Study with the Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy

We improve mental health and wellbeing by producing outstanding graduates in the disciplines of Psychological Science, Clinical and Professional Psychology, Rehabilitation Counselling, Art Therapy and Family Therapy.

Our contemporary, evidence-based courses focus on practical skills and on preparing students for careers that are professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.

Courses

Art Therapy courses

Art Therapy courses

Learn how to combine the creative potential of art with the relational skills of counselling.

Discover how

Family Therapy courses

Family Therapy courses

Develop the clinical skills to effectively respond to families presenting with a range of challenges.

Find out more

Psychology courses

Psychology courses

Develop the knowledge and skills to understand the human mind and how it influences behaviour.

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Rehabilitation Counselling courses

Rehabilitation Counselling courses

Build knowledge and skills to support clients to improve their quality of life and wellbeing.

Explore how

Short courses

Short courses

Build specialty knowledge, management and leadership skills to advance your career.

Learn more

Graduate research degrees

Graduate research degrees

Help transform the sector with research that benefits both individuals and communities.

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RISE with La Trobe

RISE with La Trobe

Our RISE with La Trobe Indigenous pathways program prepares you for your future university study.

Explore how

Student experience

We value diversity and are committed to providing all students with the pathways, qualifications, support and learning experiences they require to meet changing workforce needs.

Our students enrich our Department and make a valuable contribution to our learning environments.

Find out how we set our students up for success.

At La Trobe University, we have a longstanding commitment to diversity, inclusion and social justice; our students are among the most diverse of all Australian universities, and we are committed to providing a learning environment and workplace where all students and staff feel valued, respected and supported to achieve their full potential.

We care about building a connected community that actively champions diversity and inclusion to help people thrive. We achieve this by supporting our people, valuing diverse thinking as a key driver of innovation, and holding ourselves to account in delivering a culture where equity is a way of life.

La Trobe is committed to promoting equal opportunities and support for all students and staff, with a focus on six key areas: cultural, disability, gender equality, Indigenous, LGBTIQA+ and life stages.

Find out more about our services and events.

We want our students to have an excellent experience with us and hope they return to engage with professional development and short courses as they progress through their careers.

We meet regularly with our student representatives to ensure that we are responsive and work together to enhance the student experience.

Students have opportunities to engage in flexible study, which may include online classes or placement settings close to home. Our courses also feature small class work to encourage peer connections and learning. All students have ready access to staff and our teaching facilities.

Psychology students can engage socially through the La Trobe Psych Society and all students can engage through a range of other student associations.

Extensive support services also exist for students at each campus to optimise success and the overall student experience. Find out more.

Our undergraduate students get exposure to the workplace through a range of placement opportunities. In partnership with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, for example, our Psychology students undertake placements with Child Protection Services. Undergraduate students also have options to complete other placements in a field aligned with health, wellbeing, or rehabilitation counselling.

Placement opportunities also ensure that our postgraduate students have the experience they need to practise as psychologists, counsellors or therapists when they graduate. High-quality training opportunities are provided through onsite clinical settings and via external placements with partner organisations including public health services, community-based services and private clinics.

The Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy is globally connected with many international partners. Staff and students are encouraged to take a world view of health and wellbeing.

We encourage undergraduate students to consider studying overseas as part of their degree and provide resources to support them to do this. Students can study overseas for a whole semester, or take subjects between semesters, and earn credit toward their La Trobe degree.

Many of our staff work with researchers in Asia, North America and Europe on projects of mutual interest. These partnerships provide our students with opportunities to be involved in global research projects.

Find out more about our exchange programs.