Is a psychology degree useful for a career in counselling?
Yes. A psychology degree can provide useful knowledge of human behaviour, mental health, research and communication for a career in counselling. Whether it qualifies you to practise as a counsellor depends on the country, role and applicable professional requirements. These may include counselling or psychotherapy training, supervised clinical experience, and registration or membership.
Key points
- Psychology can provide a relevant academic foundation and support applications for further counselling training.
- Counselling training can develop practical skills such as therapeutic communication, assessment, ethics and supervised practice.
- Requirements vary by counselling role and jurisdiction, so check relevant professional-body standards and employer requirements.
Things to check
- A psychology degree alone may not meet requirements for regulated roles or for practising as a psychologist.