When you’re facing mental health challenges, navigating relationship issues, or encountering pivotal life transitions, finding the right support is crucial. Perhaps you’ve discussed your concerns with your GP and obtained a Mental Health Care Plan. While many might first think of looking for a psychologist, there’s another established choice: Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs). They offer a wealth of experience and a broad range of therapeutic approaches to help you navigate through these issues effectively.
Firstly, a note around wording. There are mental health social workers and accredited mental health social worker (AMHSW). In this post we are going to focus on Accredited Mental health Social Workers.
What is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW)?
If you’ve ever wondered what an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) does, let us break it down. AMHSWs are social workers who specialise in mental health, our work goes beyond just talking things out—we take a holistic approach to support people facing mental health challenges. With specialised training recognised by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), AMHSWs are equipped to help individuals navigate complex emotional landscapes, whether it’s dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or life’s unexpected turns.
Understanding the role
An AMHSW isn’t just your average mental health professional; they’re experts in blending therapy and practical support. What sets us apart? AMHSWs look at the whole person—not just the symptoms. This means considering the social, environmental, and even cultural factors affecting mental well-being. We don’t just focus on the psychological symptoms; we also address how mental health issues affect your life—be it work, family, or community involvement and the symbiotic relationship between our mental and emotional health and the environment around us. We use evidence-based strategies like Schema Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other focused psychological approaches to provide comprehensive support. You can see AMHSW in action providing individual, family, or group therapy, we also work via telehealth, making it easier for you to get the help you need, wherever you are.
Selecting an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW)
Choosing a mental health professional might initially feel overwhelming, but reflecting on specific aspects can make this process more manageable and personal. When considering an AMHSW, it’s important to think about not just the kind of support you need, but also who can best provide it based on their skills and approach.
Key Considerations and Questions
To navigate your selection effectively, here are some essential points to ponder:
- Understanding Your Needs: What specific issues do I need assistance with (e.g., anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma)? Identifying the core areas you need help with will guide you to the right specialist.
- Therapeutic Goals: What are my objectives for engaging in therapy (e.g., coping strategies, long-term emotional resilience)?
- Accessibility and Affordability: How often am I able to attend sessions, and what expenses can I manage? This will help you understand the practicality of your therapy plan.
- Therapeutic Alignment: What training and experience does the clinician have in relation to my specific issues?
Access and Referral Pathways
If you’re wondering how to see an AMHSW, it’s pretty straightforward. With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP or psychiatrist, you can access up to 10 individual and 10 group therapy sessions per year under Medicare. This makes seeing an AMHSW not just accessible but also affordable. Besides Medicare, we work under various funding options such as private health insurance, WorkSafe, the NDIS, Victims of Crime funding streams. We also accept self-referrals and you do not need a mental health care plan if you would prefer not to get one.
Why Choose an AMHSW?
So why might you choose to work with an AMHSW? Beyond our specialised training, AMHSWs are dedicated to a person-centered approach, which means we are deeply committed to understanding and supporting you as a whole person. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, mood disorders, relationship problems, or the aftermath of trauma, AMHSWs are there to guide you toward healing in a compassionate way.
How to Find an AMHSW
If you’re considering working with an AMHSW, the Australian Association of Social Workers offers a “Find a Social Worker” tool that makes it easy to locate a professional near you. You can search by name, location, or the specific services they provide, ensuring you find the right fit for your mental health journey.