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Reflections on Philip Armstrong

 

Philip Armstrong is a strong and influential supporter of Diploma qualifications for counsellors. As the former CEO of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), he was instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of the Diploma of Counselling (AQF Level 5) as a recognised and credible entry-level qualification within the profession.

 

Under his leadership, the ACA formally accepted Diploma-level graduates as eligible for professional membership, which opened up new career pathways and legitimised vocational education in the counselling field. Armstrong’s vision was to ensure that competent, well-trained counsellors could enter the workforce through accessible and practical education, not just university degrees.

 

Importantly, he also pioneered efforts to gain recognition for Diploma-qualified counsellors with private health funds and other organisations as well as having the first professional insurance policy dedicated to counsellors with Diploma’s.  His advocacy helped secure private provider numbers for eligible counsellors, allowing clients to claim rebates through some private health insurance funds. This move not only supported counsellors but also increased public access to mental health services, especially in communities underserved by other professionals.

 

Armstrong’s work laid the foundation for a more inclusive and practical mental health workforce in Australia and demonstrated his commitment to making counselling more accessible, both as a career and as a vital support service.

 

Philip Armstrong, former CEO of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), is a respected figure in the mental health field. His career spans over three decades of advocacy, education, and leadership in counselling.

 

General Questions

Who is Philip Armstrong?

Philip Armstrong is a veteran, professional counsellor, and former CEO of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). He is known for his leadership in raising the professional standards of counselling in Australia, promoting mental health awareness, and advocating for veterans and underrepresented communities.

What are his main achievements?

• Professional Recognition: Advocated for the formal recognition of counselling as a distinct and valuable mental health profession.

• Education Reform: Helped design nationally accredited counselling qualifications, including Diploma and Degree pathways.

• Policy Advocacy: Played a critical role in lobbying government and industry bodies for greater mental health funding and access.

• Veteran Support: Shared his own experiences as a veteran to promote mental health support for the defence community.

Education and Qualifications

Did Philip Armstrong support Diploma-level qualifications?

Yes. He championed the Diploma of Counselling (AQF Level 5) as a legitimate, accessible entry point into the profession. Under his guidance, ACA accepted this qualification for membership, thereby opening doors for many aspiring counsellors. Philip holds three Diploma’s himself on top of several other qualifications.

Did he help get Diploma-qualified counsellors recognised by private health funds?

Yes. Armstrong was a pioneer in lobbying for Diploma-qualified counsellors to be recognised by private health funds and other service providers. This work increased public access to affordable counselling and expanded employment options for graduates.

Leadership and Advocacy

What was his leadership style at ACA?

Armstrong was known for visionary, reform-driven leadership focused on inclusivity and sustainability. He emphasised practical, high-impact policies and engaged with stakeholders from education, government, and health sectors.

Addressing Criticism

Some critics argue that promoting Diploma-level counsellors lowers professional standards. What is his response?

Armstrong believes in a tiered, competency-based model of care. He argued that Diploma-level counsellors are trained for specific, non-clinical roles and are essential to improving mental health access in community settings. His approach emphasises appropriate scopes of practice and supervision, not competition with psychologists or psychiatrists.

Has he been criticized for over-commercialising counselling?

While some may interpret professional expansion as commercial, Armstrong’s reforms were aimed at ensuring more Australians had access to qualified support. His work sought to professionalize counselling responsibly, under strict ethical and training standards, not to commercialize it.

Did he face resistance from other mental health professions?

Yes, some stakeholders initially resisted the broader recognition of counsellors. However, Armstrong maintained that a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach to mental health care benefits clients the most. He advocated for parity, not conflict, among mental health disciplines.

Legacy and Impact

What is Philip Armstrong’s legacy in mental health?

• Paved the way for tens of thousands of counsellors over a thirty year period to enter the profession through inclusive, quality education.

• Helped bridge gaps between vocational training, higher education, and professional practice.

• Raised public awareness about the role of counsellors in Australia’s mental health system.

• Supported initiatives for veterans, first responders, and rural communities.

Final Thoughts

Philip Armstrong’s work reflects a commitment to accessible, ethical, and inclusive mental health care. While his reforms challenged traditional models, they also expanded services, created opportunities, and ensured a broader spectrum of mental health support across Australia.

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National Police Check (NPC) must be valid and dated within 12 months from the time of application for membership.

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What are the annual OPD (ongoing professional development) requirements for maintaining annual membership? 20 points per year, 1 x point = 1 hour of PD

I understand that you have course material and OPD opportunities, however I am a member of the Mental Health Academy, which I use for most of my OPD.  Do you recognise these training opportunities (1-2 hour video or text format with assessment)? MHA is an approved provider for PD.

