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 Open for 2026
Applications for the 2026 Volunteer Drug and Alcohol Counsellors’ Training Program are now open for submission via the online learning portal from 16 to 29 March 2026. Please note applications will only be accepted during the designated application period.
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.
Follow the steps below to apply for the 2026 Volunteer Drug and Alcohol Counsellors’ Training Program.
1. Before applying, carefully read the 2026 Volunteer Drug and Alcohol Counsellors’ Training Program information sheet. This document outlines important details including:
- eligibility criteria
- program structure and expectations
- training and placement commitment
- interpersonal skill requirements.
Reviewing this information will help you determine whether the program is the right fit for you before beginning your application.
2. Create an online account on the online learning portal. Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide or click here for written instructions on how to do this.
3. Once your account is created, enrol in the course ‘Applications 2026 Volunteer Drug and Alcohol Counsellors’ Training Program’ to access the application platform.
4. Navigate to the ‘Application Instructions’ section, for instructional materials that guide you through how to use the platform.
We recommend reviewing all instructional information before progressing to ensure you’re familiar with each step of the application process. You will have access to this information through the application process.
5. Complete and submit your application.
For any questions, contact AOD.training@mhc.wa.gov.au or (08) 6553 0560.
Page last updated17 March 2026
