Schools, education and childcare Adult Education courses

Counselling and mental health courses

These courses are for:

  • Those who are considering working in a counselling or mental health profession
  • Those who have a duty of care for the mental wellbeing of others in their workplace
  • Those who have a general interest in mental health and wellbeing

You will learn about:

  • Common mental health conditions
  • The role of a counsellor
  • Treatment of mental health conditions
  • Mental health conditions and destructive behaviour
  • Supporting mental health conditions in the workplace

We offer the following qualifications:

  • Level 1 Award in Mental Health Awareness – for those who want to gain a general understanding of mental health conditions and how they can affect peoples’ lives
  • Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills – for those who are considering working as a counsellor in either a professional or volunteer capacity
  • Level 2 in Mental Health
  • Level 3 Certificate in Mental Health – for those who want to take their understanding of mental health conditions further or may be considering working in a related field
  • Level 3 Diploma in Counselling 
  • Our team will advise which is best for you, depending on your current skills and experience

Duration of courses:

  • Level 1 - 8 weeks
  • Level 2 Counselling - 14 weeks
  • Level 2 Mental Health - full academic year or sooner depending on the pace of the learner
  • Level 3 Counselling - full academic year
  • Level 3 Mental Health - full academic year or sooner depending on the pace of the learner

Courses are delivered either online or from Manchester Adult Education Services adult learning centres across the city. See venues.

There are weekly sessions running from September 2023 to July 2024 and we have options on different days across the city.

If you have any questions about our courses, centres or how to apply, call our support team on 0161 219 6733 or email maes.info@manchester.gov.uk

Was this page helpful?

Fields marked * cannot be left blank

Feedback submitted to us on this form is monitored but you won’t receive a reply. In an emergency, visit our emergency contact details page. Please don't include any personal or financial information, for example your National Insurance or credit card numbers.