Information for counsellors and psychologists

You can register to become an approved counsellor under the National Redress Scheme.

An application pack is available on request via email — to request one, please email:

To meet the minimum requirements to be eligible to be registered as an Approved Counselling Service Provider, you must first provide:

  • details and evidence of currency of all qualifications to provide Counselling services as a:
    • Psychologist
    • social worker
    • occupational therapist
    • medical practitioner, or
  • other provider with qualifications and appropriate skills working with trauma associated with child sexual abuse

Any organisations seeking registration for its members must provide details and evidence of the above for each of the individuals seeking registration, as well as:

  • details of locations of a practice address, business hours and/or locations at which the Applicant is reasonably able to provide Counselling and Psychological Services.

Applicants seeking registration under the Approved Counselling Referral Scheme will also need to demonstrate they meet the National Service Standards for the Provision of State and/or Territory Based Counselling and Psychological Care.

From here, each individual service provider will need to meet the following approval criteria:

  • demonstrate an ability to provide counselling to adult victims of child sexual abuse who often have complex trauma symptoms
  • demonstrate currency in trauma-informed professional development, and
  • carry appropriate indemnity insurance.

In addition to meeting the above criteria, applicants must submit a typed application form along with the following documents:

  • curriculum vitae for each individual named in the Application seeking registration
  • continuing professional development log for the preceding 12 months
  • current Working with Vulnerable People registration number
  • certified copy of a current national police check
  • copy of driver’s licence or passport, and
  • Application Declaration for each individual seeking registration.

Submit your application via email to cpc@justice.tas.gov.au.

The Department of Justice will acknowledge receipt of all applications by email.

If you do not receive email confirmation of receipt within four business days, it is recommended that you contact the Department to confirm receipt.

A service provider will not be eligible for registration as an Approved Counselling Service Provider if it is a “responsible institution” for the purposes of the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act 2018 or a related entity of a “responsible institution”.

Useful resources

Seeking help?

We encourage anyone affected by, or with concerns about, child sexual abuse or other types of child abuse to access advice and support.

National:

  • For domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling and support, contact
    1800RESPECT:
    • Phone: 1800 737 732
  • For short-term support if you are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping or staying safe, contact Lifeline:
    • Phone: 13 11 14
  • For free professional phone and online counselling for anyone affected by suicide living in Australia, contact Suicide Call Back Service:
    • Phone: 1300 659 467
  • For information and support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention for everyone in Australia, contact Beyond Blue:
    • Phone: 1300 224 636
  • For information and support for anyone who is affected by complex trauma, contact
    Blue Knot Foundation:
    • Phone: 1300 657 380
  • For counselling and support for Australian men, contact MensLine Australia:
    • Phone: 1300 789 978
  • For advice for men about family violence, contact Men's Referral Service:
    • Phone: 1300 766 491
    For free 24/7, confidential and private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years, contact Kids Helpline:
    • Phone: 1800 55 1800

Tasmania:

  • For information about child wellbeing and safety, contact
    Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line:
    • Phone: 1800 000 123
  • For free and confidential support for people who have been affected by sexual violence, contact the Tasmanian Sexual Assault Support Line (24 hour response state-wide):
    • Phone: 1800 697 877
    This line is run by the Sexual Assault Support Service in the South, and Laurel House in the North West.
  • For information and support for children, young people and adults affected by family violence, contact
    Family Violence Counselling and Support Service:
    • Phone: 1800 608 122
  • For free and confidential support for people impacted by crime, contact
    Victims of Crime Service:
    • Phone: 1300 300 238
  • For support for relationships and to live positive lives, contact
    Relationships Australia Tasmania:
    • Phone: 1300 364 277
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Last updated: 12 September 2022