Are professional counsellors and psychotherapists prepared to make a greater contribution to the Australian mental health workforce? A comparison of training content and mental health standards

Figures & data

Table 1. Prevalence of subject areas in accredited counselling and psychotherapy programs.

Category	Subject Area	Prevalence
Core Subject	Skills and processes of counselling practice	100% mandatory
	Recognised theories and therapies	100% mandatory
	Professional practice experience (internship, practicum or field placement)	95.35% mandatory / 2.33% elective
	Ethics and professional practice	86.05% mandatory / 0% elective
	Knowledge and application of mental health	83.72% mandatory / 4.65% elective
Common Subjects	Research (methods, skills or projects)	74.42% mandatory / 4.65% elective
	Group work skills and processes	62.79% mandatory / 0% elective
	Lifespan development	60.47% mandatory / 2.33% elective
	Understanding and working across diversity	60.47% mandatory / 4.65% elective
Occasional Subjects	Working with children and adolescents	37.32% mandatory / 30.23% elective
	Working with families and/or relationships	41.86% mandatory / 20.93% elective
	Grief and loss	51.16% mandatory / 9.3% elective
	Trauma	46.51% mandatory / 11.63% elective

Note. 43 programs reviewed.