support services.

NDIS Support Coordinator

Support coordinators help National Disability Insurance Scheme clients access services and assistance in line with their individual plans. With disability rates in Australia increasing from 17.7% in 2018 to 21.4% today, affecting 5.5 million people, the disability support sector, including NDIS roles, is set for sustained job growth. NDIS Support Coordinator jobs are expanding, with a 25.2% growth projected over five years and an average salary of $83K reflecting, Australia's expanding disability support needs.

Why study at Torrens University Australia?

Torrens University courses are uniquely aimed at giving students a broad range of professional skills rather than just preparing them for further study.

The psychological science degree includes a wide range of electives, including organisational psychology, which are in demand in an increasing range of jobs including human resources and management.

Counselling courses also give students diverse skills and a clear pathway into the profession, whether they are starting after high school or if they have already been in the workforce.

Our students get hands-on experience during their courses, and industry placements are supported in a range of subjects.