What's a Mental Health Social Worker? How can they help?

When people finally decide to access therapy, knowing where to start can be overwhelming!

With different psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists, and social workers — just to name a few, it can be hard to know what's right for you. Each plays an important role, but many people don’t realise how much Mental Health Social Workers can offer.

This year, I became an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) (yayyy!!!!!)— the problem is, many people around me didn't know what that is and why it was so important to me!

But, I can't blame them! I didn't even know what a Social Worker was until I was 24 and really needed one! So, I wanted to share a little about what that means, what was involved, and why it’s important for the people I support.

Perhaps we should start with... what a social worker is

Social workers are trained professionals who support individuals, families, and communities to navigate challenges, build resilience, and improve their overall wellbeing. The profession is incredibly diverse — social workers can be found in hospitals, schools, mental health services, child protection, family violence services, aged care, community organisations, disability support, and policy or advocacy roles. At its core, social work is grounded in social justice, human rights, and the belief that people thrive when their environment, relationships, and supports are aligned with their needs. Whether they are providing counselling, linking people with resources, supporting safety and recovery, or advocating for systemic change, social workers bring a holistic understanding of how personal experiences, social factors, and environmental stressors intersect. We are also champions in navigating complexity with an understanding of this intersectionality between social systems and individual wellbeing. An Accredited Mental Health Social Worker builds on this foundation with specialised therapeutic training to support people experiencing mental health concerns.

What Does “Accredited Mental Health Social Worker” Mean?

Accreditation is a formal recognition by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) that a social worker has advanced clinical skills and experience in mental health practice. It means being qualified to deliver psychological interventions that are eligible for Medicare rebates under the Better Access Initiative.

To achieve this accreditation and get this nifty badge here <<<, social workers must:

• Hold a recognised social work degree.

• Have significant clinical experience working with people experiencing mental health challenges.

• Receive regular professional supervision and ongoing professional development.

and;

• Demonstrate competence in the Focused Psychological Strategies (FPS) recognised by Medicare, which include:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Behavioural interventions (e.g. exposure techniques, relaxation training)

  • Skills training (e.g. problem-solving, communication, social skills)

  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

  • Mindfulness-based and acceptance strategies (e.g. ACT)

  • Psychoeducation and relapse prevention

  • Motivational interviewing

    
    

For me, the accreditation process was an opportunity to reflect deeply on my practice — to articulate how I integrate these evidence-based approaches in a way that feels authentic, person-centred, and compassionate.

Why I Decided to Become Accredited

Over my years as a counsellor and social worker, I’ve witnessed how transformative therapy can be when it’s both evidence-based and human. I fell in love with the social work values and the holistic approach. Taking the next step and becoming accredited wasn’t about ticking a box — it was about ensuring I could provide the highest quality care while also making therapy more accessible through Medicare rebates.

Accreditation also represents my commitment to professional excellence and accountability. It means that clients and referrers can trust that I meet rigorous national standards in both knowledge and ethical practice.

What Makes Mental Health Social Work Unique

Mental Health Social Workers are trained to see the whole person — not just the diagnosis. Our work is grounded in understanding how social, emotional, cultural, and environmental factors influence mental health and wellbeing.

That means therapy often includes exploring how relationships, stress, trauma, or life changes are affecting you — while also developing practical strategies for resilience, connection, and change.

In my own practice, I integrate approaches such as CBT, ACT, mindfulness, EMDR, and trauma-informed interventions, depending on each person’s needs. Sometimes therapy focuses on processing deep emotional experiences; other times, it’s about building daily coping skills, communication, or reconnecting with personal values and purpose.

Why It Matters for You

If you’re thinking about starting therapy, choosing an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker means choosing a professional who:

• Delivers evidence-based Focused Psychological Strategies.

• Understands how life context — relationships, environment, identity, and community — affects mental health.

• Provides therapy that is collaborative, practical, and compassionate.

• Offers accessible care, with Medicare rebates available through a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Becoming an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker has been a meaningful milestone — one that reflects my dedication to lifelong learning, integrity, and the belief that healing happens when we address both the inner and outer worlds of a person’s life.

If you’re ready to explore your own path to wellbeing, I’d be honoured to walk alongside you.

Contact me if you would like to explore individual support.

Or follow me on instagram or Facebook @renewedhorizonstherapy to learn more and get the latest on upcoming events.