I have a supervisor who I have been with from day 1.  Of course, they are recognised and listed by the ACA as an approved and accredited supervisor.  What are the requirements annually for supervision to maintain membership? 10 hours of Supervision per membership year is the minimum requirement.

Is clinical supervision mandatory? Yes, Supervision is mandatory for practicing members to maintain annual registration.

What is the VMHPAA requirements for supervisors? Please check this link for the policy for information relevant for Supervisors - Supervision Training and Development Standards Policy https://www.vmhpaa.org.au/members/policy-documents

Any ACA registered and approved Supervisor is accepted by the VMHPAA as a Supervisor for its members.

I practice in my own practice and also as part of a team in other two private practices. Peer supervision is very valuable as part of our growth. Can I please clarify how many peer supervision per year are we allowed? 

Peer supervision is one on one supervision reflective practice amongst registered practicing counsellors who have been Clinical Registrants with VMHPAA or a previous association for 5 continuous years.  Please only record peer supervision if you are eligible to do so.  For counsellors and psychotherapists, a maximum of 4 hours per annum applies. The balance (a minimum of 10h) must be with a registered Supervisor.  Your registered supervisor will be responsible for signing off on your PD and Supervision Certificate when your registration is due for renewal.

Peer supervision is unlimited for Peer Support Members or Lived Experience Members, however a minimum of 10h peer supervision per annum is required for these membership categories. 

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Is there a recognised professional liability and indemnity insurance partner or guidance on ensuring coverage with the VMHPAA? Yes you will find them on this link here: Focus Insurance 

I currently work with NDIS participants.  Will the NDIS recognise my membership with the VMHPAA in a similar manner to The ACA? Yes they should, however, if you have any issues please contact us via email info@vmhpaa.org.au and the CEO will have a chat with them.

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Issues or concerns uploading images - please send your image/s via email to info@vmhpaa.org.au and the admin team will ensure they are attached to your corporate member advertisement.

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If you have completed your Diploma in Counselling, you can apply to be a Provisional Member at this link here: https://www.vmhpaa.org.au/pricing-plans/list.  Your advanced study majors are not a recognised AQF qualification and therefore are not necessary for registered membership with the VMHPAA.  You can continue your studies in the Advanced Study Majors which we highly recommend, and as a registered Provisional Member with the VMHPAA, commence working in private practice as long as you hold insurance.  

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2. Summary of mental health Sector Sentiment:

The petition against the draft national standards - comments reflect a passionate, united, and deeply experienced workforce calling for inclusion—not exclusion.

Key themes include:

• Experience matters: Many practitioners come with 10–30 years of hands-on experience, working across trauma, community mental health, schools, NDIS, and private practice.

• Vocational pathways are valid: Diplomas were earned in good faith under accredited programs and backed by supervision, CPD, and regulation.

• Lived experience has therapeutic value: Peer support, recovery narratives, and cultural sensitivity are seen as cornerstones of effective counselling—often more accessible via vocational pathways.

• The proposed standards risk harm: People fear job losses, broken career paths, service shortages, and worsened access—particularly for rural communities and vulnerable clients.

• Practitioners feel erased: Many comments express deep emotional hurt, burnout, and loss of faith in a system they’ve served loyally.

• Calls for fairness: Practitioners seek tiered recognition, inclusion, respectful dialogue, and regulatory reform that strengthens—not divides—the sector.

How many members do you have?

VMHPAA represents a growing community of vocationally trained mental health practitioners across Australia. Our numbers continue to increase as more professionals recognise the need for a dedicated association to represent vocational pathways.

Who are your main competitors?

We don’t view other associations as competitors but as colleagues working within the same sector. Our role is to complement the work of other bodies by specifically representing vocationally qualified practitioners who often do not have a strong voice in national discussions.

Are you better than ACA?

Our purpose is not to compete with ACA or any other peak body but to fill a different role. ACA represents a broad base of counsellors, while VMHPAA’s focus is on vocationally trained mental health practitioners including counsellors. We work to ensure these practitioners are recognised and supported, often in areas where their contribution has been overlooked.

Are you affiliated with PACFA?

We are not affiliated with PACFA. VMHPAA is an independent association established to represent vocationally trained practitioners. However, we support constructive dialogue and collaboration with all professional associations where it benefits the sector and the public.

Are you a real peak body?

