Browse Courses
Diploma in Psychology & Counselling

Build Skills in Psychology and Counselling

Study psychology and counselling online at your own pace. Gain an ICOES-accredited diploma and CPD Points in 12 months.

CPD Endorsed100% OnlineFrom $29/Week
Enquire now
12 Mths
Duration
Online
Delivery
43
Units
Flexible
Start Date
CPD Endorsed
Credential
Diploma in Psychology & Counselling

Build Skills in Psychology and Counselling

Study psychology and counselling online at your own pace. Gain an ICOES-accredited diploma and CPD Points in 12 months.

CPD Endorsed100% OnlineFrom $29/Week
12 Mths
Duration
Online
Delivery
43
Units
Flexible
Start Date
CPD Endorsed
Credential
Why Study This

Practical, Job-Relevant Skills You Can Build.

ICOES-Accredited Diploma With CPD Points On Completion

100% Online, Self-Paced, With 12 Months Access

Free IAC Student Membership Included On Graduation

Skills & Applications

Skills You'll Build

Practical, job-relevant skills for these roles. As a professional development course, it builds capability in this field rather than guaranteeing a specific role or salary.

Counsellor (Under Supervision)Provides structured support to clients under the guidance of a registered counselling supervisor in community or…
Clinical Support WorkerAssists clinicians with day-to-day client care, documentation, and coordination across mental health services.
Mental Health Practitioner AssistantSupports qualified practitioners with assessments, client communication, and administrative tasks in mental…
Family Counsellor (Trainee)Works alongside experienced counsellors to support families navigating conflict, grief, or relationship…
Youth CounsellorProvides early intervention and emotional support to young people in school, community, or youth service…
Relationship Support WorkerAssists individuals and couples to develop communication skills and resolve interpersonal difficulties in a…
Rehabilitation Counsellor AssistantSupports people returning to work or community life following illness, injury, or mental health challenges.
Addictions Support Worker (Junior)Assists clients managing substance use or behavioural addictions within a supervised community health setting.
Therapeutic Services CoordinatorCoordinates scheduling, referrals, and client communications for a therapeutic services team.
Assessment and Intake OfficerConducts initial client assessments and intake processes for mental health or counselling services.

Possible career directions only; no specific job, salary or outcome is guaranteed. Where you go depends on your experience, the employer and your location.

What You’ll Learn

43 Units

Core Units · 43 units
  • Topic 1The Nature and Scope of Psychology
  • Topic 2The Neurological Basis of Behaviour
  • Topic 3Environmental Effects on Behaviour
  • Topic 4Consciousness and Perception
  • Topic 5Personality
  • Topic 6Needs, Drives and Motivation
  • Topic 7Psychological Development
  • Topic 8Stress
  • Topic 9Abnormal Behaviour
  • Topic 10Individual Behaviour
  • Topic 11Group Behaviour
  • Topic 12Methods of Dealing with Psychological Problems
  • Topic 13Conflict Resolution
  • Topic 14Interpersonal Communication Skills
  • Topic 15Learning Specific Skills
  • Topic 16Listening and Bonding
  • Topic 17Reflection
  • Topic 18Questioning
  • Topic 19Interview Techniques
  • Topic 20Changing Beliefs and Normalising
  • Topic 21Finding Solutions
  • Topic 22Ending the Counselling
  • Topic 23The Counselling Session
  • Topic 24Focusing on the Present
  • Topic 25Telephone Counselling
  • Topic 26Dealing with Crisis
  • Topic 27Problem-Solving Techniques I – Aggression
  • Topic 28Problem-Solving Techniques II – Depression
  • Topic 29Problem Solving Techniques III – Grief and Loss
  • Topic 30Problem-Solving Techniques IV – Suicide
  • Topic 31Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy I: Freud, Erikson & Jung
  • Topic 32Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy II: Adler
  • Topic 33Humanistic / Existential Approaches I: Gestalt Therapy
  • Topic 34Humanistic / Existential Approaches II
  • Topic 35Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy
  • Topic 36Behavioural Therapy
  • Topic 37Solution-Focussed Counselling
  • Topic 38Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Topic 39Understanding Counselling Ethics & Confidentiality
  • Topic 40Understanding the Self
  • Topic 41Personality, Emotions and Behaviour
  • Topic 42Supervision
  • Topic 43Referral Practice
Before You Apply

Entry Requirements

What you’ll typically need to get started.

No formal academic prerequisites

No previous study in psychology or counselling required

No need to be working in the field to enrol

No fixed class times or pressure to rush

Requirements can vary by intake and pathway, so submit an enquiry to confirm what applies to you.

What’s Included

Everything That Comes With Your Enrolment

Industry-Recognised & Accredited Qualification

Courses are accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office. The Career Academy is also a member of the International Approval & Recognition Council.

Unlimited Tutor Support

Unlimited access to tutor support via phone and email during business hours. Tutors are industry experts passionate about student success.

100% Online, Self-Paced Study

Study whenever suits you with 12 months access. Fits around work, family, or daily life with no fixed class times.

Career Centre & Career Coaching

Instant access to the Career Centre upon enrolment, including latest job opportunities, CV templates, free personalised CV review, job tips, and interview preparation.

FREE 12-Month IAC Student Membership

On completion, receive a free 12-month student membership to the International Association for Counselling, including access to thousands of articles, webinars, newsletters, networking, and events.

