Counselling services at TAFE NSW

    A TAFE NSW young male counsellor sits with a male student. They’re looking at documents together.

    The TAFE NSW Counselling and Career Development Service is a free, confidential service to support your study success and career planning. 

    Counselling services

    Our counselling services are available to anyone considering TAFE NSW as a place to study.

    They can provide information on:

    • course selection

    • study support options

    • career guidance.

    Current students can also access support for personal issues.

    If you need to speak with a counsellor in your own language, please notify the administration team when making your appointment. You may be referred to another counsellor who speaks your preferred language.

    Call us on 131 601 to book an appointment.

    Health and wellbeing counselling

    If you're a current student, you can schedule an appointment with a TAFE NSW counsellor to discuss any personal issue. Our counsellors will take the time to listen and help you develop strategies to manage your situation.

    Our counsellors can help with:

    • stress, anxiety and depression management

    • health and wellbeing concerns

    • relationships and conflict management

    • domestic violence and other kinds of abuse situations

    • alcohol and other drug issues

    • improving your self-confidence

    • navigating life’s transitions, such as returning to the workforce

    • financial and accommodation stress

    • harassment and complaints.

    They can also help with referrals for:

    Educational and career counselling

    TAFE NSW provides free educational and career counselling for current students and those considering enrolment.

    Our counsellors can help you to:

    • clarify your career goals

    • find a course that fits your needs

    • identify and overcome obstacles to study

    • develop skills for future career management.

    After you enrol, our counsellors can also support your studies through:

    • course planning and study pathways

    • addressing educational challenges

    • improving study skills

    • building career management skills.

    Our team is dedicated to understanding your needs and working with you to develop strategies for success.

    Confidentiality

    The TAFE NSW Counselling and Career Development Service is a free and confidential service. TAFE NSW counsellors are bound by law and need to provide information when legally required to do so.

    This could apply if:

    • your life is in danger or at serious risk of harm

    • someone else’s life is in danger or at serious risk of harm

    • the information is for a court subpoena, which is a compulsory request for copies of relevant records. This may be to protect a child or young person from serious harm.

    Emergency support and assistance

    As a TAFE NSW student, you can access same-day assistance from TAFE NSW counsellors during business hours, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

    Our counselling services are closed on:

    • weekends

    • public holidays

    • student vacation periods.

    During these times, make sure you know who to contact for emergencies or after-hours support.

    A telephone graphic sits above 000 and the word ‘emergency’ in capital letters. The background is red and the graphic and writing is white.

    Triple zero

    If you're worried about your safety, or facing a life-threatening situation call 000 for immediate assistance. You can also go directly to the emergency department at your nearest hospital.

    NSW Government logo above text that reads ‘Mental Health Line 1800 011 511' with the Mental Health Line’s small circular brand mark next to the phone number.

    Mental Health Line

    If you need urgent mental health assistance, call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. This state-wide, 24-hour service connects you with a mental health professional who can help direct you to care in your local area.

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    Suicide Call Back Service

    The Suicide Call Back Service offers 24/7 crisis counselling across Australia for people at risk of suicide. Call them on 1300 659 467. The service is also for carers of someone who is suicidal and those grieving someone who died by suicide.

    Lifeline logo

    Lifeline

    Lifeline provides a 24-hour telephone counselling service for anyone in crisis or experiencing emotional distress. Available nationwide, this service offers immediate support to help you cope during difficult times. Call them on 13 11 14.

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    Beyond Blue

    Beyond Blue offers free support for depression, anxiety and mental health conditions. Trained professionals offer guidance via online and phone helplines to connect you with local mental health services. Call them on 1300 224 636.

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    Mental Health Treatment Plan

    If you're experiencing mental health concerns, it's important to seek professional long-term help. You may be eligible for a mental health treatment plan. See your GP today and ask about the plan.