Drug and Alcohol Counsellor

Drug and Alcohol Counsellors are qualified professionals who support people with substance addictions and dependency problems. They help clients (and their families) navigate the recovery process which may include forced interventions and rehabilitation work.

As a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor you could be talking to an unknown caller on a DA emergency helpline, meeting with concerned family members to discuss the steps in an intervention, leading a group therapy session for addicts, listening to a client as they provide an update on their weekly progress in rehab, writing up a mental health assessment on a new client, talking to your supervisor about a client you suspect is at risk of relapse, or co-ordinating a community outreach program for addiction awareness.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $98,800
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a drug and alcohol counsellor?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
CHC43215

Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs

On Campus, Online
12 - 14 months
$1,209 - $4,995
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHC43215 & CHC43315

Dual Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs & Certificate IV in Mental Health

Online
17 months
$5,200
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHC43215 & CHC42021

Dual Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs & Certificate IV in Community Services

Online
15 months
$4,900
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHC53215

Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Online
12 months
$7,995
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHCSS00093

Alcohol and Other Drugs Skill Set

Online
13 weeks
$1,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Common questions

Further reading

What can you do with a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs?

4th November 2020

How to start a career in the treatment of addiction

13th July 2020

How to start a career in counselling

7th September 2020