The most in-demand jobs in the mental health industry
The demand for mental health support is skyrocketing, and with many different roles available, including Counsellors, Youth Workers and Community Workers.
The demand for mental health support is skyrocketing, and with many different roles available, including Counsellors, Youth Workers and Community Workers.
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 can prepare graduates for careers in the growing mental health sector.
Torrens University Australia’s Head of Psychology, Associate Professor Stephen McKenzie, and experts from our mental health-related courses explain the many pathways and career opportunities available in this field.
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 1 in 5 Australians have experienced mental ill-health in any given year. And according to the Productivity Commission, the Commission estimates that the cost to Australia, of mental ill-health and suicide, is around $200 to $220 billion per year.
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. What we know is that demand for mental health support is skyrocketing. According to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, more than 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.
An increasing focus on prevention means that mental health-related graduates are in greater demand and across a broader range of roles than ever before. Our mental health and wellbeing needs will continue to grow for the foreseeable future. There will be more jobs focused on keeping people well, rather than simply responding when they become unwell. — Associate Professor Stephen McKenzie
Qualifications needed for mental health
It’s important that students consider the kind of jobs they would like to do in the future before choosing a study path.
| Qualification | What you will learn | Potential Career Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Psychological Science / Graduate Diploma of Psychology | Emphasis on giving students more avenues into the mental health space than have been previously available. It 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. | Human Resources, Health Policy Advisor, Marketing, Youth Work, Consulting |
| Bachelor of Counselling | Prepares for jobs in a broad range of mental health-related areas by providing skills including conflict management and communication skills, so they can work effectively as a counsellor with individuals and groups. | Counsellor, Case Worker, Mental Health Case Support Worker |
| Bachelor of Community Services | Focuses on practical training for work in the community and public sectors. Develop skills in counselling, conflict management, communication skills, case management and policy. | Mental Health Support Worker or Case Manager, Youth Worker, Community Worker, Policy Officer, Support Coordinator |
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 wellbeing and resilience of communities. — Brigid Mahoney, Community Services Program Director
Diploma and master’s degrees in counselling are also available to help prepare students to deepen their counselling and communication skills.
6 mental health jobs in demand
Mental health is one of Australia’s fastest-growing career areas. As demand for qualified professionals continues to grow, salaries across many roles are becoming increasingly competitive.
To help you compare your options, here’s a breakdown of in-demand mental health roles by typical salary in Australia.
| Mental health jobs | Average yearly salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Workplace Wellbeing/HR Consultant | $108,000 |
| Counsellor | $105,000 |
| Community Worker | $83,000 |
| Youth Worker | $80,000 |
| Mental Health Support Worker | $75,000 |
| Case Manager | $95,000 |
Salaries are sourced from au.seek.com (Information is current as of June 2026)
Read on for a closer look at each of these roles, including what the work involves, why demand is growing, and what the projected job growth figures look like over the next five years.
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 over the next 5 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 5 years, 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. Health Care and Social Assistance is the country’s largest employing industry and is projected to lead job growth over the five to ten years, driven largely by an ageing population and increasing demand for health and community services.
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 a 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 website now features a dedicated section on the topic.
Mental Health Support Worker
Mental health workers engage with clients in 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 5 years, reflecting the rising demand for mental health support services.
Case Manager
Case managers work across hospitals, government departments, NGOs and community health centres, acting as the key point of contact between clients and the services they need. They conduct interviews to assess individual circumstances, develop tailored action plans, and make sure support is being delivered. Growing demand across mental health and community services has made this an increasingly sought-after role.
Why study at Torrens University Australia?
Our courses are designed to help students build practical skills for a range of careers in mental health and community services.
Psychological Science includes electives such as Organisational Psychology, helping students apply their knowledge across areas including human resources, health and management.
Counselling courses provide practical skills and a pathway into the profession, whether students are starting after high school or changing careers.
Many courses include hands-on learning opportunities, with industry placements available in a range of subjects. We offer a range of Mental Health degrees, diplomas and postgraduate courses that can help you build a career supporting the wellbeing of individuals and communities.
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