Yes. VMHPAA is a registered, incorporated association with governance guided by our constitution and membership. We operate transparently and democratically, with strategic direction determined by our executive committee which is informed by a separate advisory committee made up of experts in various fields such as First Nations, Domestic Violence, Peer Support, Registered Training Organisations, and Hypnotherapy. The VMHPAA has been formally recognised by the Department of Health and Ageing as a peak body in the mental health field.

I’ve never heard of you before.

VMHPAA is relatively new, but we were created in response to a clear gap: the lack of national representation for vocationally qualified mental health practitioners. Since our launch, we’ve been actively engaging with members, government, and stakeholders to ensure these practitioners have a strong and credible voice.

How many staff do you have to service the members?

VMHPAA operates with a lean structure supported by both dedicated staff and volunteers. This allows us to provide services and advocacy while keeping membership fees accessible. As we grow, our capacity to expand staff and resources will increase accordingly.

I have a complaint about a counsellor, where can I report them?

Complaints should be made directly to the counsellor’s professional association if they are a member, or to the relevant employer or service provider. VMHPAA has a Code of Ethics and a process for managing complaints concerning its members, ensuring accountability and professional standards are upheld.

VMHPAA Membership Benefits

1. Professional Recognition

• Recognition as a member of Australia’s first association dedicated to vocationally qualified mental health practitioners.

• Use of post-nominals to demonstrate credibility and professionalism.

2. Ethical & Professional Standards

• Coverage under VMHPAA’s Code of Ethics, Practice, and General Conduct, ensuring professional accountability.

• Access to a transparent complaints process, safeguarding both members and the public.

3. Advocacy & Representation

• A dedicated voice in government consultations, policy submissions, and advocacy efforts around national standards.

• Representation of vocational pathways alongside tertiary qualifications to protect careers and strengthen the workforce.

4. Professional Development

• Access to ongoing CPD opportunities, resources, and training programs tailored to vocational practitioners.

• Support in meeting professional supervision requirements.

5. Resources & Guidance

• Access to policies, standards, and practice guidelines (e.g. supervision standards, LGBTIQA+ inclusivity, suicide prevention, climate change and sustainability policies).

• Updates on national policy developments and sector news.

6. Community & Networking

• Connection with peers across counselling, NDIS, community services, and other vocational mental health roles.

• Opportunities to participate in forums, working groups, and community-driven initiatives.

7. Affordable Access

• Membership fees designed to be accessible, ensuring vocational practitioners can join a professional body without financial strain.

8. Do you offer Private Health Fund recognition to members?

Not at this time for counsellors. Private Health Fund provider numbers are generally tied to government regulation and recognition of higher education qualifications by the Health Funds. Currently, vocationally qualified counsellors are not universally eligible for rebates across all health funds in Australia.

VMHPAA’s role is to advocate for vocationally trained counsellors to be formally recognised alongside other mental health professionals. As our organisation grows and establishes stronger recognition within government and industry, we are advocating for pathways for Private Health Fund recognition for eligible members.

9. How long is your response time to emails?

VMHPAA aims to respond to feedback, concerns, or complaints submitted via email within 3-5 working days. They welcome all feedback from members or visitors and strive to address issues promptly and effectively. For specific inquiries, you can contact them at info@vmhpaa.org.au., if you have an urgent query you can email the CEO directly on ceo@vmhpaa.org.au for a more immediate response.

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To apply to become a supervisor click on this link: https://www.vmhpaa.org.au/pricing-plans/list

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Current announcement or concern or enquiry about the National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists - 

Our Chairperson Shane Warren will be putting out a release about the National Standards shortly.  Please be aware that the implementation of the National Standards is still under consultation.  The summary report has been amended in alignment with our advocacy for diploma qualified counsellors which is a great achievement on our part.

 

At this stage we continue to encourage our members to practice to within the scope of their training and experience.

 

1.     Diploma and Advanced Diploma Counsellors Formally Recognised

VMHPAA win: Vocational qualifications are now embedded in the national framework.

The new standards now explicitly recognise AQF Level 5–6 (Diploma and Advanced Diploma) qualifications as legitimate professional entry pathways into the counselling and mental health workforce.

This is a major turnaround from earlier drafts that excluded Diploma-qualified counsellors from private practice and supervision roles.

2.     Pathway to Private Practice Reinstated

VMHPAA win: Access to private practice has been restored under a structured, supervised model protecting both practitioners and the public.

Diploma-qualified counsellors (Career Stage 1) may now operate in private practice under a conditional licence, supported by endorsement from their professional association.

3.     Supervisors Recognised and Valued

VMHPAA win: The Department has acknowledged that experience and training, not just qualification level, determine safe and effective supervision.

