Private counselling practice from a rented room

Individuals and couples paying privately, some referred by GPs, employers or employee assistance programs. Some clients may claim part of the fee through private health cover or other schemes, depending on your qualifications and registration.

A fee per session, usually 50 to 60 minutes. Income grows as your regular caseload builds, and you cover room hire, insurance and admin from it.

• Deep listening and empathy
• Professional boundaries and confidentiality
• Recognised counselling or psychology training
• Basic bookkeeping and record keeping

• Counselling regulation differs from psychology; check which titles are protected (such as 'psychologist') and what your state or territory requires
• Professional indemnity insurance and ongoing supervision, which professional bodies usually expect
• Client privacy and record keeping obligations; check the rules that apply to your practice
• Working with children or vulnerable people needs a check; confirm what applies in your state
• Emotionally demanding work, so plan regular supervision and time off
• Caseloads take time to build, so don't rely on this income straight away

Estimated startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on room rental arrangements, insurance, supervision and set-up needs. Caseloads take time to build, so avoid relying on this income straight away.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your caseload, session fees and how quickly you build referrals. The estimate assumes roughly 8 hours a week or more of client work.

Check which titles are protected, such as 'psychologist', and what your state or territory requires, as counselling regulation differs from psychology. Also check professional indemnity insurance, supervision, client privacy and record keeping, and any checks for working with children.