What is a Mental Health Social Worker?

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are experienced Social Workers who have met the requirements set by the Australian Association of Social Work as having the relevant post-graduate training, skills and expertise to provide specialist mental health expertise under Medicare.

They have a breadth of experience in assessing and treating people with mental health disorders, including: Anxiety, Depression and Mood disorders, Psychosis, Personality Disorders, Relationship problems, Life crises, Grief and Adjustment issues, Trauma, Family conflict.

Accredited Mental Health Social workers have the training, skills and expertise to offer effective treatment to individual clients, families or groups under Medicare including: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Relaxation training, Parenting training, Skills training (e.g. Anger management, Problem solving, Stress management, Parenting skills, Social skills), Motivational Interviewing; Narrative Therapy.

Other therapies that can be provided are: Relationship counselling. Family therapy, Bereavement counselling and Psychotherapy.

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are trained to not only assist clients to resolve their psychological issues, but to also look more broadly at the associated social and environmental factors impacting on the individual or family. This may include being an advocate, referring to appropriate services or supports or liaising as part of a health professional team to assist the individual.

All Social Workers are bound by a strict Code of Ethics and required to maintain their registration with continuing professional development hours, ongoing skill development and regular supervision to ensure appropriate treatment and ethical standards are maintained.

Katrina Hall – Mental Health Accredited Social Worker