Mental Health Commission
Volunteer Drug and Alcohol Counsellors’ Training Program
Are you passionate about supporting people affected by alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues? The Volunteer Drug and Alcohol Counsellors’ Training Program offers a comprehensive pathway for individuals committed to making a difference in this field.
Applications Closed for 2026
Applications for the 2026 Volunteer Drug and Alcohol Counsellors’ Training Program have now closed. Applications will reopen in March 2027.
Five month training program
Successful applicants begin with a five month, face to face training program held at the Mental Health Commission in Perth. This training includes:
- 20 weekend workshops, each four hours long, delivered on consecutive Saturday mornings
- general counselling skills such as active listening, empathy, problem solving, goal setting, supervision and confidentiality
- specialised AOD counselling content including theories of dependence, reasons for AOD use, assessment, motivational interviewing, relapse and recovery, trauma informed practice, mental health, and family inclusive practice
- a graduation weekend to wrap up the training portion of the program.
Participants who complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion.
12 month volunteer placement
After completing the training, participants move into a 12 month placement with one of the program’s partner AOD agencies.
During this placement, volunteers:
- provide a minimum of 192 hours of volunteer counselling, usually four hours per week
- work within professional AOD settings supporting real clients
- receive ongoing oversight from an experienced clinical supervisor
- attend formal supervision every fortnight to continue developing their practice.
The placement is considered a significant professional commitment and a vital part of learning to deliver safe, effective and non judgemental AOD counselling.
We are looking for people who:
- demonstrate a non judgemental attitude toward people experiencing AOD challenges
- show a genuine commitment to supporting people affected by AOD related issues
- bring strong interpersonal and communication skills
- are willing and able to learn and apply evidence based counselling practices that meet the diverse needs of people experiencing AOD related problems
- can commit fully to both the training program and the 12 month volunteer placement
- have sound English literacy and verbal fluency
- possess basic computer skills.
When applications cannot be considered
To ensure the wellbeing of both applicants and future clients, applications cannot be accepted in the following circumstances:
- if the applicant is unable to commit to completing both the training program and the 12 month placement
- if the applicant will miss more than three training workshops
- if the applicant has experienced AOD related problems within the past two years
- if the applicant has experienced the AOD related death of a significant other within the past two years
- if the applicant has lived in the community for less than two years following residential rehabilitation, prison or another institutional setting.
Applications for the 2026 Volunteer Drug and Alcohol Counsellors’ Training Program are now closed.
For any questions, contact AOD.training@mhc.wa.gov.au or (08) 6553 0560.
Page last updated16 April 2026