FREE Student ID Card

Receive a virtual Student ID card with access to over 150,000 discounts in New Zealand and around the world.

SEEK Pass Verified Credential

Verify your qualification with SEEK Pass upon completion to share on SEEK and stand out to employers as a qualified, job-ready candidate.

Community Contribution – Youthline

The Career Academy donates a portion of all course proceeds to Youthline.

Free bonus courses included

FREE 12-month student membership to the International Association for Counselling

Awarded on completion. Includes access to thousands of counselling articles through the…

FREE Student ID Card

Virtual student ID card providing access to over 150,000 discounts in New Zealand and…

SEEK Pass Verified Credential

Verify your qualification from The Career Academy with SEEK Pass upon completion to share…

CAN
Your Provider

The Career Academy NZ

The Career Academy offers an online Career Centre providing career coaching, CV reviews, interview preparation, job search resources, and LinkedIn profile reviews. Students have access to a Career Success Hub, Business Hub, and Self Service Resource Hub. The centre includes one-to-one coaching from dedicated career support staff and is available to all students during and after their studies.

Fees & Funding

Flexible Ways To Pay

From $29/Week
on an interest-free payment plan
EASY WAYS TO PAY
Pay upfrontWeekly payment plan
Enquire to confirm the exact fees and payment options for your situation. We don’t list a set price here because it varies by your circumstances.
Getting Started

Your Path To Enrolment

A few simple steps from enquiry to your first day.

1
Click Enrol Now
2
Choose payment option (upfront or payment plan)
3
Receive instant access to course and Career Centre
Why Students Choose The

What Students Say

★★★★★

“Amali discovered her love for psychology while studying for the Advanced Certificate in Psychology at The Career Academy. Her studies not only helped her become a better leader but also ignited a deeper interest in the field, which she's now pursuing further.”

AAmali
★★★★★

“Kirstin turned her passion for helping others into a career by studying Life Coaching and Psychology with The Career Academy. She quickly launched her business, 'Take the Next Step,' guiding clients through life transitions and personal growth. The flexible learning options allowed her to pursue her new career while maintaining her current commitments.”

KKristin
★★★★★

“Joanne combined her love for community service with formal education by studying Psychology at The Career Academy. Her dream of starting a community bicycle workshop came to life, where young people could learn skills and gain direction. Her studies are helping her make a meaningful impact on her community.”

JJoanne
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

There are no formal academic entry requirements listed for this course. It suits people new to psychology and counselling as well as those already working in a support or community services role. Submit an enquiry to confirm any current prerequisites.
A weekly payment plan may be available, making the course more accessible alongside other commitments. Submit a Get Course enquiry to confirm current pricing and payment options.
Students have 12 months access to complete the diploma, with approximately 300 study hours in total. Because the course is self-paced, students can progress faster or slower depending on their schedule.
The diploma is delivered entirely online and self-paced, with no fixed class times or exams. Assessment is structured throughout the course. Unlimited tutor support is available via phone and email during business hours.
This course does not include a mandatory work placement. Students looking to gain practical experience alongside their study are encouraged to explore voluntary or community roles. Submit an enquiry to find out if any supported placement options exist.
This course is accredited by ICOES and endorsed by the CPD Standards Office, and completions are verifiable through SEEK Pass. It is not a government-accredited qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). The ICOES accreditation and CPD endorsement are recognised by many employers as evidence of professional development in this field.
As a professional development course, credit toward formal NZQF qualifications depends on the receiving institution and its recognition of prior learning (RPL) processes. Submit a Get Course enquiry to confirm what credit, if any, may be available at specific institutions.
Graduates often use this diploma as a stepping stone toward further study in counselling, psychology, or social work. It builds a practical and theoretical foundation that supports applications to higher-level programmes. Submit an enquiry to explore recommended pathways for your goals.
Keep Looking

Compare Similar Courses

Diploma in Family Wellness and Crisis InterventionDiploma · Online · 300 hoursCompare →Certificate in Mental Wellness for Children and AdolescentsShort Course · Online · 6 monthsCompare →Certificate in Psychology and Counselling & Certificate in Mental HealthShort Course · Online · 12 monthsCompare →
About This Course

Diploma in Psychology & Counselling

This diploma covers the foundations of psychology and counselling theory, giving students practical skills for support roles in mental health and community services. Topics span counselling approaches, human behaviour, communication, and ethical practice. Assessment is structured throughout the course with no exams.

Delivered by The Career Academy NZ, the course is fully online and self-paced, with 12 months access and approximately 300 study hours. Students can fit study around work or family commitments with no fixed class times. Unlimited tutor support is available via phone and email during business hours.

On completion, graduates receive an ICOES-accredited diploma, CPD Points verified by the CPD Standards Office, and a SEEK Pass verified credential to share with employers. A free 12-month student membership to the International Association for Counselling is also included, giving access to articles, webinars, and networking events.

Ready When You Are

Take The Next Step Into Mental Health

Enquire about this course and a course advisor from The Career Academy NZ will be in touch with pricing and next steps.

Helping students across New Zealand find the right course since 2013 · 1M+ enquiries

100% OnlineFrom $29/Week

Disclaimer: Course information on this page is sourced from the education provider and was last verified on the date shown below. Details including pricing, availability, entry requirements and course content may change without notice. Get Course is a directory service that connects students with course providers; we do not deliver courses directly. Contact the provider for the most current information before enrolling.

Last updated: July 2026