australian counselling association

Implementation of National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing have released a survey for consultation on potential regulatory models to support implementation of the National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists. Have your say.

 

australian counselling association

ACA 2026 Identity Symposium and Excellence Awards 

Early Bird Registrations are now open for the ACA 2026 Identity Symposium and Awards Night, taking place on Thursday 28 May 2026 at Pullman Albert Park Melbourne and online. Hear from presenters representing PANDA, National Eating Disorders Collaboration, Butterfly Foundation, the University of Melbourne, St Vincent's and more. 
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Early bird registrations close Sunday 29 March 2026, 11:59pm AEST.


Learn More and Register

australian counselling association

Career Centre

The ACA Career Centre is a purpose-built online platform designed exclusively for ACA counsellors. It serves as a space for employers and ACA-registered counsellors to connect, offering a job market that is both targeted and efficient.

 

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australian counselling association

Supporting Professionals for Industry Excellence

ACA serves as a cornerstone for the counselling and psychotherapy community, ensuring accreditation, professional development and growth, ethical conduct, and the highest standards in education and practice.


About Us 

australian counselling association

Find a Counsellor or Psychotherapist

Counselling involves a safe and confidential collaboration to promote mental health and wellbeing, enhance self-understanding, and resolve identified concerns. Search and connect with qualified and trusted professionals using the ACA Find A Counsellor Directory.


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australian counselling association

Be Part of the ACA Community

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your career, ACA membership provides the support and services you need to thrive.


Become a Member 

Welcome to the ACA

The Australian Counselling Association is a non-profit, professional organisation that is dedicated to the counselling and psychotherapy profession. ACA serves as a registration body representing over 20,000 Registered Counsellors and Psychotherapists in Australia. Celebrating over 25 years, ACA is the largest peak body for counselling and psychotherapy in Australia.

About Us

Learn more about our rich history and commitment to excellence and innovation

Become an ACA Counsellor

Join our diverse counselling community of practitioners, academics and students

Find a Counsellor

Search for qualified and trusted Registered Counsellors or Psychotherapists who adhere to rigorous practice standards

Careers & Study

Explore the career possibilities in counselling and psychotherapy

Professional Development

Find ACA-approved professional development events

Resources

Stay current with sector news, guidelines, tool kits and research to help you thrive

Our Latest Industry News


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Each practicing member of the ACA, whether in paid or unpaid employment, must complete a minimum of 10 hours supervision per membership year. Supervision must be delivered by either an ACA Registered Supervisor, Recognised Supervisor or Workplace Supervisor.

ACA Supervision Policy

Professional indemnity insurance is essential for counsellors as it provides financial protection against claims of negligence or errors in their practice, ensuring peace of mind and compliance with professional standards. ACA partners with Focus Insurance Brokers to support your insurance and risk management requirements.

About Focus Obtain an Online Quote

Courses of study that meet ACA accreditation standards must have a primary focus on Counselling, not Social Work, Welfare, Psychology. Registered Counsellors and Psychotherapists are required to be able to perform significant in-depth therapeutic work with their clients using various therapeutic approaches—including focused psychological strategies. These skills must be taught and assessed beyond the realms of theory- ie, be evidence-based.

Find an ACA Accredited Course ACA Scope of Practice

Chapters are established and governed by ACA for the purpose of providing benefits and opportunities to ACA Members through collegial networking opportunities. An added bonus of Chapter participation is access to ongoing professional development and group supervision.

ACA has over 20 Chapter locations across Australia.

Chapter Meeting Events Chapter Terms & Conditions

In May 2023, the Department of Health and Aged Care announced a budget allocation of $300,000 to develop National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, covering areas such as education, accreditation, supervision, complaints, professional development, credentialling and pathways. The two-year project is planned to explore service delivery models and where counsellors and psychotherapists are best placed to deliver services in mental health.

About National Standards 

ACA assists its members and the public to make and resolve complaints about members of the Association. If you wish to lodge a formal complaint, the first step is to please complete our online Notice of Intention to Submit Claim form to ensure that your complaint is acknowledged. An ACA team member will be in contact with you regarding the process for lodging a formal complaint.

Code of Ethics Complaints Policy Lodge a Complaint