Mental health counsellor

Mental health counsellors use theurapeutic techniques to help individuals, couples, families and groups deal with issues that affect their mental health and wellbeing.

Also known as

Psychotherapist, psychologist, counselling psychologist, mental health therapist

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours but may work shifts
  • Usually work in private practices, community health centres, homes and schools, and may travel locally
  • May do emotionally demanding work
  • Need to be responsible, identify and solve problems and communicate well

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$77.1K-$116.4K 77087

Typical tasks

  • Counsel clients in personal issues
  • Teach techniques for managing mental health
  • Monitor changes in client mood and behaviour
  • Teach life skills to clients and families
  • Counsel clients with substance abuse issues
  • Write reports and evaluations
  • Develop treatment plans for clients
  • Help in crisis situations
  • Maintain client records
  • Complete legal and social programme paperwork

Outlook

Mental health remains a major focus area for health and community services in New Zealand and around the world. Efforts to improve access to support, reduce wait times and strengthen community-based services are continuing. Growing awareness of mental wellbeing, alongside the use of telehealth and other digital services, is helping shape how support is delivered and accessed by different communities.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Empathy and active listening
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to build trust and rapport
  • Cultural awareness and respect for diversity
  • Professional judgement and ethical practice
  • Emotional resilience and self-awareness

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

Further study options

Back to search

Content is reviewed by our experts, but information can change over time. Some content is created with AI support.

This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.