Online counselling practice

Adults and young people paying privately, sometimes employers or organisations that fund sessions for staff. Clients in regional areas are often glad to have an online option.

A fee per session, usually 50 to 60 minutes. Some counsellors offer lower fees for students or concession card holders. Income grows as your regular client list builds.

• Active listening and empathy
• Recognised counselling qualification
• Clear professional boundaries
• Confidential record keeping

• Counselling is largely self-regulated in Australia, so check what qualifications and association membership clients, insurers and funders expect
• Medicare rebates generally do not apply to counsellors, so check with private health funds and any NDIS requirements before promising rebates
• Professional indemnity insurance and ongoing supervision are important, so check your insurer and association requirements
• Privacy and confidentiality obligations apply, including how you store notes and use video software
• Know your limits and have a plan for clients in crisis, including referral options and your duty of care
• Check whether council approval is needed to run a business from home, and whether a Working with Children Check applies if you see under-18s

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your software, private room setup and insurance. Check what professional indemnity insurance and supervision your insurer and association require.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many clients you see and how many hours you work. Estimates assume about 8 hours a week at the lower end.

Counselling is largely self-regulated, so check what qualifications and association membership clients, insurers and funders expect. Also check Medicare, private health fund and NDIS requirements before promising rebates, plus privacy obligations and any Working with Children Check.