Counselling Courses in Sri Lanka
Develop Professional Skills to Support People Through Life's Challenges
Ceylon Open Campus offers certificate and diploma counselling courses designed for aspiring counsellors, social workers, teachers, and healthcare professionals across Sri Lanka. Our programs combine evidence-based theory with supervised practical experience in real community settings.
The Growing Need for Professional Counsellors in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka faces a significant shortfall of trained counsellors and psychosocial support workers. The National Mental Health Policy recognises this gap and calls for increased community-level support capacity. Schools across the country are mandated to have student welfare officers, yet many lack qualified personnel. Corporations, hospitals, NGOs, and community organisations all require people with structured counselling skills to support clients through bereavement, trauma, addiction, relationship breakdown, career transition, and other life challenges.
If you are working in healthcare, education, social services, or HR and want to formalise your helping skills, or if you are starting fresh in this field, our counselling courses at Ceylon Open Campus provide a structured, supervised pathway to professional competence.
Our Counselling Programs
Certificate in Counselling Skills
An introductory program covering core listening and communication techniques, boundaries and ethics, the helping relationship, and basic case reflection. Suitable for teachers, nurses, HR professionals, and community workers who use counselling skills as part of a broader role.
Diploma in Professional Counselling
A comprehensive program covering the major counselling theories (person-centred, CBT, psychodynamic), assessment skills, working with specific client groups (children, trauma, grief), 100 supervised placement hours, and an integrative case study.
Diploma in Psychosocial Support and Community Counselling
An advanced program for those seeking to work in community mental health, disaster recovery, post-conflict rehabilitation, or NGO programme coordination. Includes group facilitation, community needs assessment, and 200 supervised placement hours.
Core Skills You Will Develop
Career Outcomes and Salary Ranges
| Role | Entry (LKR/month) | Experienced (LKR/month) |
|---|---|---|
| School Counsellor / Student Welfare | 45,000 – 65,000 | 80,000 – 120,000 |
| Hospital Psychosocial Worker | 50,000 – 75,000 | 90,000 – 140,000 |
| NGO Community Counsellor | 55,000 – 80,000 | 100,000 – 160,000 |
| EAP / Corporate Wellness Counsellor | 60,000 – 90,000 | 120,000 – 200,000 |
| Private Practice Counsellor | Variable | LKR 150,000+ (self-employed) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What counselling courses are available at Ceylon Open Campus?
We offer a Certificate in Counselling Skills (six months), a Diploma in Professional Counselling (one year), and an advanced Diploma in Psychosocial Support and Community Counselling (two years). All programs include supervised placement hours in schools, clinics, or community organisations.
Do I need a psychology degree to study counselling courses in Sri Lanka?
No. Our certificate and diploma programs are designed to be accessible without a prior degree. The Certificate in Counselling Skills requires only O/L passes. The advanced diploma programs welcome applicants with a Diploma in Psychology or relevant life experience, but a degree is not a prerequisite for most intakes.
How many supervised hours do counselling students complete?
The Diploma in Professional Counselling requires a minimum of 100 supervised placement hours in an approved clinical or community setting. Students complete these hours across two semesters and are supported by a qualified placement supervisor and a designated academic tutor at Ceylon Open Campus.
Are Ceylon Open Campus counselling qualifications recognised in Sri Lanka?
Our programs are developed in line with Sri Lanka Counsellors Association (SLCA) competency standards. Graduates are eligible to apply for membership of the SLCA, which is the principal professional body for counsellors in Sri Lanka. We recommend graduates also register with SLCA after accumulating the required post-qualification supervised practice hours.
What is the indicative fee for a counselling diploma in Sri Lanka?
The Certificate in Counselling Skills costs approximately LKR 65,000 for six months. The one-year Diploma in Professional Counselling costs LKR 120,000. Fees cover tuition, study materials, and placement coordination. Installment payment plans are available to help manage costs, and early enrolment discounts apply.
What jobs can I get with a counselling qualification in Sri Lanka?
Counselling graduates work as school counsellors, hospital psychosocial support workers, NGO community workers, rehabilitation centre staff, employee assistance programme (EAP) counsellors, and career guidance officers. Entry salaries range from LKR 45,000 to LKR 80,000, with experienced counsellors and private practitioners earning LKR 120,000 or more per month.
Take the First Step Towards a Counselling Career
Contact our admissions team today to find out more about counselling courses at Ceylon Open Campus and available intake dates.
Phone
075 922 0083
coc.ceylon@gmail.com
Campus
Kattankudy, Sri Lanka