How to become a child counsellor

Become a child counsellor with Place2Be no matter how far through your counselling training you are.

This page will help you understand how to qualify to practice as a counsellor for children and young people with Place2Be. Our counselling training can qualify you as a child counsellor whether you're starting from scratch, have completed part of your training elsewhere, or want to add child counselling to your portfolio.

This section is split into three parts. Below, you can navigate to the page most relevant to you based on your previous experience and qualifications.

You can also sign up to our Mental Health Professionals Network newsletter to stay up to date with the latest news, developments and updates from Place2Be.

Where are you in your journey to becoming a counsellor for children and young people?

Place2Be child counsellor sat with child

I haven't started training or I have a Level 2 Award in Child Counselling Skills

Choose this option if:

you haven't starting child counselling training yet and want to find out about training with Place2Be OR
you have a Level 2 Award in Child Counselling Skills or similar and want to continue your training journey at Place2Be.

Learn about our entry-level courses

child counsellor with two children in therapy room

I've completed a Level 3 Certificate and am ready to qualify to practice

Choose this option if:

you've completed a Level 3 Certificate in Child Counselling Skills or similar with Place2Be or elsewhere
you want to learn how you can qualify to practice as a counsellor for children and young people with Place2Be.

Find out how to qualify

two people doing Place2Be counselling training

I'm a qualified adult or child counsellor and want to further my training

Choose this option if:

you're a qualified adult counselling wanting to train to work with children and young people OR
you're a qualified counsellor and want to find out how you can further your training as a clinical supervisor.

Further your counselling training with us

News & blogs

Place2Be launches new Level 4 Diploma in School-Based Child Counselling

17 March 2023

The pioneering course will give students the opportunity to qualify as a child and young person’s counsellor in 12 months.

female professional speaking with a child

Let’s connect and support young people’s mental health

08 February 2023

Our CEO shares how Place2Be hopes to tackle inequalities to better support young people's mental health.

Bridging the gap: building the children’s mental health workforce

08 September 2022

Sarah Houghton discusses building the children’s mental health workforce and training new child counsellors.