The revised framework affirms the capacity of highly experienced minimum degree-level counsellors and psychotherapists (Career Stage 3) to act as supervisors, provided they hold accredited training. Peer supervision is also recognised for senior practitioners.

4.     Licensing Model Opens the Door for VMHPAA Participation

VMHPAA win: This process presents a new opportunity for VMHPAA to secure a seat at the table as the licensing and registration systems are built.

A national licensing framework will be developed during the implementation phase. The Government has confirmed this is still under design.

Next step: VMHPAA will formally seek inclusion in the Ministerial or Departmental Advisory Group shaping the licensing model.

5.     Fairer, Tiered Career Stages Introduced

VMHPAA win: The national framework now mirrors the tiered model VMHPAA proposed, ensuring fair recognition of vocational pathways.

The final standards now define three clear tiers:

• Stage 1: AQF 5–6 (Diploma/Advanced Diploma)

• Stage 2: AQF 7–9 (Bachelor to Master’s - under 750 client contact hours)

• Stage 3: AQF 7–9 (over 750 client contact hours)

6.     Diversity, Inclusion & Cultural Safety Recognised

VMHPAA win: The lived experience and community connection of vocational practitioners are now recognised as central to good practice.

For the first time, the standards include a dedicated domain on Diversity, Inclusion, and Cultural Safety, acknowledging the importance of accessible, culturally responsive counselling.

7.     Shift from “Discipline” to “Quality Assurance”

VMHPAA win: Reflects VMHPAA’s call for proportional and educational approaches to professional development and conduct.

Language in the final standards now focuses on support, education, and remediation rather than punitive measures.

What Comes Next

While these wins are significant, our work continues.

1.     Secure a Role in the Licensing Framework Design

VMHPAA will lobby for representation in the next phase of implementation to ensure vocational voices directly shape the licensing system.

2.     Continue the Fight for Supervision Recognition

We’ll press for the final removal of limitations on Level 2 supervisors, reaffirming their long-standing record of safe, effective, and ethical leadership in practice.

3.     Support Our Members

We’ll develop resources to help practitioners navigate the new standards and maintain confidence as the sector transitions.

A Message from Shane Warren, Chair – VMHPAA

“This outcome shows the strength of a unified voice. While we still have work ahead, it’s clear that government and the department have listened, and that our advocacy has made a real impact.

Together, we’ve secured recognition of the vocational pathway and reopened the door to private practice. Our next challenge is to ensure implementation stays inclusive, transparent, and fair for all practitioners.”

Read More

VMHPAA’s full response and updates: www.vmhpaa.org.au/national-standards
Follow our updates on LinkedIn and Facebook and Instagram

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In the standards it states in the levels counsellors need to have an Accredited Qualification, this means an ACA/PACFA accredited course. So does a student need to be enrolled in one of their courses to be covered by the standards? So as a VET graduate I need to choose an ACA degree.

There is no one answer to your question. Both ACA and PACFA are self-regulating bodies therefore their rules are not mandated by law or legislation they only pertain to their members.

 

Concerning qualifications, both associations require you to complete courses that they have accredited through their respective accreditation processes. The problem for counsellors is their accreditation standards are chalk and cheese, there is little synergy between the two so there are certain courses that will only lead to ACA membership and others that only lead to PACFA membership and some that lead to both.

 

This is where my criticism comes from, for a National Standard to exist their needs to be one standard. And neither of the two peaks agree on one, so as of now there is no National Standard there are two peaks with their own standards.

 

The National Standards talks to their being one standard however until the peaks can agree on one there is little likely hood one will exist. Until there is only one standard the National Standards will not be able to be enacted as a mandatory standard. So, neither peak can truly state they meet the National Standards in this area.

 

So the answer to your question is you need to undertake a course that meets the peaks requirement you want to join, you can cover both bases by undertaking a course approved by both. However, at this time the National Standards itself does not outline an accreditation standard, and it’s unlikely ONE will be adopted anytime soon. This is another criticism I have with the standards; it talks about a lot however outlines little, it has very little substance and that should be concerning to counsellors.

 

Why is it that the two peaks can’t agree on one standard? The accreditation scheme both use draws a lot of money into the respective peak and is a substantial financial stream for both. They will both default to the argument that this is about standards for counsellors not money etc however in reality if one standard was adopted one of two things would happen there would be no need for two peaks so one would have to fold or amalgamate with the other or there would be a bidding war with training providers most probably choosing the lowest offer. Again, this would see the demise of one of the peaks as there income stream would dry up.