VMHPAA Advocating for Members
Draft Policy Discussion Paper: Pathways to Government Recognition for Counselling and Psychotherapy Services & GST​
Philip Armstrong, CEO
29th July 2025
Public Statement - VMHPAA Response to mispresentation and disparaging commentary
Shane Warren, Chairperson,
14th July 2025
National Standards – Sector Frequently Asked Questions Answered
Shane Warren, Chairperson,
13th July 2025
Q: Why are so many vocationally qualified counsellor and psychotherapist practitioners concerned about the Draft National Standards?
A: The proposed standards risk excluding diploma-qualified practitioners from private practice, NDIS, and other vital roles. Counsellors from vocational pathways—many with decades of experience—feel that the new framework unfairly erases their contributions without due consideration of their competencies or lived experience.
Q: Isn’t it better to require higher academic qualifications for all counsellors and psychotherapists?
A: Not necessarily. Higher qualifications don't always equal better care. Lived experience, professional development, supervision, and ethical practice are equally critical. Many effective counsellors come through vocational training and meet rigorous standards in practice.
Q: What will happen if diploma-qualified counsellors are excluded?
A: Communities—especially in rural and regional areas—will lose trusted professionals. Service gaps will widen. Some practitioners may be forced out of their livelihoods despite years of commitment, training, and success.
Q: Aren’t diploma-level counsellors less qualified than those with degrees?
A: Not in practice. Vocational counsellors often pursue lifelong learning, supervision, and upskilling. Their qualifications were valid when earned and remain recognised nationally. Many provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive care that academic programs alone may not equip people for.
Vocational pathways are valid: Diplomas are earned in good faith under accredited programs and backed by supervision, CPD, and regulation.
Q: Is this about resisting change?
A: No. The call is for inclusive change—one that uplifts standards without excluding skilled practitioners. The sector overwhelmingly supports tiered models and recognition of all valid pathways, not a one-size-fits-all gatekeeping system.
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The resounding message?
“We are ready to build standards. But don’t erase us in the process.”
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"Thousands of Counsellors Face Closure - As Australia's Mental Health Crisis Deepens"
Philip Armstrong, CEO, VMHPAA
12th July 2025
In the July 2025 edition of The Australian Women's Weekly, the article "Nowhere to Turn - Inside Australia's Mental Health Crisis" (read full article HERE) lays bare a devastating truth: Australia's mental health system is on the brink. Emergency departments are overwhelmed. Suicide rates are rising. Too many Australians, especially women and young people, have nowhere to turn.
At the same time, proposed changes to how counsellors are self-regulated could make the situation far worse.
The Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (November 2024) proposed by the Department of Health & Ageing, risk shutting down support right when it's most needed.
"Shutting the door on diploma-trained counsellors now is like closing fire stations during a bushfire - it's reckless and indefensible," said Philip Armstrong, CEO of VMHPAA. "These people are already saving lives. Why would we sideline them?"
"This isn't about lowering quality. It's about protecting the real-world support Australians depend on," added Shane Warren, Chair of VMHPAA.
What's at Stake?
If these standards go ahead:
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Thousands of experienced counsellors could be forced to stop working.
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Thousands more, newly trained and ready, might never be allowed to start.
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Many of these professionals are diploma-qualified and work in communities that have no other services. Blocking them from helping will leave more Australians waiting longer, paying more, or going without.
VMHPAA's Call
VMHPAA is urging the government to rethink these restrictions and work with the full mental health workforce - including vocationally trained professionals - to find fair and practical solutions.
We need a system that ensures quality care without locking out the very people already doing the work.
For further comment or media enquiries, contact: VMHPAA media office contact details here.
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Philip Armstrong
CEO - VMHPAA
Outcomes of the VMHPAA Petition
24th June, 2025
​We did it! And it’s all thanks to you!
As of 11:59 pm 23 June 2025, we officially closed the VMHPAA Change.org petition, achieving in the space of 11 days a total of 1,446 signatures opposing elements of the Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
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Thank you for being with us. For believing in this work. And for standing up, again and again, for the value of vocationally trained practitioners in Australia’s mental health future.
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This moment marks a milestone, not a finish line. The awareness campaign continues, and we encourage you to:
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Write to your local MP and State Senators — we’ve made it easy with ready-to-use templates here:
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Follow our continued updates and actions via our dedicated National Standards campaign page and our blogs HERE
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And most importantly, keep speaking up... your voice matters!
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From all of us at VMHPAA, thank you for standing with us. Thank you for defending fairness, access, and workforce diversity.
We’re not done yet, but we’re stronger because of you!
VMHPAA Response to misinformation, defamatory comments and misleading statements
Martin Taylor, General Counsel
18th June 2025
7th June, 2025
Employment Roles commonly held by VMHPAA Members
Advocating for Vocational Pathways in Mental Health
The mental health sector is growing rapidly, and VMHPAA members are at the forefront of delivering compassionate, community-based care. Whether you're a student just starting out, a recent graduate, or an experienced practitioner, your vocational qualifications open the door to a wide range of fulfilling and impactful careers.
The Draft National Standards for Counsellors impacts many vocationally qualified counsellors.
VMHPAA executives are advocating to ensure that your career pathways remain open by uniting together with a strong national voice. Read our Chairs submission (11th June, 2025) to the Minister HERE.
Click on the image below or HERE to read the CEO's, Advisory Committee and Public Officer and Legal Counsel's response to the Draft NATIONAL STANDARDS for Counsellors
7th June, 2025
VMHPAA members are employed across a diverse range of settings, including:
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Community Mental Health Services
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NDIS and Disability Support Providers
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Youth, Family & Homelessness Services
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Aged Care & Dementia Support
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Peer Support & Lived Experience Roles
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TAFE, RTOs and Education Settings
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Private Practice and Counselling Clinics
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Justice and Correctional Health Services
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Workplace Mental Health and EAPs
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Schools, Universities, and Community Education
Depending on your qualifications and experience, you may work as a:
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Mental Health Support Worker
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Community Support Worker
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Counsellor (Vocationally Qualified)
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Peer Worker or Peer Support Practitioner
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Case Worker or Recovery Coach
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Wellbeing Facilitator
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Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Worker
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Disability or NDIS Support Coordinator
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Program Facilitator or Group Worker
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Outreach Worker or Cultural Support Practitioner