The 6 most in-demand jobs in mental health

1. Psychology: healing minds

Psychology, the study of the human mind and behaviour, has very strong projected job growth over the next few years (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Training in psychology takes place within a medical framework. You'll learn methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy, and other direct therapy approaches. These skills can help you diagnose and manage mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders.

There are lots of different directions you can take your career as a psychologist – from working directly with people to help them manage their mental health, to conducting important research, to working with organisations and more.

What can I study if I want to be a psychologist?

To apply as a registered psychologist in Australia, you'll need a four-year degree such as the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), followed by an approved masters program like the Master of Applied Psychology.

There are also other career paths within the psychology field you can explore, and lots of pathways to get there. 

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2. Youth work: guiding young people

If you want to make a real difference to the lives of at-risk or disadvantaged young people in your community, youth work is a great career.

Youth workers provide support to young people (generally between 11–25) struggling with social, emotional and financial problems, such as:

• substance abuse
• sexual health
• family conflict
• finding secure housing
• unemployment.

You'll provide support and a safe environment for younger generations, while promoting opportunities for personal growth and development.

What can I study if I want to support young people?

Choosing a course like the Bachelor of Youth Work is a great way to develop the skills and knowledge you need for a career helping young people. 

You can also get started through TAFE with a Certificate IV in Youth Work CHC40421, and get qualified for roles in support services in as little as a year. 

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3. Social work: supporting individuals & the community

If you’d like to help resolve social problems and improve quality of life for people of all ages in your community, social work is another great career option with strong future growth projected (Jobs and Skills Australia). 

As a social worker, you'll assess the needs of individual people and families, to help them address and resolve personal difficulties and barriers in their lives.

You may connect with people one-on-one or provide group counselling. You may also find work in government and community settings.

What can I study if I want to become a social worker?

Courses like the Bachelor of Social Work will prepare you to dive into a career in community services, non-profits, government or hospital settings. 

Starting out with a TAFE course like the Certificate IV in Youth Work CHC40421 is a great way to start making a difference. It's a short path into work, and a great way to prepare for a bachelor degree.

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4. Counselling: supporting people of all ages

Counselling is a great career if you want to help people to understand and overcome a range of issues including depression, grief and anxiety.

Counsellors help people to make healthy decisions, manage conflicts and develop interpersonal and communication skills or change unproductive thoughts and behaviours. As a profession, counselling has strong projected growth (Jobs and Skills Australia).

As a counsellor, you'll work with individuals to help them identify and work through emotional issues. You'll become an expert in listening to people and helping them navigate personal barriers and achieve their goals.

What can I study to become a counsellor?

The Bachelor of Psychological Studies is a great way to build skills and knowledge in psychology and prepare for a career in counselling.

If you have a degree in another area, you could consider a course like the Graduate Diploma in Counselling to develop new skills.

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5. Nursing: the mind body connection

Nurses have great responsibility caring for our general health and wellbeing, and may choose to specialise in mental-health nursing in psychiatric hospitals or clinics. 

As a nurse, you'll provide expert care care to patients in hospitals, aged care and other health care settings, as well as in the greater community.

Nursing is an industry experiencing record growth (Jobs and Skills Australia). The average salary for an enrolled nurse in Australia is $67,959, and $89,204 for a registered nurse – but it will vary from state to state and city to city. You may also be interested in learning what different types of nurses get paid.

What can I study to become a nurse?

To become a registered nurse, you'll need to complete a Bachelor of Nursing. You can also start out with a Diploma of Nursing HLT54121 as a pathway in.

You can then further your nursing skills with a specialised qualification in mental health, such as the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing.

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6. Paramedics: first-responding heroes

Paramedicine is a challenging and rewarding career, with very strong projected job growth of over 20% in the next ten years (Jobs and Skills Australia). This also means salary expectations are growing alongside industry demand – find out exactly how much paramedics get paid state by state.

Paramedics regularly receive first-responder calls requiring them to treat people suffering immediate and long-term mental health conditions. As you become qualified, practical placements are crucial to become a confident and proficient paramedic.

What can I study to become a paramedic?

The Bachelor of Paramedicine will give you the skills you need to start a rewarding career as a paramedic.

You can also get started through TAFE, such as with a Diploma of Emergency Health Care HLT51020, which allows you to work in supporting roles while you continue your studies. 

Find out more about what paramedics do and how you can become one.

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