What Is a Mental Health Social Worker?

Seeking support can be overwhelming, especially when you're unsure where to start. As a Mental Health Social Worker, I focus on how individuals with their environment.

I provide a supportive, non-judgmental, and humorous space to discuss your experiences, explore practical tools, and find meaningful paths forward.
Social workers are qualified allied health professionals who offer counseling and support to individuals, families, and groups. They are trained to listen, understand your situation, and collaborate with you to personal challenges as well as the broader factors impacting your well-being.

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs) are highly skilled mental health professionals who adhere to some of the highest standards in Australia. They must complete a minimum of two years working in a mental health setting and complete a vigorous accreditation process and exam. They are among the few allied health professionals authorized to provide mental health services under the Commonwealth Medicare initiative for those with diagnosable mental health conditions or those at risk. AMHSWs play a crucial role in supporting individuals with mental health disorders.

The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) mandates that members complete a minimum of 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)each year, which includes diverse learning activities such as supervision, online courses, and reflective practice. Access to CPD resources from various providers ensures social workers stay current with best practices while maintaining their membership eligibility.

Social Worker vs Psychologist – What’s the Difference?

Both psychologists and mental health social workers are trained professionals who provide therapy. However, their training and frameworks differ.

Mental Health Social Worker

Focuses on the person in their environment and how this interacts
Strong emphasis on trauma-informed and relational work with base in psychology
Integrates therapy with practical advocacy when needed
Often works with complex life stressors (family trauma, attachment, environmental stressors, relationships and systemic barriers)
Holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree and registered with Australian Association of Social Work

Psychologist

Trained primarily in psychological theory, assessment and diagnosis
Often focuses on individual cognitive, behavioural, and emotional processes
May conduct formal psychological assessments and testing
Holds a psychology degree and registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency

In therapy, both can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, DBT, trauma therapies and more. The difference is often in perspective and scope — social workers bring a broader systems and social lens into the therapeutic space.

Who Might Benefit from Seeing a Social Worker?

You might consider seeing a Mental health Social Worker if you:

Feel overwhelmed, anxious or low
Are navigating a major life change
Are experiencing relationship difficulties
Are living with trauma
Are feeling stuck or unsure of your next steps
Need support with boundaries, identity or self-worth
Are managing stress related to work, family or health

Social work takes a holistic approach, recognizing that mental health is shaped not only by thoughts and emotions, but also by relationships, life experiences, and social systems.

Do I Need a Referral?

You do not need a referral to see a Mental Health Social Worker privately full fee paying

However, if you would like to access Medicare rebates, you will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP.

You can learn more about how to obtain a Mental Health Treatment Plan here.

Telehealth Appointments

All sessions are delivered via secure online telehealth. This allows you to access support from the comfort and privacy of your own space, anywhere in Australia.

Telehealth offers flexibility and convenience, while maintaining the same professional standards of care as in-person therapy.

What to Expect in Your First Session

Your first session is an opportunity to share what has brought you to therapy and what you would like support with.

You may be asked about:

Your current concerns
Your personal history and background
Work, family and relationships
Physical and mental health
Any previous supports you have accessed

Therapy is a collaborative, two-way process. You are encouraged to ask questions and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

If you feel nervous beforehand, it can help to write down a few notes about what you would like to discuss.

Fees and Rebates

The current fee is $220 per 50-minute session*

A sliding scale is available for clients experiencing financial hardship. Please feel welcome to enquire about this option.

If you are seeing an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and have a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. You can learn more about obtaining a Mental Health Treatment Plan here.

NDIS: There is currently limited capacity, and new NDIS clients are not being accepted at this time.

Please note: Fees are scheduled to increase in May 2026.*

Confidentiality

All sessions are confidential and delivered via secure online platforms in accordance with professional privacy and ethical standards.

Confidentiality may need to be breached if there is concerns for personal safety or safety of others.