What is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker?

An Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) is a qualified social worker with additional training, experience, and accreditation in mental health. AMHSWs are recognised by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) as having advanced skills in supporting people with emotional, psychological, and relational challenges.

Alongside therapy, AMHSWs also consider the broader context of a person’s life — including relationships, family systems, work, health, identity, and social circumstances. This whole-person approach recognises that mental health and wellbeing is influenced by both internal experiences and external factors.

How is an AMHSW different from a Psychologist?

Both AMHSWs and psychologists are qualified mental health professionals who provide therapy and support for mental health concerns. Both can offer evidence-based counselling, and both may be eligible providers under Medicare with a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Some private health funds also provide rebates for counselling with AMHSW and Psychologists.

The main difference is in their training and perspective.

Psychologists are trained primarily in psychology, focusing on how thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and cognitive processes influence mental health.

AMHSWs are trained in social work and mental health, with a broader focus on how life experiences, relationships, trauma, systems, and social factors impact wellbeing.

In practice, many people find there is overlap in the support provided by both professions. The most important factor is often finding a therapist whose approach, experience, and style feels like the right fit for you.

Counselling and therapy for:

anxiety

depression

trauma

grief

relationship difficulties

stress

life transitions

complex mental health experiences

To understand you, I must understand your world