Jump to Top 10 Counselling courses
Supporting Mental Well-Being in 2025
As mental health awareness continues to grow, the demand for qualified counsellors has never been higher. Whether you're starting your journey in counselling, advancing your skills, or integrating counselling techniques into your professional role, choosing the right course is essential.
Why Counselling Training Matters in 2025
- Increasing Demand – More individuals and workplaces are recognising the importance of mental health support. A CIPD report highlights that over three-quarters of organisations are taking steps to identify and reduce stress.
- Career Opportunities – Counselling skills are valuable in various professions, from healthcare to education and HR.
- Flexible Learning Paths – Courses range from beginner-level certificates to degree programmes, allowing learners to progress at their own pace.
Top 10 Counselling Courses for 2025
This year’s top counselling courses cover essential areas such as CBT, psychotherapy, and counselling skills. Whether you’re looking for an accredited qualification, a flexible online course, or specialised training, these programmes provide the knowledge and skills to make a real impact.
We based our selection of these top ten courses on course demand, considering views and learner inquiries, alongside provider reputation, evaluated through ratings and feedback.
Explore the best counselling courses for 2025 and take the next step towards a rewarding career in mental health support.
- Cambridge Regional College: Online Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
- Association of Learning: Counselling & CBT Diploma Level 4
- Counselling & Psychotherapy Training Academy: Counselling Studies Certificate CPCAB NVQ Level 3
- Distance Learning Centre: Counselling and Psychotherapy - QLS Level 4 Course
- NCC Home Learning: Counselling Skills Diploma Level 3 (RQF)
- Astranti: CPCAB Level 2 - Certificate in Counselling Skills
- Step Into Learning: Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills
- Birmingham Adult Education Service: Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
- Arden University: BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling (BPS)
- International Career Institute: Counselling and Psychology Course
1
Online Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Cambridge Regional College
Delivery: Self-Paced Online
Duration: 15 weeks
This Online Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills course develops knowledge of counselling theories, key approaches, and self-reflection skills. Learners will demonstrate core counselling skills via video submission or witness observation.
As the largest further education college in the East of England, Cambridge Regional College offers technical and professional education across various industries. With campuses in Cambridge and Huntingdon, the college supports thousands of students and apprentices, working with 1,500+ employers.
2
Counselling & CBT Diploma Level 4
Association of Learning
Delivery: Self-Paced Online
Duration: 1 year
Price: 525 GBP excl. VAT
This Counselling & CBT Diploma Level 4 online course equips learners with essential counselling skills, covering approaches like Jungian, Freudian, and Adlerian theories, client-centred counselling, CBT, PTSD counselling, and legal considerations. Upon completion, learners can gain insurance and start their own counselling practice.
Providing flexible, home-based learning, the Association of Learning helps thousands of students upskill with recognised qualifications that fit around busy lifestyles.
3
Counselling Studies Certificate CPCAB NVQ Level 3
Counselling & Psychotherapy Training Academy
Delivery: Classroom, Virtual Classroom
Duration: 20 weeks
Price: 950 GBP
Designed for Level 2 graduates or equivalent, this Counselling Studies Certificate CPCAB NVQ Level 3 course builds on counselling skills by introducing key concepts of Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, and Cognitive Behavioural approaches. It forms the foundation for progression to the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
Counselling & Psychotherapy Training Academy (CPTA) is a leading provider of counselling training in the UK, offering accessible and affordable pathways into counselling careers. With training venues across multiple regions and a highly experienced tutor team, CPTA consistently achieves outstanding success rates of 95%-100%.
4
Counselling and Psychotherapy - QLS Level 4 Course
Distance Learning Centre
Delivery: Self-Paced Online
Duration: 140 hours
Price: 318 GBP excl. VAT
This distance learning Counselling and Psychotherapy – QLS Level 4 Course provides an in-depth understanding of counselling and psychotherapy, covering key topics such as listening skills, crisis mediation, stress, depression, bereavement, and substance abuse. While formal qualifications aren’t required to practise counselling, this course enhances employability and confidence in a counselling role.
A leading provider of distance learning courses since 1994, the Distance Learning Centre offers flexible, cost-effective education with tutor support. Students receive all course materials upfront, allowing them to study at their own pace without the need for classroom attendance.
5
Counselling Skills Diploma Level 3 (RQF)
NCC Home Learning
Delivery: Self-Paced Online
Duration: 12 months
Price: 415.83 GBP excl. VAT
This fully regulated Counselling Skills Diploma Level 3 (RQF) qualification is designed for individuals looking to develop counselling skills. The course covers core counselling theories, ethical frameworks, and practical applications through role play and simulations.
A top-rated UK distance learning provider with over 25 years of experience, NCC Home Learning offers flexible study options, expert tutor support, and interest-free payment plans.
6
CPCAB Level 2 - Certificate in Counselling Skills
Astranti
Delivery: Classroom, Virtual Classroom
Duration: 13 weeks
Price: 1,141 GBP excl. VAT
This CPCAB Level 2 - Certificate in Counselling Skills course is designed to help individuals develop fundamental counselling skills. The course provides 90 hours of accredited training, forming part of the 450 hours required for membership with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
With nearly 20 years of experience, Astranti has helped over 120,000 individuals achieve professional qualifications. Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, they offer expert support, quality study materials, and live teaching to simplify complex topics.
7
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Step Into Learning
Delivery: Virtual Classroom
Duration: 30 weeks
Price: 811 GBP
If you are compassionate, patient, and eager to support others in their mental well-being, a career in counselling could be the right path for you. The Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills builds on the foundational knowledge gained at Level 2, helping you further develop your skills and work towards becoming a reflective counselling practitioner.
Step Into Learning is an independent training provider with over 20 years of experience in health and wellbeing courses. Based in Cornwall, they offer face-to-face, online, and blended learning to support learners nationwide. Their team specialises in helping individuals reskill, upskill, or transition into new careers, with a focus on supporting those returning to education.
8
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Birmingham Adult Education Service
Delivery: Classroom, Self-Paced Online
Price: 100 GBP
This Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills introduces counselling skills and techniques, ideal for enhancing personal or professional interactions. It’s a foundation for those interested in pursuing further qualifications in counselling.
Birmingham Adult Education Service offers a supportive learning environment, providing courses in areas like English, Maths, Health & Social Care, and Art to help individuals build skills and confidence for personal or career growth.
9
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling (BPS)
Arden University
Delivery: Blended
Duration: 3 years
This BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling (BPS) degree combines psychology and counselling to equip students with a solid foundation in understanding human behaviour and developing practical counselling skills.
Arden University offers flexible learning options, including distance and blended learning, with campuses in the UK and Berlin. They support over 27,000 students globally, providing industry-relevant courses developed with employers.
10
Counselling and Psychology Course
International Career Institute
Delivery: Self-Paced Online
Duration: 24-31 weeks
Price: 998 GBP excl. VAT
This Counselling & Psychology Course offers a fast-track pathway to becoming a qualified counsellor, with expert guidance and flexible study options to suit your schedule.
The International Career Institute (ICI) provides online career development courses globally, helping professionals across industries enhance their skills. With over 50 courses, ICI is recognised by industry and government bodies for its quality education.
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