Accredited Social Mental Health Worker

An accredited mental health social worker (AMHSW) is a qualified and experienced social worker in Australia who has been credentialed by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) to deliver specialised mental health services. This credential recognises their advanced clinical training and professional experience in working with individuals experiencing mental health issues.

​Some of the common mental health issues they address include depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex trauma, eating disorders, grief and loss, substance use, relationship difficulties, and personality vulnerabilities. AMHSWs are also skilled in working with people who experience multiple and intersecting challenges, such as those related to family violence, child protection, or socio-economic hardship.

An important feature of the AMHSW role is their eligibility to provide psychological services under Medicare. This allows clients referred by a GP under a Mental Health Care Plan to receive a Medicare rebate for sessions. AMHSWs can also provide services under other funding programs, such as the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), or employee assistance programs (EAPs), depending on the client’s circumstances.

Accredited mental health social workers integrate a holistic, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach in their work. They consider the psychological, social, cultural, and environmental influences on a person’s wellbeing and aim to support individuals in building resilience, managing symptoms, and improving their quality of life.